Balcarres bed and breakfast holiday accommodation in Fort William, awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, the Scottish tourist board
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self catering accommodation at Balcarres

 

Balcarres, Seafield Gardens, Fort William, PH33 6RJ | Telephone: (+44) 01397 704444 |


Fort William is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Scotland, and it is easy to see why. The area has something to offer everybody, whether they are looking for outdoor activities such as walking, mountaineering, ski-ing and cycling, or simply want to find somewhere to have a relaxing holiday in some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain.

Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, stands overlooking Fort William at the end of Loch Linnhe

Glen Nevis, Fort William

Fort William is home to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which itself is set in the lovely , well known now as a film location for films such as Braveheart and Rob Roy. Further afield, there is the , most westerly point on the British mainland and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Some 25 miles from Fort William is the town of Fort Augustus, where the famous Loch Ness begins, passing through the Great Glen to Inverness, 65 miles away. A day trip to Inverness, with a visit to the at Drumnadrochit and nearby on the banks of Loch Ness, combined with a spot of “Nessie watching”, is a popular day out, particularly with families. Inverness Castle, overlooking Inverness at the head of the Great Glen, some 65 miles north of Fort William.  Look out for the statue of Flora MacDonald at the entrance to the castle

the Silver Sands of Morar - some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, and the most unspoilt

Another day trip option is to visit Mallaig, at the end of the A830, otherwise known as the Road to the Isles. Mallaig is a typical west coast fishing village and there are some interesting places to visit here, including the and the Exhibition. Shortly before reaching Mallaig, you will pass some lovely beaches, known as the Silver Sands of Morar, and these safe sandy beaches are an ideal place for children. There is even a nine hole golf course, , which is popular with golfing enthusiasts.
Fifteen miles outside Fort William along the road you reach , with the famous monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the visitor centre there is well worth a visit. Alternatively, you can take the train to Mallaig from Fort William. This rail journey is generally acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful in the world. During June – September the runs along this route six times a week. Glenfinnan, with its monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers of the 1745 Jacobite rising.  The Prince raised his standard here at the start of the rising in August, 1745.  The rebellion ended with his defeat after the battle of Culloden the following year, just north of Inverness.
Caledonian Canal with its unique run of seven lochs at  Neptune's Staircase, Banavie just outside Fort William There are a number of interesting places to visit within Fort William itself, some of the most popular being the following:
  • , where visitors can see around the distillery, visit the gift shop and have a coffee or a snack in the café.

  • Treasures of the Earth Exhibition, a truly unique visitor attraction of interest to adults and youngsters alike. Tel 01397 772 283 for details.

  • in the centre of Fort William, which has a fascinating display of Jacobite memorabilia

  • for go-karting fun at Blar Mhor, en route to Corpach from Fort William, one mile from the town centre.

  • which serves the ski centre during the winter months, but is also a very popular attraction in summer. It takes the visitor 2150 feet (650m) up Aonach Mor from where there are stunning views over Fort William and the surrounding area. Refreshments are available in the café.

  • and Neptune’s Staircase, a run of seven lochs linking Loch Linnhe and the freshwater lochs of the Great Glen: Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

Nevis Range Gondola, Aonach Mor - leading to the ski-ing centre in winter and open all summer too
Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William, located at the junction between the A82 and the A830, the beginning of the Road to the Isles

Fort William is fortunate to have a large number and variety of places to eat, to suit all tastes and budgets. We will be happy to advise you on some options.

For more information about Fort William and the surrounding area, visit the

Balcarres, Seafield Gardens, Fort William, PH33 6RJ | Telephone: (+44) 01397 704444 |