A Guide To Holidays In Fort William

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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If you are in Fort William, you can hardly miss Ben Nevis, which towers over the town at 1344 metres, which makes it the highest peak in the UK. There are two kilometres of cliffs along its north face, and weather conditions can change rapidly near the top. Therefore, anyone planning to ascend it should have a reasonable level of hillwalking experience.

The Ben Nevis visitor centre, situated on the banks of the pretty River Nevis, is the most popular starting point for ascents of this great mountain. Here, you can learn all about the natural history and geology of the mountain, as well as some important navigational information.

Fans of the Harry Potter series of films may well recognise the Jacobite Steam Train better as the Hogwarts Express, as this is the same train that was used in the films. Whether you are a fan of the films or not, this is surely the best way to travel between Fort William and Skye, or just take a round trip and admire the scenery.

With nine locks at the south end of the Caledonian Canal, Neptunes Staircase is nothing if not an imposing sight. The locks, previously hand operated, ...
... are now operated by hydraulics but it still takes an hour or so for vessels to pass through. You can get some amazing views of Ben Nevis from the towpath.

Old Inverlochy Castle, on the banks of the River Lochy, is a 13th century castle that has been the site of two historic battles involving Robert the Bruce. Although the castle is in ruins, it is actually surprisingly complete, with its thirty foot curtain walls intact. The perfect spot for a quiet picnic by the river.

Treasures of the Earth is one of the best collections of gemstones, crystals, and fossils to be found anywhere in Europe. These are set into simulated caves, caverns, and mines for dramatic effect. There are also casts of a sabre tooth tiger and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as fish fossils and dinosaur bones.

If you want to learn a little more about the history of the area, the West Highland Museum is well worth a visit. Here, on the main square in the town, you can find a collection of gold coins, a library, and a comprehensive collection of Jacobite artefacts.

Fans of mountain biking might want to give the Witches Trails, on the slopes of Aonach Mor between Ben Nevis and Fort William, a whirl. The downhill and cross country routes are used in the cycling world cup, but there are plenty of easier routes for less expert riders. And the best thing about these trails is that there is no admission charge. This Fort William tourist guide was written by Bonny Kominek. For great deals on Fort William hotels, visit the Octopus Travel website.