Activities
The Highlands are a playground for explorers, adventurers and adrenaline addicts. They are also one of the best places to really unwind and get away from it all. Whether its high octane or ultimate chilling you are after, the Highlands have it all.
Fort William is a biker’s playground and has something for all ages and abilities. Whether its high- octane World Class downhill tracks you are after, cross country forest trails, quiet coast routes or canal cycle paths, Lochaber has it all.
With gondola uplift, onsite bike hire, pump track, bike tuition, mountain café and the new blue downhill track coming soon, Nevis Range is the best place to start your biking adventure. https://www.nevisrange.co.uk/activities/bike/
For inspiration on cycle routes check out the following sites:
- https://fortwilliam.co.uk/cycle-routes-in-and-around-fort-william/
- https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/national-cycle-network-routes-in-argyll-bute-and-highland/
Guided Rides
Bike Hire
- Nevis Cycles - https://www.neviscycles.com
- Off Beat Bikes - https://www.offbeatbikes.co.uk
If you are keen to explore Scottish lochs and coasts from the sea we would highly recommend a half day or full day on a sea kayak adventure with Rockhoppers.
Another way to explore the coastline is by paddleboard, you can learn the basics or hire a board with Rugged Paddleboard in Glencoe. Vertical Descents lead canyoning and white-water rafting trips. Active Highs also offer a host of watersports from canoeing and gorge-walking to climbing and rafting.
- Kayaking - https://www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk
- Paddle boarding - https://www.ruggedpaddleboard.co.uk
- Canyoning / white water rafting - http://www.verticaldescents.com
- Active Highs - https://www.activehighs.co.uk
Yoga
There are local drop in yoga classes at the Three Wise Monkey’s climbing wall. Check their website for booking details. https://www.threewisemonkeysclimbing.com Julie French is also a yoga teacher and can offer outdoor classes, weather and midges permitting.
Or if you are looking to do a whole day of yoga why not time your trip with one of Wild Yoga Glencoe’s day retreats. https://www.wildyogaglencoe.co.uk
Swimming pool
There is a local leisure centre in Fort William which has a pool, sauna and steam room. It is advisable to call ahead and check times for using their facilities.
A half hour drive away is the Holly Tree hotel which is a nice place to have a meal overlooking Loch Linnhe and swim and sauna. If you fancy a bit of exercise before your lunch and swim you can join cycle along a wonderful stretch of route 78 cycle path from Ballachulish to the Holly Tree. https://hollytreehotel.co.uk/facilities/swimming-pool/
The Ben Nevis Hotel have a Leisure Club with a nice pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. Its normally for hotel guests but they have a ‘Dip & Dine’ deal where you can have bite to eat and a swim https://strathmorehotels-thebennevis.com/leisure-club/
Massage/Spa
Sleeping Beauty : There is a fabulous beauty and spa treatment salon in Fort William high street. It has three treatment rooms and offers everything from reflexology and full body massages to facials and manicures. https://www.sleepingbeautysalon.com/fort-william
If you are keen to experience a full spa day Ardhu house in Onich offers full and half day sessions. From manicures, pedicures and facials to various full body massages and body mud wraps. https://www.ardrhuhouse.com/spa
We highly recommend a massage with Sports Massage Therapist Amanda Robson. She has a studio locally in Inverlochy (Onyx Beauty) or if you are feeling like you don’t want to leave the cosiness of your yurt, Amanda can bring her massage table to you. Contact her in advance to book. Amanda - 07734 320875
Lochaber has plenty of great places to eat out. If you are looking for gastro pub food with great views and a warm welcoming atmosphere we would recommend the Ben Nevis Inn which has a lovely woodburning stove and a big cathedral window looking straight up the Glen. It is also at the foot of Ben Nevis’ tourist path so is an ideal place to end your day if climbing the Ben. There are also nice pubs in Fort William for dinner. We recommend trying the pizzas at the Blackisle Brewery or Garrison West.
If its fresh Scottish seafood you are after Crannog restaurant on the pier overlooking loch linnhe is a wonderful treat. A little further afield is The Kinlochleven seafood café which has a spectacular array of fresh lobster, langoustines, crab, mussels, clams, scallops and oysters.
For a fine Scottish dining experience we would recommend The Limetree in Fort William, which also has an art gallery attached. Glenfinnan House Hotel serves a great steak and seafood and boasts stunning Lochside views. The Old Pines in Spean Bridge is also a lovely evening out.
- The Ben Nevis Inn: www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk/
- Kinlochleven Seafood Cafe: www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/
- Crannog Restaurant: www.crannog.net/restaurant.asp
- Grog & Gruel: www.grogandgruel.co.uk/
- Glenfinnan House Hotel: www.glenfinnanhouse.com/
- The Lime Tree: www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk/
- The Old Forge: www.theoldforge.co.uk
- Browns: www.nevisbankinn.co.uk/
- Garrison West: www.garrisonwest.co.uk
- Old Pines : www.oldpines.co.uk
- Spice Tandoori : www.spice-tandoori.com
- Blackisle Brewery - www.blackislebrewery.com/black-isle-bar-menu-fort-bill/
- Glencoe - https://www.kingshousehotel.co.uk
Cafes
- Highland Soap Company café
- Pine Martin café, Nevis Range
- The Wildcat Cafe (Vegan) : https://www.facebook.com/TheWildcatFortWilliam
Take away
- Spice Tandoori - https://spice-tandoori.com
- The Awkward Eater - http://theawkwardeater.co.uk
- Sammy’s Fish and Chips, Caol
The West Coast is rambler's paradise with Fort William not only acting as the starting or finishing point for both the West Highland Way and The Great Glen Way but also boasting the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis.
Whether its mountain ridges, coastal paths or riverside forest walks that you crave, Lochaber has something for everyone. For details of what the area has to offer check out: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam
There is plenty of rock climbing in every direction from Great Glen Yurts. Whether you’re looking for a quiet boulder on a mountain slope, or to clip bolts on a steep sport route or take on a rock climb of alpine proportions, all can be found close by. The mighty north face of Ben Nevis provides the backdrop to Great Glen Yurts and is home to an inexhaustible range of climbing options. Just a few miles beyond, Glen Nevis can be found, which is home to endless crags and cliffs and boulders. All the way to the coast at Mallaig, the road winds through possible climbing adventures and when the weather is bad, there is the Three Wise Monkeys indoor climbing wall and a great atmosphere waiting for you inside.
Check out these links for more detailed information.
https://www.threewisemonkeysclimbing.com/
https://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/things-to-do-fortwilliam-lochaber-scotland/climbing-mountaineering/