Fort William, Scotland - what to do?
Discussion
I'm heading there with a friend to go on a one day course, next Tuesday. However, we'll be heading up on Sunday, and coming back on Wednesday.
So is there anything for two guys, in their early 20s, to do or see? Are there any "must see" sights up there?
Does anyone know of decent restaurants, pubs or even bars and clubs to head to?
Many thanks,
Darren
So is there anything for two guys, in their early 20s, to do or see? Are there any "must see" sights up there?
Does anyone know of decent restaurants, pubs or even bars and clubs to head to?
Many thanks,
Darren
Nothing its a s
thole, all I did when I went up that way (Roybridge) was drink in the local and go climbing.
Obviously its next to some of the best scenery in this country, drive out of FW and stop on the side of the road, look across the loch. I have a pic on my phone that almost looks fake its so beautiful.
thole, all I did when I went up that way (Roybridge) was drink in the local and go climbing.Obviously its next to some of the best scenery in this country, drive out of FW and stop on the side of the road, look across the loch. I have a pic on my phone that almost looks fake its so beautiful.
Edited by okgo on Wednesday 4th March 23:52
Ermm Ben Nevis ??
Fort William's not a great town imo, which is a shame as it's surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The main street is pedestrianised so I'd just wander down it and look for somewhere that's busy. Not many tourists around this time of year so you might get entertained by local banter.
If you have a car there are some great roads nearby though!
Fort William's not a great town imo, which is a shame as it's surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The main street is pedestrianised so I'd just wander down it and look for somewhere that's busy. Not many tourists around this time of year so you might get entertained by local banter.
If you have a car there are some great roads nearby though!
Pesty said:
Theres a big hill you could walk up
Yep, you can walk up Ben Nevis.
. Wait til you see how many peeps spend the night up there. There's a mountain bike centre there where the world champs is headed. There's a nice fish restaurant on the Loch too, but can't remember the name.It ain't the best town in Scotland though.
If you're in cars or fancy hiring one, do the drive to eileen donnan (sp?) castle, it's a belter.
Snowing at the moment so the skiing could be OK?
http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter/
Like everyone's already said, the roads are great
http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter/
Like everyone's already said, the roads are great
Animal said:
Get in your car and take a left out of town towards Mallaig. There's even less to do when you get there but the drive is pretty cool.
Make sure to take the B8008 from Arisaig to Morar, rather than what the locals call 'The Motorway'. It's an interesting drive, and the views are better. (Take the A830 on the way back though - it's good for a hundred and some when traffic's light and the weather's good (not that I'd ever do that your honour)).If you ski a day on the hill would be good, if you don't just go up the
gondola for a look/ pint.
For eating the Crannog used to be good, haven't been for a while.
http://www.welcometoscotland.com/things-to-do/eati...
gondola for a look/ pint.
For eating the Crannog used to be good, haven't been for a while.
http://www.welcometoscotland.com/things-to-do/eati...
Fort William is a hellhole that got a lot of poor development, social housing, downmarket shopping centres in the 60's and 70's. The only way a shopkeeper can retire there is to set fire to his premises. Don't climb Ben Nevis, you will only fall off and get killed. In essence get away from it.
What you should do is to take the steam train to Mallaig if it's running at this time of year. Drive up if you can't take the train. From Mallaig you can take the ferry to Sleat, appropriately named, and I recommend a bar lunch at the Eilean Iarmain Hotel (if that's how you spell it). There are other ways off Skye on small ferries, and the roads round there are superb.
You might also find a visit to the Commando memorial at Spean Bridge thought provoking.
What you should do is to take the steam train to Mallaig if it's running at this time of year. Drive up if you can't take the train. From Mallaig you can take the ferry to Sleat, appropriately named, and I recommend a bar lunch at the Eilean Iarmain Hotel (if that's how you spell it). There are other ways off Skye on small ferries, and the roads round there are superb.
You might also find a visit to the Commando memorial at Spean Bridge thought provoking.
I go up regularly for the climbing, biking & skiing (depending on season). Skiing was great a month ago but the recent warm weather has stripped everything, so unless the recent dumps have been unfeasibly mahoosive I wouldn't get your hopes up.
Walking up the Ben is not really advisable during winter unless you're experienced and well equipped as there will still be lots of snow & ice at the top. Lots of lower level things to do though and it's worth a trip up the gondola at Nevis Range just for a wander about and a pint. There might even be a bit of sledging if you're really lucky. Glencoe just to the south is spectacular on a clear day and there are some good trails that don't go too high if you look. The Clachaig Inn is also well worth a visit whilst you're there with great beers, good food and a truly awesome collection of malts.
However if you're not into the outdoor scene, then you're screwed. Seriously. The only decent pub in town is the Grog & Gruel on the high street - good selection of beers and pretty reasonable food. Apart from that they're all hellholes, and even Nevisport (has been 'the' climbers bar with a generally decent crowd for the last 20 years or so) has gone right downhill. We generally go in for a pint every time we're up, just for old times sake and to see if it's improved at all, but it hasn't. There really isn't anywhere of any note to eat, and as for clubbing - forget it. As has been said you really need to head for Inverness to get any kind of a nightlife worth mentioning.
As this is PH I can't get away without mentioning the roads, which are truly awesome. Head for Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh and you will be treated to sheer petrolhead heaven, smooth roads, largely empty and plenty of overtaking opportunities if you need them, sweeping bends, staggering views - I really can't rate them enough. Plod generally not too much in evidence either with the glaring exception of the A82 over Rannoch Moor. I can't remember the last time I drove over there without seeing a Volvo parked up on one of the (many and very long) straights so keep your eyes peeled
Walking up the Ben is not really advisable during winter unless you're experienced and well equipped as there will still be lots of snow & ice at the top. Lots of lower level things to do though and it's worth a trip up the gondola at Nevis Range just for a wander about and a pint. There might even be a bit of sledging if you're really lucky. Glencoe just to the south is spectacular on a clear day and there are some good trails that don't go too high if you look. The Clachaig Inn is also well worth a visit whilst you're there with great beers, good food and a truly awesome collection of malts.
However if you're not into the outdoor scene, then you're screwed. Seriously. The only decent pub in town is the Grog & Gruel on the high street - good selection of beers and pretty reasonable food. Apart from that they're all hellholes, and even Nevisport (has been 'the' climbers bar with a generally decent crowd for the last 20 years or so) has gone right downhill. We generally go in for a pint every time we're up, just for old times sake and to see if it's improved at all, but it hasn't. There really isn't anywhere of any note to eat, and as for clubbing - forget it. As has been said you really need to head for Inverness to get any kind of a nightlife worth mentioning.
As this is PH I can't get away without mentioning the roads, which are truly awesome. Head for Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh and you will be treated to sheer petrolhead heaven, smooth roads, largely empty and plenty of overtaking opportunities if you need them, sweeping bends, staggering views - I really can't rate them enough. Plod generally not too much in evidence either with the glaring exception of the A82 over Rannoch Moor. I can't remember the last time I drove over there without seeing a Volvo parked up on one of the (many and very long) straights so keep your eyes peeled
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