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Fly fishing, horse riding, hillwalking and more

Outdoor Capital of the UK

The Fort William and Lochaber area has been designated the “Outdoor Capital of the UK” and with good reason. The stunning scenery – mountains, glens, lochs, and coastline make the area a paradise for visitors interested in outdoor pursuits. Whether its walking, climbing, skiing, fishing, canoeing, sailing, wildlife or just sightseeing and relaxation your seeking, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Below are just a few ideas for your stay.

Hillwalking

The West Coast is a 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 home to the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis. Whether its mountain ridges, coastal paths or riverside forest walks, Lochaber has something for everyone. For details of what the area has to offer visit: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam

Mountain Biking

Lochaber not only has the UK’s only World Class Downhill Mountain Bike track but also has endless cross country forest tracks and mountain trails to suit all the family. Great Glen Holidays is only 1 mile from the Nevis Range with its infamous downhill track and Witch's Trail. For more information on all that the area has to offer visit: www.ridefortwilliam.co.uk

Adventure Sports

If you are looking for high octane activities then Vertical Descents has it all, from Canyoning & White Water Rafting to Segway and Paintballing. They have also just opened Scotland's first ever Via Ferrata, a guided fixed climbing route up Scotland's 3rd biggest waterfall. www.verticaldescents.com/fort-william/overview.html

Sea Kayaking

The West Coast has miles of unspoilt coastline and remote lochs to explore and what better way to do so than by kayak. The area is rich in wildlife and sea life. Many people encounter seals, dolphins, porpoise, otters, a huge variety of coastal birds or perhaps even the white tailed sea eagle. www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk

Skiing

With Nevis Range Ski Centre only 1 mile away from the lodges, you can check out conditions from your balcony. If conditions are poor Glencoe Ski Centre is approximately 20 miles away and the Cairngorm Ski Centre is approximately 50 miles away.

Jacobite Steam Train

The “Harry Potter” steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig in the summer months.

Boat Trips

If you head out of Fort William along the breathtaking 'Road to the Isles' towards Arisaig you can take a boat trip to the small isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum. Contact Arisaig Marine for boat sailing times at: www.arisaig.co.uk. On the Caledonian Canal at Laggan Locks you can hire a luxury cruiser from the West Highland Sailing.

Climbing

Both high on the summits and down in the glens, Lochaber boasts some of the best climbing in the UK. With everything from bouldering, sport, traditional climbing and winter mountaineering, this really is a climber’s playground. For rainy days there is also the largest indoor ice climbing wall in the UK – www.ice-factor.co.uk and the Three Monkeys Climbing Wall in Fort William.

Islands

The Isle of Skye, with its towering Cuillins, is within easy reach via a ferry from Mallaig. The Isle of Mull which is rich in wildlife and sealife is accessible by ferry from Oban or Lochaline.