This is a particularly popular part of the West Highlands and as you're touring around this area you’ll soon find out why thousands of people flock here every year from all around the world. This mighty mountain land – Ben Nevis, Glencoe, the Cuillin, are just a few of the well-known mountains that attract visitors to this area. With so many mountains, hills, valleys and glens around you’ll find spectacular scenery, wonderful land and seascapes as well as lovely little highland villages and settlements for you to explore.
Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing 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 cruise 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.
Heading west on the A830 takes you on a magical journey along the “Road to the Isles” – stop at Glenfinnan at the head of Loch Shiel and enjoy a stroll down to the monument erected in honour of Bonnie Prince Charlie who rallied the clans here in 1745. You can learn all about the Jacobite Rebellion in the National Trust Visitor Centre. You can take a cruise on Loch Shiel or head further along the road to the Glenfinnan Station Museum. The railway viaduct that dominates the landscape has been featured regularly in the blockbusting ‘Harry Potter’ films.
The scenery on this road just gets better and better as you make your way towards Mallaig. You’ll drive by the Silver Sands that line the coast and pass through the villages of Arisaig and Morar – take time to stop off and enjoy a walk along the beach or have a cup of tea at one of the small eateries along the way.
The last stop on the road is Mallaig – a busy fishing port where you can sit and watch the world go by. Enjoy fresh fish, prawns and scallops at one of the local restaurants or buy them to take away at the local fish merchants.
Alternatively you can visit the smaller cluster of Islands - Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna. Phone Caledonian MacBrayne for timetables.
|
