EATING OUT

Opening hours and days vary depending on the time of year, so we recommend that you call ahead to check – and to book a table – before setting out.

 

ARDNAMURCHAN AREA (to the west, on the north side of the Corran Ferry)

The Inn at Ardgour (10min drive away)

Corran, PH33 7AA; 01855 841225; ardgour.biz

Bar meals and pub – check for seasonal opening and availability of food.

 

The Strontian Hotel (30min)

Strontian, PH36 4HZ; 01967 402029; thestrontianhotel.co.uk

Restaurant serving local produce such as scallops, venison and beef.

 

Kilcamb Hotel (30min)

Strontian, PH36 4HY; 01967 402257; kilcamblodge.co.uk

Smart hotel restaurant and brasserie with two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Offers seasonal and local food.

 

The White House (1hr)

Lochaline, PA80 5XT; 01967 421777; thewhitehouserestaurant.co.uk

An excellent restaurant in a secluded location with a menu that features simple, locally sourced food.

 

GLENFINNAN AREA (about 45min drive east then north-west towards Mallaig)

Glenfinnan House Hotel

Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT; 01397 722235; glenfinnanhouse.com

Highly recommended by the Good Food of Scotland guide, this hotel serves high quality pub food in the bar à la carte meals in the dining room.

 

Prince's House Hotel

Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT; 01397 722246; glenfinnan.co.uk

Daily changing menu of seasonal produce.

 

BALLACHULISH/ONICH/LOCH LEVEN AREA

(30 to 45min away, the far side of the Corran Ferry)

Lochleven Seafood Café – OUR FAVOURITE!

Onich, PH33 6SA; 01855 821048; lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk

Informal café serving a wide variety of super-fresh shellfish during the day and evening. Also has a small shop selling live and cooked shellfish to take away.

 

Ballachulish Hotel

Glencoe, PH49 4JY; 01764 651842; ballachulishhotel.com

Bistro serving food all day in a lochside location.

 

Isles of Glencoe Hotel

Glencoe, PH49 4HL; 01764 651843; islesofglencoe.com

All-day bistro menu and traditional Scottish dinner menu in lochside restaurant.

 

Loch Leven Hotel

Onich, PH33 6SA; 01855 821236; lochlevenhotel.co.uk

Informal bar meal menu or more formal evening dinner menu.

 

FORT WILLIAM AREA

Inverlochy Castle – SPECIAL OCCASION!

Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN; 01397 702177; inverlochycastlehotel.com

British cuisine with French influences; awarded three AA red rosettes. The chefs are Albert and Michel Roux Jr. Afternoon tea is available; jackets to be worn at dinner.

 

Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Town Pier, Fort William, PH33 6DB; 01397 705589; crannog.net

Seafood restaurant situated on the town pier.

 

The Lime Tree Restaurant

The Old Manse, Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ; 01397 701806; limetreefortwilliam.co.uk

Award-winning restaurant and art gallery not far from the town centre with a modern menu emphasizing fresh ingredients.

 

Ben Nevis Inn

Claggan, Achintee, Fort William, PH33 6TE; 01397 701227; ben-nevis-inn.co.uk Characterful pub at the foot of Ben Nevis with plenty of outdoor tables. Closed Mon-Wed from late autumn to early spring – check website for details.

 

CONAGLEN ESTATE

Tigh Beag – which means 'little house' – is located on the Conaglen Estate, which was formed in the 1850s when Lord Morton bought the northern half of Ardgour Estate extending to in the region of 38,000 acres from the Macleans of Ardgour. In 1862 Lord Morton commissioned the architect David Bryce to build the three-storey main house, with a galleried hall and staircase, and benefiting from views over Loch Linnhe. There the Mortons lived for more than 70 years. When Lord Morton died in 1936 the family moved to a secondary estate house in nearby Stronchreggan and let Conaglen House to a Mrs Kerr. In 1952 the Mason family bought the Estate, then sold it to John Malcolm Guthrie, from Yorkshire – the current owner's father – seven years later.

Since 1959 the Guthrie family has invested time, money and dedication in the Estate, undertaking in 1991-2 a major restoration of the 13-bedroom house, which is let on a weekly basis to house parties for activities such as stalking and fishing, and for general family holidays for outdoor enthusiasts. The estate employs in the region of 25-30 full and part-time staff, including stalkers, ghillies, chefs, a gardener and house staff.

In 2015/16 the derelict estate cottage of Tigh Beag was demolished and a new modern four-bedroom holiday home was built to make the most of the site's position and views over Loch Linnhe.

 

ACTIVITIES ON THE ESTATE

CYCLING - The lochside road in both directions makes a pleasant ride, and the track up Conaglen (see Walking) is suitable for mountain bikes. See page 10 for more cycling ideas in the district.

FISHING - There's sea trout fishing in the estuary and salmon fishing in the spate river. Please contact Ross McLean (01855 841304 or 07825 313859), our head stalker, who can advise you about conditions and fishing pools.

STALKING - Red deer stag and hind stalking takes places on Conaglen Estate in the applicable seasons. Guests at Tigh Beag may be able to book stalking in advance.

 

WALKING

We recommend the following walks, most of which you can do from the door:

Short stroll to the Deadman's Bay: Turn left at the bottom of the track to Tigh Beag, cross directly over the road and follow the track towards the shore and the bay straight ahead, from which there are views across to Ben Nevis.

Short stroll round Conaglen Garden and Woodland Walk: Turn right at the bottom of the track to Tigh Beag and head over the little bridge towards Conaglen House. The entrance to the garden is on the right, by the first golf green. You're free to explore at leisure, but the lawns immediately around the big house, plus the pitch-and-putt course, are reserved for tenants of Conaglen House. The Woodland Walk begins at the top of the main garden, beyond the skier sculpture, and loops round to the left and back to the Estate Yard. The garden holds an annual open day.

Out-and-back hike up Conaglen: Turn right at the bottom of the track to Tigh Beag and along the track towards Conaglen House. Just after the bridge over the stream, turn right up the track alongside the garden. When it bears right to re-cross the stream, turn left into the woodland walk above the garden. Follow it as it ascends through the woods, with a field about 50 yards on your right. It then descends to a large metal gate adjoining a pedestrian gate to its left, through which is a level track (do not go up the hill to the right, through a similar gate). Follow the track straight on as far as you like, taking care to close any gates you open along the way. Following the River Cona, the track peters out after 10 miles. You may see free-roaming Highland cattle and red deer.

Out-and-back hike up Glenscaddle: Turn left at the bottom of the track to Tigh Beag then right onto the road towards the Corran Ferry. Follow this for about 400yd, over two bridges, then turn right onto a track just after a cattle grid (you can drive this first section if you like, and park in the layby). The track passes a few cottages and houses, then continues up Glenscaddle, sometimes ascending through blocks of forestry and sometimes meandering along closer to the River Scaddle. It peters out after about 8 miles. You may see free-roaming cattle and red deer.

Adventurous walk to Heron Island - approaching low tide only: Turn left at the bottom of the track to Tigh Beag then right onto the road towards the Corran Ferry. Follow this for about 400yd, over two bridges and a cattle grid. At the next gateway turn left into a grass field and make for the island, about half a mile away across the flats. The ground may be boggy and you will have to cross numerous rivulets. Only for the adventurous, and only possible when the tide is dropping. Please leave ample time to get back while the tide is low.

Out-and-back-hike up Stronchreggan: A 10-minute drive away - turn left out of Tigh Beag, drive about two-and-a-half miles along the loch shore and park in the lay-by next to a large agricultural barn on your right, which has large gates to its left. Leave your car there, walk over a little bridge on the sealed road and take the first left, through a gate and up a track. The track follows the peaceful Stronchreggan Glen, which narrows to a smaller path before petering out after about 3 miles. You may see free-roaming Highland cattle and red deer.

 

ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND DAYS OUT

BEACHES

ARISAIG - Beautiful white-sand beach with dunes and views to the West Coast islands. Ideal for beach games, picnicking, swimming, rockpooling and birdwatching. About 1hr15 away: turn left out of Tigh Beag, follow the lochside for 20min then turn left at the A830 towards Mallaig. The beach is north of Arisaig village, just after you pass Traigh Golf Course (see Golf, page 12), with a small parking bay on the left. No cafe.

ARDTOE - Lovely white-sand beach, ideal for beach games, picnicking, swimming, rockpooling and birdwatching, with views to the Small Isles. About 1hr15 away: drive past the Corran Ferry and through Strontian, continuing west then north on the A861. It is signed to the left after Acharacle. There's a small car park near the beach. No cafe.

 

BEN NEVIS – see walkhighlands.co.uk

We suggest you pick as clear a day as possible if you want to hike up Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (4418ft/1344m). Set off early, as it takes almost 1hr to drive to the start of the mountain footpath, and the ascent and descent take as long as 9hr. The way is strenuous, steep and stony. Carry water, snacks, waterproofs, warm layers (it can be snowy, even in summer) and a mobile phone. The footpath starts south of Fort William, by the Ben Nevis Inn (see page 7). To get there from Fort William follow the A82 through town, signposted Inverness. At a mini-roundabout by the Highland Centre shop, bear left (still on the A82). After crossing the river turn sharp right onto Claggan Road, just before the traffic lights. After 800yd, turn right at the sign for Achintee, just before the Spar shop. Follow Achintee Road for a mile and park just before the Ben Nevis Inn.

 

BOATING

Loch Shiel Cruises 01687 470322; 07801 537617; highlandcruises.co.uk

Charter and timetabled wildlife/historical cruises aboard the MV Sileas, on Loch Shiel, April to October. Regular sightings of red deer and golden eagles. Loch Shiel is the western boundary of Conaglen Estate and this cruise offers a good opportunity to view the estate from a different perspective. The MV Sileas is moored by the Glenfinnan House Hotel, signposted from the A830 at Glenfinnan. Booking advised.

Crannog Cruises 01397 700714; crannog.net

Daily cruises on Loch Linnhe from Fort William Pier. Private charters available.

Glencoe Cruises & Fishing Trips  01855 811658

Iain and Stella MacIntyre take guests out on Loch Leven.

Linnhe Marine Boat Hire  07721 503981; linnhemarina.co.uk

Family business offering small boat, dinghy and rowing boat hire, plus windsurf and sailing instruction. Located at Dallens Bay between Fort William and Oban.

 

CASTLES AND MONUMENTS

You can visit or walk near various ruins and castles in the district. For information see the 'Historic Attractions' and the 'Castles' sections at moidart.com.

 

CLIMBING – PERFECT FOR A RAINY DAY, FOR ALL AGES!

Ice Factor National Ice Climbing Centre 01855 831100; ice-factor.co.uk

Kinlochleven, PH50 4SF

World-class ice-climbing wall in a giant 'fridge', plus indoor climbing walls for all abilities. Children as young as two welcome on climbing wall; ice climbers must have adult shoe size four or larger. Cafe and play area.

 

CYCLING

Nevis Range 01397 705825; nevisrange.co.uk and bike.nevisrange.co.uk

Six miles north of Fort William there's world-class mountain-biking, with a network of marked, graded trails for all abilities. Seasoned downhillers can load a bike onto Britain's only mountain gondola, which rises to 2150ft on Aonach Mor, and descend the 2000ft World Championship Downhill Track (May to Sept); the less adventurous can follow gentler tracks or pick a route on the 25 miles of family-friendly forest paths. There's bike hire on site, plus coaching and guiding (booking essential).

 

CYCLE HIRE

Sunart Cycles 01967 402080; sunartcycles.co.uk

Caberfeidh, Granite Square, Strontian, PH36 4HZ

Nevis Cycles 01397 705555; neviscycles.com

4 Lochy Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William, PH33 6NG

 

DISTILLERY

Ben Nevis Distillery 01397 700200; bennevisdistillery.com

Lochy Bridge, Fort William, PH33 6TJ. Visitor centre, guided tours and shop at this whisky distillery.

 

FITNESS CENTRE/GYM

Lochaber Leisure Centre 01397 704359; highlifehighland.com/lochaber-leisure-centre; Belford Road, Fort William PH33 6BU – about 50min away.

Classes range from aerobics to Pilates to zumba, and there's a well equipped gym.

 

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

Holroyd Art Gallery 01855 821277; holroydgallery.co.uk RAINY DAY OUTING – COMBINE WITH ICE FACTOR AND LOCHLEVEN SEAFOOD CAFE!

3 Old Ferry Road, Ballachulish, PH33 6SA. About 45min away, over the Corran Ferry and turn left just before Ballachulish Bridge. Excellent collection of oils, watercolours and pastels by Scottish artists. Closed Sun-Mon.

Resipole Fine Arts Gallery 01967 431506; resipolestudios.co.uk VISIT EN ROUTE HOME FROM ARDTOE BEACH!

Acharacle, PH36 4HX. About an hour away, past Strontian. Contemporary gallery next to Loch Sunart with on-site studio, showcasing Scottish painters. Closed Mon.

West Highland Museum 01397 702169; westhighlandmuseum.org.uk

Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ. Town-centre local history museum founded in 1922, with collections ranging from archaeology to modern industry, with special emphasis on the Jacobite risings of the 18th century.

Glenfinnan Station Museum 01397 722395; glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk

Station Cottage, Glenfinnan PH37 4LT. About 45min away. Still a working station on the Fort William to Mallaig line, the museum tells the story of a rural Scottish railway station over the last century and presents facts and stories about the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, which Harry Potter fans will recognise well from the film. The viaduct itself is an easy half-hour walk away, with great views on the approach. Daytime meals and snacks are available in a stationary dining car at the museum.

 

GARDENS

Ardtornish Gardens ardtornishgardens.co.uk

Beautiful hill garden originally formed in the 19th century, with informal and formal planting. There are wooded areas, rockery, herbaceous sections, fine rhododendrons and azaleas, an amphitheatre, a pond, and the River Rannoch running along the southern edge. About 1hr away.

 

GOLF

Dragon’s Tooth Golf Course 01855 811695; dragonstooth.co.uk OUR PICK!

Picturesque nine-hole course at Ballachulish, about 45min away across the Corran Ferry. Informal and welcoming, with a licensed cafe.

Fort William Golf Course 01397 704464; fortwilliamgolfclub.co.uk

Eighteen-hole course at the base of Ben Nevis, about 1hr away.

Spean Bridge Golf Course 01397 703907; speangolf.org.uk

Friendly nine-hole course in the Great Glen, 1hr 15min away.

Traigh Golf Course 01687 450337; traighgolf.co.uk

Scenic and peaceful nine-hole seaside course at Arisaig, about 1hr away, with spectacular views to the West Coast islands.

 

HIGH-WIRE ADVENTURE

Nevis Range 01397 705825; nevisrange.co.uk

Six miles north of Fort William. Four high-wire courses in the forest, with zip-wires and other obstacles. Booking essential. Minimum height of participants 120cm.

 

HORSE RIDING

Achnalarig Riding Stables

Glencruitten road, Oban, Argyll, PA34 4QA

Open 10am -5pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Tel 01631 562745 - Mobile Number 07748708141

 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Vertical Descents 01855 821593; verticaldescents.com

Activities include white water rafting, canyoning, coasteering, sea kayaking, abseiling and via ferrata. The operator is based at Onich.

 

SHOPPING

There are excellent shops for outdoor clothing/footwear, and local produce, art and Scottish-themed paraphernalia on the high street in Fort William. A good selection of all of these is found on both floors of the Nevisport building at the railway station end of the high street. For Scottish gifts, try the Highland Centre shop a little way out of the centre, by the first mini roundabout on the road to Inverness.

 

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

glencoemountain.co.uk and nevisrange.co.uk

The slopes of Glencoe and Nevis Range are just over an hour away. Check the snow conditions on the websites or at winterhighland.info before setting out. Both resorts offer equipment hire, ski lessons for all abilities, instruction in telemark, snowboarding and ski mountaineering, and welcoming cafes.

 

SQUASH

Lochaber Leisure Centre 01397 704359; highlifehighland.com/lochaber-leisure-centre; Belford Road, Fort William PH33 6BU – about 50min away.

 

STEAM TRAIN

The Jacobite Steam Train 0844 850 4685; westcoastrailways.co.uk

This historic steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.

 

SWIMMING POOL

Lochaber Leisure Centre 01397 704359; highlifehighland.com/lochaber-leisure-centre; Belford Road, Fort William PH33 6BU – about 50min away.

Indoor 25m pool, plus sauna, steam room and solarium.

Isles of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre 01764 651843; islesofglencoe.com

Glencoe, PH49 4HL – about 40min away.

Indoor pool, plus bubble pool and sauna.