There is plenty to see and do here in the beautiful West Highlands. Here are some of our suggestions:
Glencoe – Just a 10 minute drive from us, stunning Glencoe is a “must see” for anyone visiting the area. Formed by volcano and glacier over thousands of years, its deep valley and towering, rocky peaks have led it to become one of the most photographed places in the UK, not to mention a favourite of filmmakers – the Harry Potter films, Skyfall (James Bond) and Braveheart have all been filmed here in recent years.
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/glencoe/visitorcentre
www.glencoetourism.co.uk
Ben Nevis/Glen Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, overlooks our local town, Fort William, and the beautiful valley of Glen Nevis. At just 1345m/4413ft, however, “The Ben” can be tackled by any fit person with a good pair of walking boots – weather allowing!
Nevis Range Gondola – Fort William is home to Britain’s only mountain gondola. Originally built for skiers, the gondola now provides year round access to the upper reaches of Aonach Mor, Britain’s eighth highest mountain, and in particular the start of the UCI MTB World Cup mountain bike track. From the top station, take a walk to one of the many viewpoints, or simply sit in the Snowgoose restaurant and enjoy the views over lunch or a coffee.
Ardnamurchan – The often ignored Ardnamurchan peninsula is easily accessible from Lochview via the Corran Ferry. Those who do venture over the water will discover one of the wildest, most unspoilt and peaceful places in Britain.
www.ardnamurchannaturalhistorycentre.co.uk
Distilleries – The Highland region is famous for the production of whisky, and most distilleries offer tours, tastings and a gift shop. Our local distillery is Ben Nevis in Fort William, now owned by the Japanese distiller Nikka, and with a recently refurbished visitor centre. Around 45 minutes by car, and with the addition of a beautiful drive along the Argyll coast, is the award winning Oban distillery, situated by the harbour in the centre of Oban. Or take a short ride on the Corran Ferry, and visit one of Scotland’s newest distilleries, the Ardnamurchan Distillery, which released its first single malt in late 2020. For those not minding a slightly longer day out, several other distilleries can easily be visited from Lochview, including Dalwhinnie, Tomatin and Glen Ord, plus Talisker and newcomer Torabhaig if making a day trip to Skye.
www.bennevisdistillery.com
www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/oban/
For those more interested in gin than whisky, Pixel Spirits in North Ballachulish, just a short drive from Lochview, offer a “gin and rum school”, where you can spend a day learning how to make your own tipple.
Glenfinnan – Originally famous as the site where Prince Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), pretender to the crowns of Scotland and England, landed in the Highlands and raised his standard in 1745, now even more famous as a filming location for the Harry Potter films! Learn about the Jacobite uprising in the visitor centre, or take the short walk to the Glenfinnan viaduct and watch the “Jacobite” steam train cross, as it did when doubling for the Hogwarts Express.
Jacobite Steam Train – If you are a fan of Harry Potter or historic railways, you might like to take a trip on the Jacobite. It travels twice daily from Fort William to Mallaig and back, through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Booking in advance is seriously recommended.
Walking – If you like to go walking, particularly in the hills, then the West Highlands are the place to be! There are numerous walks of all difficulties in our area, taking in forests, valleys, mountains, coastline and several dramatic waterfalls. For Munro “baggers”, there are well in excess of 50 within an hour’s drive of us, including those in and around Glen Nevis, Glencoe, the Mamore Forest and the Black Mount. For a comprehensive list of walks, along with help with Gaelic pronunciations, we recommend looking at the Walk Highlands website.