Whisky & the great outdoors – experience Fort William

With tremendous towering mountains, luscious green landscapes and a distinct sense of adventure in the air, Fort William is a haven for those looking to experience the great outdoors at its very best.

Renowned as the outdoors capital of the UK, with Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis situated only 2 miles north of the centre, Fort William provides both challenges for an action packed break and idyllic breathtaking landscapes and relaxing activities for those looking to escape and unwind.

An ideal starting point for any visit to the West Highlands, Fort William is situated centrally with an array of surrounding villages and hamlets perfect for those with an explorer instinct. Enjoy a leisurely stay in the area, or visit the destination as a perfectly placed beginning point to a journey around the west coast.

For those looking to exert energy and face the most exhilarating of challenges, the host of outdoor activities in the area provide the ideal remedy. Tour the area by bike or foot taking in the superb scenery, or take to the water for an action packed day of canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing.

Lace up your trekking boats and prepare to enjoy a great sense of victory by tacking the West Highland Way which begins in Milngavie and ends in Fort William. Originally conceived in the 1960s and only successfully completed in October 1980, the West Highland Way was Scotland’s first official long distance route. Experience the variety of picturesque rivers, woodlands, hillsides and wildlife which bless the area, as you travel the 95 miles before completing your journey at the bottom of Ben Nevis.

Or for those looking for a different thrill, spend a day climbing Ben Nevis. 440 feet in height rising from the shores of Loch Linnhe, take in the astounding panoramic views of the area as you reach the top and ease your descent with thoughts of the delectable whisky which awaits on arrival at base. The Ben Nevis distillery sits nestled beneath the shadow of the magnificent mountain. Created using water drawn from the mountain from which it takes its name, the aptly titled “Dew of Ben Nevis” whisky attributes its taste to the exceptional nature which surrounds the distillery. Tour the facilities and discover the art of whisky production mastered by the distillery which was founded in 1825, one of the earliest licensed distilleries in the UK.

Having built up an appetite, sample some of the finest and freshest in local cuisine with a visit to Crannog Restaurant. A former pier-side bait store its waterfront location provides enviable views across Loch Linnhe. Savour from the wealth of delectable seafood available which is caught locally and freshly cooked. Or set sail and enjoy a tranquil cruise down Loch Linnhe on board Crannog Cruises’ vessel Souter’s Lass. Experience the glorious surroundings and spectacular sights and discover the array of wildlife including porpoises and seals, on one of the daily cruises which depart from the Town pier from April to October.

Or discover the legends and historical anecdotes which layer the history of the west coast of Scotland with a visit to the tiny tranquil village of Morar. Stare carefully into the waters of Loch Morar, Scotland’s deepest loch at 328 metres, as various accounts by locals claim that a lesser known relative of the Loch Ness Monster resides there.

The Whisky Coast is a company formed through collaboration between sixteen distilleries, three tour companies, eighteen hotels, restaurants, golf courses and attractions on the West Coast of Scotland. The Whisky Coast aims to raise the profile of the West Coast as an area blessed with a high concentration of distilleries against the backdrop of a dramatic rugged coastline.

For more information regarding The Whisky Coast visit Whiskycoast.co.uk.

To book a tour in the area visit Rabbies.com or Scotsell.com.