Introducing Scottish Highland Vacations
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 are not the type to go climbing mountains then maybe you will appreciate the more leisurely way in which to see the finest sights of the area, by taking a ride on a steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The West Highland Railway is said to be the finest most beautiful train journey in the United Kingdom.
Riding the Jacobite steam train will be a real thrill for any fan of the Harry Potter series of movies as they will know the Jacobite better as Hogwarts’ Express (the steam train which features in many of the films). The highlight of their train journey will be the Glenfinnan Aqueduct which is becoming known as “Harry Potter Bridge”.
Another view which you will catch a glimpse of while on the Jacobite is the Glenfinnan Monument. Standing looking out across Loch Shiel the monument is a memorial to the raising of the standard by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 and those who fought the Jacobean cause.
Nearly at the halfway mark, at Glenfinnan, you will have a short 20 minute break. Although the scenery there is superb you will be pleased that there is a small informative museum and a quaint cafe in an old dining car, to pass your time.
You should really make a day of your ride on the Jacobite, leaving fort William in the morning it returns from Mallaig in the late afternoon/early evening and you will enjoy every minute of this most beautiful train journey in the United Kingdom.
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.
