Big skies, majestic mountains and mysterious lochs
Explore the beauty of the Scottish highlands
West Highland Way
Scotland’s first and most popular long-distance walking route takes you from Milngavie in the North of Glasgow to Fort William.
96 miles in length, it takes between 5 and 7 days to complete. Highlights (for us) are Glencoe. Walking through this valley of all valleys can make you feel like an ant on a hill. Arrival into Fort William is definitely a highlight. We are just a few minutes from the West Highland Way finishing point where you can grab a seat with a bronze statue of a walker, drop your bags in your bunk cell and head out for a well-earned pint.
Ben Nevis
The UK’s highest mountain was once a massive active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago.
“Bagging a Munro” is never easy, so only a job for the well-equipped and experienced. There are some beautiful walks in and around Fort William, along with the mountain path route to the top of the king of mountains.
Jacobite Train/Glenfinnan
If you type ‘Harry Potter bridge’ into Google, the Glenfinnan Viaduct will appear. As one of the most beautiful viaducts in the world, in even more stunning scenery, the Glenfinnan Viaduct attracts visitors all year round. Constructed by Robert McAlpine and Sons, the viaduct was built with mass concrete in an elegant curve. Carrying the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 ft span, 100 ft above the ground, it is quite the spectacle.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is rather easy to get to and there is plenty of parking. Although on rare sunny Scottish days it can be quite full. Then the viaduct is a short walk from the carpark. If you time your visit right, you can even see the steam-powered Jacobite train chugging along.
Keep in mind, in August every year, on the Saturday closest to 19 August, the Glenfinnan Gathering and Games take place.
Steall Falls walk, Glen Nevis
This isn’t quite a “hidden gem” but it has to be the most rewarding walk in the area. A good pair of shoes (i.e no sandals!, trainers will do) and can walk on un-even ground. Family wise - not for single digit age children, but above that will be fine.
Two rewards: a stunning waterfall at the gorge. beyond this, a steel rope bridge for the more adventurous (and not essential for the more timid). We’d class Steall Falls as a must do.
Highland Cinema
Off the High Street in the centre of town is Cameron Square, home to the Highland Cinema. After a day in the outdoors a cinema night is the perfect way to relax the weary limbs. The cafe is a great stop for something to eat and to support a local business.
Aonach Mor goldola
Built to take skiers up to the slopes of Nevis range ski resort, the gondola is now a year round attraction allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic ride and absorb the stunning views and clear mountain air. If you are a hill walker, it’s a shortcut to the many routes on the UKs 8th highest mountain.
The Snowgoose cafe at the top offers a compact hearty menu.
Find out more here: Nevis Range