Fort William promotes itself as ‘the Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and the whole region offers an excellent range of activities all set amid the dramatic landscapes of Lochaber.
Adventure
Paragliding and canyoning are examples of the more unusual activities also available in the area. Paragliding takes place at Nevis Range. Canyoning involves abseiling, swimming and sliding through the rocky watercourse on the way downstream and uses the Inchree Waterfalls in Glen Nevis.
One of Scotland’s top winter sports destinations, Nevis Range, with its Gondola uplift and many runs, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding. The north face of Ben Nevis is well known for its ice climbing. If the weather is not right try The Ice Factor at Kinlochleven. Here you’ll find the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world plus the UK’s largest rock climbing wall.
This is one of the best areas in Britain for hill walking and climbing. Ben Nevis and the peaks of Glen Coe are world famous, but there are many other ranges, as well as lower-level forest trails and the Great Glen Way.
Mountain biking enthusiasts have superb choice here. Britain’s longest downhill track 650m descent at Nevis Range, to the east of Fort William, attracts bikers of all standards, except the faint-hearted. The Mountain Biking World Cup has been held here. The Leanachan Forest, 3 miles north east of Fort William, has biking trails and also offers cycle orienteering.
This is one of Scotland’s big fish areas so if you are looking for a record breaking trout, charr, pike or skate you could do far worse than start your quest in Lochaber. There is lots of first class salmon, trout and sea fishing to be had.
