Lochaber Outdoor Capital of the UK

Fort William: Scotland’S outdoor capital

Lochaber is full of stunning landscapes and beautiful waterways that are ready for you to explore this spring. Whether you want to find a trail for walking or biking, or to explore the open water, this is the destination for you.

This vast, diverse location nestled in the Scottish Highlands offers you a range of activities and a chance of adventure. Stretching from the Great Glen to the most westerly point on the British mainland, Ardnamurchan.

Let the season rouse your senses as you witness the awakening of the landscapes and waterways, trails, canals and lochs from changing colours to emerging wildlife. Immerse your senses throughout 2020 and beyond as we celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK presents a range of activities for you to enjoy during your stay: Tour and bike the Great Glen with Caledonian Discovery. Come aboard one of their barge holidays along the Caledonian Canal or perhaps spend an afternoon relaxing and taking in the views with Loch Shiel Cruises, based in beautiful Glenfinnan. If you’re seeking a water-based adventure then Rugged Paddleboarding can offer you iconic views of Glencoe as you stand on water in tranquil Glencoe Lochan.

Explore more open water with River to Sea Scotland and encounter sea life and stunning beaches from your canoe or kayak.

If you’re after an adrenaline fix, then Active Highs and Vertical Descents provide plenty of action and adventure on canyoning days, sea kayaking and white water rafting experiences. Can you complete the high-altitude climbing challenge of Kinlochleven’s Via Ferrata?

Even the wet days here have an upside as ‘today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’. Make your way to Fort William and enjoy a warm welcome at Ben Nevis Distillery or head to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to tour Nc’nean Distillery.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK is open for your unique Lochaber experience – plan your adventure at outdoorcapital.co.uk and connect with us on social media @outdoorcapitaluk.

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top things to see, do and experience

thE nEvIs RangE A centre for outdoor sports and adventuring, the Nevis Range offers gondola rides with spectacular views, plus snow sports, climbing, mountain-biking and more. nevisrange.co.uk glEn nEvIs and bEn nEvIs Britain’s highest mountain attracts around 100,000 visitors a year, from mountaineers to novice walkers. Set in the lovely Glen Nevis, its surroundings are worth exploring too – do prepare carefully and get advice if you’re planning a challenging walk. Ben-nevis.com

WEst hIghland Way This 96-mile long-distance walk starts in Milngavie and takes hikers along Loch Lomond and through Glencoe, finishing in Fort William. It takes several days, but you can hop on to sections of footpath for shorter walks too. westhighlandway.org glEnCoE There’s drama aplenty in Glencoe, whether you’re talking history, wildlife or staggering views. Stop for refreshment in the picturesque village, learn about the glen’s infamous massacre at the (NTS) Visitor Centre, or speed down the snowy corries at Glencoe Mountain Resort.

CoMMando MEMoRIal Dedicated to the men of the original Second World War British Commando Forces, this Spean Bridge monument offers views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr and a chance to reflect on the impact of the conflict here.

WEst hIghland MusEuM Housed in the former British Linen Bank on Fort William’s Cameron Square, this long-standing museum tells the story of the region and its people – including a collection on the Jacobites. www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk

ICE FaCtoR The world’s largest indoor ice climbing facility offers activities for experienced mountaineers and coaching for beginners. Outdoor activities include an overhanging rock wall and aerial assault course. FoRt WIllIaM Fort William’s cobbled town centre reflects its role as a hub for outdoor sports, with plenty of shops selling gear for your mountain adventure. It has been revitalised recently with the addition of new eateries and independent shops such as the Highland Bookshop.

ballaChulIsh Ballachulish village can be reached via a largely-flat cycle route from Oban and is a good base for exploring locally. Pause to photograph the iconic bridge, then roam the disused 1800s slate quarry.

InChREE Falls Hike through lush forest to a series of eight waterfalls cascading in a deep gorge. This beauty spot, near Onich, is also known as a good place to spot red squirrels.