Lochaber
A step and a jump outside Lochaber
T
he mountains, lochs and glens of Lochaber combine to embody the ideal playground for the outdoor en-
thusiast, offering every kind of activity from orienteering to high-speed downhill moun- tain-biking. Though on one hand the area’s diverse landscapes make it the ideal territory for ex- plorers, most of its activities remain easy to access from its well-connected capital, Fort William, on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Fort William is the fi nishing point on the cel- ebrated West Highland Way walk, but its brightest jewel is Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain, which sees 100,000 people reach
its summit each year. You can start your as- cent from the town centre, where plentiful sports and camping shops are a good place to stock up on outdoor kit ahead of an ex- pedition. The atmospheric brooks, gorges and water- falls of Glen Nevis have made it a popular fi lming destination, and in 1994 its cinematic legacy was assured, when it became a loca- tion for the epics Rob Roy and Braveheart. While the ‘village of Lanark’ set from Bra- veheart was removed after fi lming, much of the scenery of William Wallace’s early life is still recognisable. To the north of Fort William, the Nevis Range
Getting there: From Glasgow the A82 via Crianlarich goes through Glencoe to Fort William. There are regular trains between Fort William and Glasgow and bus services between Glasgow, Fort William and Inverness. Ferries leave Mull for Ardnamurchan and a bus service from Fort William goes to Loch Ailort.
Links:
www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk www.west-highland-way.co.uk www.braveheart.co.uk
Did you know? The mountain bike world cup takes place at the Nevis Range in Fort William. This year’s event is on June 8-9.
offers plenty of outdoor activities even after the snow has melted, as well as a gondola ride for a sedate way to take in the views. On Fridays in the summer, ceilidh nights with live Scottish music extend the action after hours (
www.nevisrange.co.uk). From a Fort William base, you can explore the Great Glen, the Road to the Isles and the remote Ardnamurchan peninsula. From the town pier you can take a boat trip on the loch, or fi nd the station to catch the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, passing over the Glenfi nnan viaduct – famous as the route Harry Potter took on the Hogwarts Ex- press.
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