Fort William, the largest town in the highlands nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain standind at 4406ft above sea level. The name "Ben Nevis" originates from the Gaelic word "neamh" meaning heaven, it can therefore be translated as "The Cloudy Mountain." In Fort William itself 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.
Leaving Fort William you will be travelling south and entering Glencoe and Loch Leven. This is a relatively easy drive with many attractions on route. You can visit The National Trust Visitor Centre at Glencoe where you can learn about the history, people, wildlife and environmental conservation of the glen. Other places well worth a visit are the Glencoe & North Lorn Folk Museum and the Ballachulish Quarry. Ballachulish quarry was operational from the 1800’s – 1955, it used to employ over 400 men and as you walk along the quarry floor you will gain an insight into the life and times of the workers.
Crianlarich is at the main junction where you can continue onwards to Stirling or follow Loch Lomond to Glasgow. Loch Lomond the largest fresh water loch in the UK, is 24 miles long, five miles wide and at its deepest point is some 600 feet deep. There are approximately 38 islands in the loch and there are ample opportunities to take a boat excursion, or for the more adventurous, hire one of the many boats available. Why not take a trip over to the inhabited island of Inchmurrin and stay in the hotel, or simply enjoy a relaxing pub lunch.
After exploring Loch Lomond, it is approximately one hour’s drive to Glasgow. Glasgow’s name is said to derive from the Celtic “glas-cu” which can translate to “the dear, green place.” Within the city boundaries there are approximately 70 parks that offer a diverse range of activities and things to see and do. You can visit the Highland cows at Pollok Park, the Peoples Palace at Glasgow Green or take a trip to Tollcross Park to view the impressive rose garden.
Glasgow city is dominated by Georgian and Victorian architecture and if you visit the Huntarian Art Gallery you will see a recreation of the house of one of the most famous and influential Scottish architect’s – Charles Rennie MacIntosh who took Glasgow to the forefront of early twentieth-century design. Although pre-dominantly renowned for architecture, the name has also become famous due to the unique jewellery collection that combines some of Charles Rennie Macintosh’s designs.
Other attractions worth visiting are Glasgow Cathedral, St Mungo’s chapel – where you will find Britain’s only Zen garden. The Huntarian Museum at Glasgow University, the Burrell Collection and The Tenement House.
Glasgow is a very friendly city and with many bars, gigs and a lively arts scene you are assured that you will never get bored. A very trendy and excellent place to visit in the summer is Ashton Lane situated in the west end. There are many pubs on this little cobbled street and in the summer time you can enjoy a drink in one of the many beer gardens.
