Top Places To Visit In Fort William and Lochaber

Whether it's a staycation or you've been seduced by the beauty of the Scottish countryside you have to consider Fort William as a destination for a trip to Scotland.

Set amongst a beautiful mountain backdrop and on the banks of the fabulous Loch Linnhe this is an area that is extremely beautiful and visually appealing while offering a host of different activities for tourists no matter what the weather.

Fort William is shadowed by Ben Nevis- the highest Mountain in the British Isles which presents a strenuous yet steady climb for the avid adventurer however the area is not just for the active minded as it offers a whole host of opportinities for the traveller.

Scottish seafood is envied all around Europe and you can enjoy so much fresh seafood around Fort William and Lochaber that even the most serious food critic will be happy.

Locally caught and sourced prawns, lobster, mussels, oysters, crab, langoustines,mussels, haddock and scallops are among the many delights to be savoured. Whilst dishes can be elaborate sometimes simplicity is best when fish is concerned.

Most restaurants will offer a host of seafood however for sheer location factor (and good for of course!) make a reservation for Crannog Seafood Restaurant on the old town pier in Fort William which offers magnificent views out on to Loch Linnhe.

A great Scottish winter warmer is Cullen Skink Soup. A Haddock and Potato soup which will leave you craving for more, especially when served with warm crusty bread.

While in Fort William you can't go home without climbing Ben Nevis. The Highest Mountain in the British Isles at 1,344 m (4,409 ft) which can be climbed via a track that rears up from Glen Nevis. It's name is translated from Gaelic as venomous mountain.

How long does it take to Climb Ben Nevis?

If you want to climb the highest Mountain in the British Isles allow yourself around 7 hours to get up and down safely. In good weather you can follow the path however be aware of the weather conditions and that they can change extremely quickly.

Always be aware when it's likely to get dark and make sure you dress appropriately with good sturdy walking boots as it's quite a rocky ascent and descent. Always carry plenty of fluid, some food and waterproof clothing and do not venture off the main path- you could end up down Five Finger Gulley and needing the local mountain rescue to help you.

Crannog Cruises run the 'Souters Lass' out from Fort William town pier. The site of the Crannog Seafood restaurant. The boat does a 90 minute tour of Loch Linnhe to show you the best of the local idyllic scenary.

Ice climbing is great fun and a fantastic outdoor activity that everyone should try once

and on the shores of Loch Leven is the Ice Factor. The UK's premier outdoor activity centre offers indoor rock climbing, a high wire course, various led walks and winter activities as well as the largest indoor Ice Wall in the UK. A 15 meter high Ice wall for visitors to learn on.

The centre offers the ideal opportunity to experience the extreme outdoors whilst in safety and supervision of an expert team of guides- either for a simple introduction or progression towards more challenging winter outdoor climbs.

It's a strenuous activity, however great fun and something that those who don't venture up mountains in the winter are unlikely to recreate.

Be sure to book in advance as the centre can get rather busy, especially if the weather turns bad outside and groups cannot venture up into the mountains.

Definitely a great experience and particularly one older children would enjoy.

Fort William and the Lochaber area offers the adrenaline junkie plenty of opportunity to ski during the winter months. Within the area are two of Scotlands best ski resorts- the Nevis Range and Glencoe Mountain resort are both very short drives away and offer exciting opportunities to experience two different skiing areas.

The Nevis Range offers great views out to Ben Nevis- the highesst Mountain in Scotland.

Kilts are optional

The key time to visit is January to March when there can be a great snowfall and fantastic powder conditions.

The West Highland Museum is situated within the pedestrianised High Street in Fort William and offers a more relaxed opportunity to see some of the Lochaber area's culture with it's links the the Jacobite army led by Bonnie Prince Charlie which marched to within 125 miles of London before it's retreat to Culloden Moor.

The West Highland Museum gives an insight into the beauty of rural Scottish Highland life from self sufficiency to the changes enforced by tourism

The museum has a large selection of Victoriana dating back to a 1848 visit by Queen Victoria to the Scottish West Coast which coincided with four days of non stop rain. It vis believed that this subsequently led to the use of Balmoral as the Queen's Highland residence and not a venue on the West Coast.

A great museum full of artefact's and information to keep the historian in you appeased.

Thanks for reading. Please leave any alternative options you can suggest in Lochaber and Fort William area in the comments below.

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