Fort William, beside the highest mountain in Britain

Fort William, the largest town in the spectacular West Highlands lies beside Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in U.K. and has on offer itself and its landscape, the elements which gives the Highlands its identity.

A guided visit to the town gives us information about its origins as an English fort in the XVI century to reduce the rebellious highlanders and dominate them under the British Union.

Our track goes throughout the forest and woods of Glen Nevis, an old valley made by glaciers millions of years ago. In between history and legend, these lonely spots talk about the Scottish clan which has inhabited this place for centuries. At the Somerled's Stone you can ask for a wish as by walking three times around it, which is an old Celtic tradition.

Following the beautiful path beside river Nevis we get spectacular views of Ben Nevis and the glen going here, until we reach a very special place, an old Celtic cemetery dated from V to VII centuries with a huge "sacred" tree.

This excursion joins most of the quintessential things that make the Highlands and lets us discover and love them.

When?

ON THURSDAY AND SUNDAY.

Start: 9 am at Cameron Square (beside High Street), in Fort William.

End: 1 pm in Fort William.

What's it necessary to bring?

Trekking shoes or boots, the track crosses some small streams with no difficulty. Backpack with food and water/drinks. We'll have lunch in nature. Clothes need to be warm and rain jackets are necessary due to the variable Scottish weather.

How difficult is the route?

10km. The itinerary throughout town, hills and valleys that could include muddy short terrain. Good footwear is important. This route is not any problem for people with normal fitness.

How to get Fort William?

By CAR from Edinburgh going to Stirling - Callander - Crianlarich - Glen Coe - Fort William.

By CAR from Glasgow going to Lochlomond - Crianlarich - Glen Coe - Fort William.

By TRAIN from Edinburgh to Glasgow and from there there's a direct train to Fort William.
The times of the trains Edinburgh - Glasgow - Fort William are perfectly coordinated. (www.scotrail.co.uk)

By BUS from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Fort William. (www.citylink.co.uk)

Fares?

£15 per person.

Spending the night in Fort William?

"Backpackers Hostel Fort William" is one of the nicest, most comfortable and best located hostels in the Highlands with impressive views all over Loch Linnhe, free WiFi and original 100-year old architecture.
www.fortwilliambackpackers.com