This is a well-trodden path for many intrepid explorers to the Highlands of Scotland and you’ll find this route can get particularly busy in the summer.
A short trip down the A82 you will come across the well-visited tourist attraction - Urquhart Castle, sitting on the banks of Loch Ness this castle is one of the largest in Scotland and as you’d expect it has a long and interesting history attached to it. In the period between 1926 and 1308 – during the battle of Robert the Bruce and the English this castle changed reign several times. If you wish to find out more about the history, there is a visitor centre that will tell you everything that you need to know.
One of the main reasons that people head for this area of Scotland is in the faint hope that they’ll catch a glimpse of Nessie – the world famous monster that lurks beneath the cool waters of Loch Ness. There have been many sightings of the Loch Ness Monster dating from 1871 – 1996. There are several boat tours that will take you around the loch. This will give you the opportunity to discover the wonderful scenery around the area and perhaps see Nessie. However, don’t worry if you don’t see the monster in the flesh as you can still find out all about it at the Monster Exhibition Centre in Drumnadrochit.
As you leave Drumnadrochit and continue south for Fort William you will pass by the Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus. This canal was built in 1822 and is an engineering masterpiece that took advantage of the natural environment by joining a series of lochs to make it possible for sailing vessels to travel from west to east.
As you leave the canal you have approximately a 55 min drive until you reach your destination – Fort William. Fort William is the largest town in the highlands and is nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain. The name "Ben Nevis" originates from the Gaelic word "neamh" meaning heaven. Therefore Ben Nevis can be translated as "The Cloudy Mountain." Here you’ll find some of the best shopping in the Highlands as well as a range of places to eat and drink at. There’s a fun selection of things to do and these include a distillery tour, a boat trip to see seals, a traditional Scottish show, a ride 2150ft up a mountain in an enclosed cable car as well as an unforgettable journey to Mallaig on the Jacobite Steam Train.
