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.
Fort William is a medium sized town but it is the largest town in the Highlands. While initial impressions are usually to the negative this is mainly due to the fact that the seafront was replaced by a huge road but venture onto the High Street and some of the old character begins to show. Even though there are a few historical sites of merit in and around the town most visitors are here to enjoy such things as hill walking, rambling and mountain climbing and you do not stand much chance of missing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, which towers above the town.
Many of the visitors to Fort William have arrived to take up the challenge of Ben Nevis but if you are not a world class mountaineer you will be pleased to learn that one of the faces is suitable for the less able mountain climbers. Though the route is considered rather easy far too many people make the terrible, often fatal, mistake of not going suitable equipped. The weather on the mountain can change in an instant and what was a sunny summer day can suddenly become a blinding blizzard, yes it can snow on the mountain at any time of the year. Less people die each year on Mount Everest than die at Ben Nevis so please take the most care possible.
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.
Anyone who has seen the Harry Potter movies is likely to recognise the Jacobite steam train as Hogwarts' Express. Each day the Jacobite travels from Fort William to Mallaig along the route which includes the "Harry Potter Bridge" or Glenfinnan Aqueduct. Fans will instantly recognise the aqueduct as well as one or two other spots along the way.
The Glenfinnan Monument is another view for which you should keep your eye out for. Built in 1815 the monument is a memorial to the cause of the Jacobites, those who fought and died in the 1745 Jacobite rebellion and the raising of the standard by Bonnie Prince Charlie which marked the start of the conflict.
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.
While you can take the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig one way you can make a whole day of it by returning later that afternoon. There is certainly plenty to make a full day but the main point is to enjoy the most beautiful train journey available in the UK a second time.
Fort William is a medium sized town but it is the largest town in the Highlands. While initial impressions are usually to the negative this is mainly due to the fact that the seafront was replaced by a huge road but venture onto the High Street and some of the old character begins to show. Even though there are a few historical sites of merit in and around the town most visitors are here to enjoy such things as hill walking, rambling and mountain climbing and you do not stand much chance of missing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, which towers above the town.
Many of the visitors to Fort William have arrived to take up the challenge of Ben Nevis but if you are not a world class mountaineer you will be pleased to learn that one of the faces is suitable for the less able mountain climbers. Though the route is considered rather easy far too many people make the terrible, often fatal, mistake of not going suitable equipped. The weather on the mountain can change in an instant and what was a sunny summer day can suddenly become a blinding blizzard, yes it can snow on the mountain at any time of the year. Less people die each year on Mount Everest than die at Ben Nevis so please take the most care possible.
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.
Anyone who has seen the Harry Potter movies is likely to recognise the Jacobite steam train as Hogwarts' Express. Each day the Jacobite travels from Fort William to Mallaig along the route which includes the "Harry Potter Bridge" or Glenfinnan Aqueduct. Fans will instantly recognise the aqueduct as well as one or two other spots along the way.
The Glenfinnan Monument is another view for which you should keep your eye out for. Built in 1815 the monument is a memorial to the cause of the Jacobites, those who fought and died in the 1745 Jacobite rebellion and the raising of the standard by Bonnie Prince Charlie which marked the start of the conflict.
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.
While you can take the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig one way you can make a whole day of it by returning later that afternoon. There is certainly plenty to make a full day but the main point is to enjoy the most beautiful train journey available in the UK a second time.
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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.
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