breathtaking scenery, loads to do, inside and outside activities for all ages
Disadvantages:
often rains, quite expensive
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I have been on holiday to Fort William almost every year since I was 3 months old. I have always gone with my family, as my Dad and a friend like to go for the hill walking in the area, which of course, is fabulous around here. Fort William is a great base for a huge variety of different walks, to suit all ages, levels and experience. Obviously, there is Ben Nevis, which looms over Fort William and dominates the area, although I personally feel that Ben Nevis itself is now becoming more of a tourist attraction rather than a challenge to an experienced walker. Dad has kept away from the tourist path for a good few years now, prefering to venture on to Sgurr a Mhaim, or into Glencoe. Remember when walking round this area that it can sometimes be very dangerous - accidents do happen - so always leave details with someone from where you are staying, or at your hotel or youth hostel.
This then brings me on to accommodation. We have always stayed in Glen Nevis Holiday Cottages, (a couple of miles outside Fort William, right by Ben Nevis) which has recently expanded and added 6 luxury lodges. It is very expensive, especially in high season, but the quality is fabulous, the staff are really really friendly and will do all they can to help you. The lodges are spread out nicely, and each has a lovely view. Glen Nevis Holiday Cottages also have static caravans, which are cheaper and so useful if you are on a budget, and have a few fields for campers as well. Glen Nevis itself is beautful, you can go for a walk along the river and right into the Glen (where parts of Braveheart were filmed).
But if this type of self-catering holiday is not for you, there are many many hotels and B&Bs, both in the town of Fort William itself, of varying prices. I would advise that you take a car or a bike to Fort William, that way you are not limited to staying right in the town centre. There is also a Youth Hostel - never stayed here - but it always seem busy and is right by the start of the footpath to the Ben.
So, what is there to do if you are not a walker? Well I am pretty qualified to answer this, as me, Mum and my sister had to find things to do when my Dad and his friend went walking, and on some days, we all did things together. There is a lot to do - even if it rains! A few miles away in Glencoe is Highland Mystery World, a brilliant themed -well not really museum, it's hard to know how to describe it. It has a small theatre, where a character dressed up will tell you a highland myth, and then there is a spooky walk where you will meet various highland characters - it is quite scary though as sometimes people leap out at you - so maybe not for really tiny children. The whole museum is based aroudn highland myths and legends, and it is fun rather than educational! Other museums in the area include the West Highland Museum in Fort William, which is a great museum for anyone interested in the history of the town. There are quite a few objects which are suposedly connected to Bonnie Prince Charlie! I love this museum, but its probably not suitable for small children who could get a bit bored. There is also a museum called Treasures of the Earth about 4 miles from Fort William, which is a museum about all gemstones. Presentation and display is excellent, another idea for a rainy afternoon. In Glen Nevis, there is a visitor centre, Ionad Nibheis, giving information about the area, mainly geographical, and giving useful info about the local birds and wildlife.
In Fort William itself there are a variety of shops and cafes, many of which are aimed at tourists, craft shops etc. Quite good fun to wander round, although all the tartan souvenirs are not really to my taste. There are also regular shops - a supermarket (Safeways), woolworths, smiths, but no real clothes shops - don't know how the locals cope as Fort William is miles from a big town - I suppose the nearest are probably Inverness or Glasgow (which is 4 hours away by train - though the views on this line are fantastic). There is also a ten pin bowling alley, a macdonalds, and a cinema. We also found a helicopter giving rides over Ben Nevis, taking off from down near the supermarket! It was incredibly expensive for a short flight, but great for children and people who don't like walking, as you get to see something you wouldn't otherwise.
If you want to venture further out of Fort William and lack transport, then a train trip down to Mallaig is good fun, and you can take either a regular train or a steam train. From Mallaig it is then possible to get a boat to various islands. Makes a long day, but it is tremendous fun if the weather's good. If not, you can just stop at Mallaig, which is a nice, old-fashioned town to wander round.
Aonach Mor, 6 miles or so from Fort William is where the gondola and skiing is. The gondola ride is great fun, each gondola holds about 6, and you can get great views - obviously assuming the weather is nice. At the top there are a couple of walks you can do, to viewpoints, or you can just sit in the cafe and have a big mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream! Yummy
Overall then, despite the occasional (!) rain, Fort William is a fab place for a holiday if you enjoy either walking, wildlife or history, but is probably not for those who like to spend a week in the sun where there are lots of nightclubs! I think its suitable for the whole family, my family has certainly always loved it. Unfortunately it can be expensive if you go in high season, but in my mind, its well worth the money.
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