Some of the boldest and most striking scenery in Scotland is found over on the west and in many ways this part of the world is very much on the northwest fringes of Europe. The enormous scenes are simply breathtaking, jagged tall cliffs fall into deep lush valleys, the most dramatic of which is the Great Glen created by a geological shift and further sculpted by the effects of glaciers during the last Ice Age and powerful weather ever since. It is this most spectacular scenery which attracts so many visitors to Scotland each year. Many of these visitors arrive to enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits such as mountain climbing and mountain biking and the main town of interest for these folk is Fort William.
Arriving at Fort William you will be forgiven for thinking it is a thoroughly modern town. Unfortunately the town was extensively remodeled from the middle of the last century and the town's seafront was replaced by the road you most probably drove along to get there. Thankfully many older buildings survive which add some atmosphere to the busy High Street. Adding to the drama is the tallest mountain (or Munro) in the British Isles, Ben Nevis, which can be seen, from almost anywhere, looking down upon this busy little town.
Many people arrive at Fort William to admire the view of Ben Nevis and attempt to reach the summit. One of the things you should know about this Munro is that one route is pretty easy on foot compared to the other which should only be tackled by experienced mountain climbers. Please ensure that you make sure that you are dressed for all weathers as it is likely you will see them all and, even at the height of summer, snow is not unusual. Ben Nevis sees more deaths a year than Mount Everest.
If you enjoy spectacular views then you will enjoy Ben Nevis but for those who are not prepared to go to such lengths there are a number of other places which offer incredible views. One of the best ways in which to take in some of the most beautiful sights of the area is to take a ride on the West Highland Railway from Fort William to Mallaig.
Anyone who has seen the Harry Potter movies is likely to recognise the Jacobite steam train as Hogwarts' Express. Each day the Jacobite travels from Fort William to Mallaig along the route which includes the "Harry Potter Bridge" or Glenfinnan Aqueduct. Fans will instantly recognise the aqueduct as well as one or two other spots along the way.
Although you only catch sight of it for a short time it is well worth watching out for the Glenfinnan Monument which was built in 1815 as a memorial to those who fought in the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, and the raising of the standard there by Bonnie Prince Charlie at the start of the rebellion.
When you reach the halfway point of the journey, at Glenfinnan Railway Station you will be given a 20 minute break during which you can take in the scenery, visit the Station Museum or enjoy the gorgeous homemade food available in the old dining car at the station.
Taking a journey on the Jacobite steam train can be a full day out, leaving from Fort William in the morning arriving shortly after in Glenfinnan and then on to Mallaig returning later that afternoon. That's twice you will be traveling along one of the most beautiful stretches of railway track in Great Britain. - 31515
Arriving at Fort William you will be forgiven for thinking it is a thoroughly modern town. Unfortunately the town was extensively remodeled from the middle of the last century and the town's seafront was replaced by the road you most probably drove along to get there. Thankfully many older buildings survive which add some atmosphere to the busy High Street. Adding to the drama is the tallest mountain (or Munro) in the British Isles, Ben Nevis, which can be seen, from almost anywhere, looking down upon this busy little town.
Many people arrive at Fort William to admire the view of Ben Nevis and attempt to reach the summit. One of the things you should know about this Munro is that one route is pretty easy on foot compared to the other which should only be tackled by experienced mountain climbers. Please ensure that you make sure that you are dressed for all weathers as it is likely you will see them all and, even at the height of summer, snow is not unusual. Ben Nevis sees more deaths a year than Mount Everest.
If you enjoy spectacular views then you will enjoy Ben Nevis but for those who are not prepared to go to such lengths there are a number of other places which offer incredible views. One of the best ways in which to take in some of the most beautiful sights of the area is to take a ride on the West Highland Railway from Fort William to Mallaig.
Anyone who has seen the Harry Potter movies is likely to recognise the Jacobite steam train as Hogwarts' Express. Each day the Jacobite travels from Fort William to Mallaig along the route which includes the "Harry Potter Bridge" or Glenfinnan Aqueduct. Fans will instantly recognise the aqueduct as well as one or two other spots along the way.
Although you only catch sight of it for a short time it is well worth watching out for the Glenfinnan Monument which was built in 1815 as a memorial to those who fought in the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, and the raising of the standard there by Bonnie Prince Charlie at the start of the rebellion.
When you reach the halfway point of the journey, at Glenfinnan Railway Station you will be given a 20 minute break during which you can take in the scenery, visit the Station Museum or enjoy the gorgeous homemade food available in the old dining car at the station.
Taking a journey on the Jacobite steam train can be a full day out, leaving from Fort William in the morning arriving shortly after in Glenfinnan and then on to Mallaig returning later that afternoon. That's twice you will be traveling along one of the most beautiful stretches of railway track in Great Britain. - 31515
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Want to find out more about hotels in Fort William, then visit Karl Fraser's site which has the most comprehensive listings of Fort William Hotels.
