Stunning scenery, interesting wildlife and quaint towns and villages offering visitors something a wee bit different – Lochaber is the perfect getaway location.
Home to the Ben Nevis and stretching from the west coast inland towards Loch Ness, Lochaber has plenty to see and do.
It’s ‘capital’, Fort William, offers Jacobite steam train trips to Mallaig and is home to many outdoor activities.
Lochaber is steeped in history and the perfect place for a trip, whether with a loved one or the whole family.
Here are just a few things to see and do during your next visit.
Set sail at the Mallaig Marina
Mallaig’s 50-berth yachting pontoon facility provides the ideal location for exploring the magnificent sailing opportunities on the West Coast of Scotland.
Water, electricity and free wi-fi are available on the pontoons and a new stone-clad marina centre building houses state of the art shower, toilet and laundry facilities along with a reception/information area. A new Bakery sits alongside.
The creation of a new shoreside promenade, incorporating descriptive/historic information panels, allows pontoon users to move safely between the yachting shorebase, the marina centre and ultimately the village centre where one can find cafes, restaurants, hotels, bars and groceries to meet every need.
Mallaig has excellent road and rail connections. Located at the end of the fabled Road-To-The-Isles Mallaig is also the terminal for the award-winning West Highland Railway – made famous in the Harry Potter movies – with steam trains visiting from Fort William on a daily basis throughout the summer months, as well as regular commuter services to Glasgow.
Nevis Range mountain gondola
A trip to Lochaber could not be complete with experiencing Nevis Range’s mountain gondola system – as it is the only one of its kind in Britain.
It provides a short cut for climbers heading onto the many challenging winter routes – but is definitely a visitor attraction in its own right.
It allows sightseers to enjoy the scenic ride and see some spectacular views – without the tiring hike. And best of all, your doggy pals are allowed to come along for the ride.
The gondola takes you from 300ft up to 2,150ft – an experience not to be missed.
Visit the website for more information.
Take a trip back in time at Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
The enchanting Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds lies one mile north of Oban town centre.
For more than 1000 years, the Clan Chiefs and Lords of Lorn ruled large areas of Argyll and the Isles from Dunollie, and today it remains the ancestral seat of the Clan MacDougall.
Visitors to the site can learn more about the fascinating life of the family and servants through eclectic displays from the Dunollie and Hope MacDougall collections in the 1745 (Old Lairds) House.
The recently consolidated castle ruin present stunning views over to Kerrera and beyond and the tranquil woodland garden spaces are perfect for some wildlife spotting.
The Laigh Biggin is home to the “Weaving Shed”, where volunteers can be found working on a newly restored 19th century loom.
Visitors can take home an array of beautiful handmade gifts inspired by the collections or for the more traditional, items from the two tartans exclusive to Dunollie – The Heritage MacDougall and Dalriada.
The Kettle Garden Café also provides some delicious home-baking and snacks, boasting locally sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.
Caledonian Canal
There are many ways to see and enjoy this 60-mile canal which runs from Corpach, near Fort William, to Inverness. Sail through it or simply take a walk – it’s worth a visit.
This is definitely a destination for those looking for the ultimate canal boat holiday with its stunning locations and you can also paddle along, cycle, walk or run.
Fishing fans will also want to take the trip as the canal and its lochs are prime areas for salmon and sea trout.
For more information, visit the Scottish Canals website.
Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Manor House Hotel
Looking for the perfect luxurious weekend getaway or a peaceful and exquisite place to stay on your trip to/from the Highlands or Islands? Then look no further than The Manor House Hotel in Oban.
The Manor House Hotel and Restaurant provides superlative dining and accommodation in a Georgian Villa on Oban Harbour built for the Duke of Argyll in 1780.
The chefs create a unique menu each day, focusing on the best of local seafood, meats and produce, guaranteeing an excellent choice of the finest dishes, prepared with the freshest quality.
All of the rooms are individually decorated with fine fabrics and all the small touches that give an exemplary 4-star hotel experience, second to none in Oban. Guests can choose rooms with stunning views across Oban Bay to Lismore, the Morvern Peninsula and Mull or a quiet room overlooking the front garden.
Enjoy the seclusion of the hotel’s quiet location on the south shore of the harbour, a few minutes’ walk from the town square.
Click here to visit the Manor House Hotel website.