Out & About

The Lochaber area is surrounded by beautiful scenery, whatever time of year you visit. You can enjoy the tranquility of Glen Nevis, the magnificence of Ben Nevis, and the beauty of Loch Linnhe right on our doorstep. Alternatively, travel further afield to Glencoe, Loch Ness, Oban, Mull and Skye, or to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula all within 1 or 2 hours' drive.

Local activities:

Climbing

There is no better place than the West Highlands to come and climb, with our situation exactly between middle of Glencoe and Ben Nevis, Britain's highest Mountain. There is an abundance of rock and ice climbing available in the local area.

Canoeing & Kayaking

With our vast range of mountain rivers and reputation for wetter weather the white water kayaking in this area is undoubtedly the best in the U.K. and there are advanced courses available from Vertical Descents (see also below) in Inchree for enthusiasts with their own equipment. There is also a fantastic amount of sea kayaking available in the area that ranges from beautiful inland sea lochs where you can explore castles and coastlines to open crossings to the inner and outer Hebredes.

Walking

There are many forest walks and gentle hill walks around the area including walks around the Nevis Range ski area (during the summer), which are reached by taking the Gondola to the top station. The Nevis Range website and the local Tourist Information Centre will provide more detailed information.

Long Distance Walking

Fort William is at the end of the West Highland Way which runs from Milgavie near Glasgow and travels 95 miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland and at the start of the Great Glen Way which is is 73 miles in length and runs from Fort William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all along the way.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Fort William and the surrounding area has miles of forest tracks offering gentle family cycling as well as the largest downhill mountain bike track in Britain – not for the faint hearted! Guided off road cycling excursions including bike hire are provided by Wheely Good Bike Guides based in Inchree or Cycles can be hired from local outlets such as Off-Beat Bikes or Nevis Cycles in Fort William.

Outdoor Adventure

Activities such as, canyoning, funyakking, white water rafting, and paintballing and climbing and abseiling are all available as full day or half day activities by Vertical Descents in Inchree. They boast to have the longest and deepest commercial canyon in the U.K. with over 400 feet of Vertical Descent and run morning and afternoon trips and are open all year round for your excitement.

Ski-ing and Snowboarding

When the conditions are right, Nevis Range offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Scotland right on our doorstep. The Gondola runs continuously all day (except when closed for annual maintenance between mid-November and mid-December each year) to whisk you to the top station and the slopes. Visit the Nevis Range website for more detailed information.

Golf

Fort William has an 18 hole (Par 72) golf course which, as well as being a challenging course to play, has some of the finest views of the area from its fairways and tees. In addition, there are 9 hole courses at Spean Bridge (8 miles) Fort Augustus (32 miles) and Arisaig (35 miles). Ballachulish (5 miles) is home to the Dragon's Tooth golf course which has 9 holes.

Leisure Activities

Full size ten-pin bowling is available at The Nevis Centre just a short walk from the Lodge, while Lochaber Leisure Centre has a large heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and steam room and sauna. Perfect activities for a wet day or just to help you relax at the end of a busy day.

Crannog Cruises

Take a trip aboard “Souter's Lass” and cruise down Loch Linnhe to Seal Island and beyond.

Loch Shiel Cruises

Unique wildlife/historical cruises from Glenfinnan and Acharacle on remote, beautiful and unspoiled Loch Shiel - accessible only by boat. Regular sightings of Red Deer, Golden Eagles and other rare birds.

The Ice Factor

As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, the Ice Factor features the UK 's largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practice, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill

Places to visit in Fort William itself:

  • Ben Nevis Distillery, where visitors can see around the distillery, visit the gift shop and have a coffee or a snack in the cafe.
  • Treasures of the Earth Exhibition, a truly unique visitor attraction of interest to adults and youngsters alike. Tel 01397 772 283 for details.
  • West Highland Museum in the centre of Fort William, which has a fascinating display of Jacobite memorabilia.
  • Raceway Karting Centre for go-karting fun at Blar Mhor, en route to Corpach from Fort William, one mile from the town centre.
  • Nevis Range Gondola which serves the ski centre during the winter months, but is also a very popular attraction in summer. It takes the visitor 2150 feet (650m) up Aonach Mor from where there are stunning views over Fort William and the surrounding area. Refreshments are available in the cafe.
  • Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase, a run of seven lochs linking Loch Linnhe and the freshwater lochs of the Great Glen: Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.
  • The Oban Sea Life Centre where you can see a whole host of marine wild life and seal pup centre.
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Corran FerryPhoto courtesy of Alan KimberWhite water KayakingWalkingMountain BikingGolfing in the HighlandsLoch Shiel CruisesBen Nevis DistilleryNevis Range Gondola
  • South Corran
  • Onich
  • Fort William
  • Scotland PH33 6SE
  • Tel: 01855 821 000
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