Activities

Climbing Ben Nevis is not for the faint hearted. The mountain at 4406 ft (1344 metres) does however offer spectacular views weather permitting. Even on a hot summer day there will be snow at the top! For the less energetic, you drive or walk into Glen Nevis which will provide dramatic views of the mountain The gorge at the east end of the Glen gives access to the 100ft high waterfall at Steall Meadows.

From Glen Nevis it’s possible to continue a further 10 miles or so along a stretch of the famous West Highland Way to the town of Kinlochleven. The West Highland Museum takes up the theme of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, with many relics from those times.

Neptune’s Staircase is a spectacular series of 8 locks which connect the Caledonian Canal to Loch Linnhe, and allow vessels to ascend or descend the 20metres between Loch and Canal.  

Nearby the canal at Corpach, Treasures of the Earth is an attraction displaying collections of gemstones and crystals which include huge amethysts and emeralds as well as prehistoric fossils.

You can take a cruise on Loch Linnhe from Fort William which will offer superb views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains while also taking in fish farms, and seals basking on islands in the loch.

What's nearby?

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience transports you on Britain’s only mountain gondola from 300ft up to 2150ft on the north face of Aonach Mor (the 8th highest mountain in Britain) to see breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen and Ben Nevis.  You can also try mountain biking or skiing at the Nevis Range, depending on the season.

The Ice Factor in Kinlochleven near Glen Coe includes an ice wall 5 times bigger than any other indoor wall.  Armed with ice axe, crampons and helmet you learn to climb the ice wall with a step by step guide from an instructor. The wall is designed to emulate problems encounters by mountaineers.

Spectacular Glen Coe (15 miles south) is one of the highlights of any trip to Scotland. Awesome mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters loom on either side, with dreamlike scenery at the bottom of the glen. The area is a paradise for walkers and climbers in all seasons, and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Filming for the third Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", took place in and around Glencoe.

Continuing the Harry Potter Theme you can take the Jacobite (voted top railway journey in the world in 2009) and travel along the line used in the films for the ‘Hogwarts Express’ from Fort William to the port town of Mallaig, from where you can board a ferry to your next Great British Trips location – The Isle of Skye.