In the Scottish Highlands (photoblog)

GLENFINNAN

2008-12-09T04:52:00.001-08:00

Glenfinnan

About 15 miles from Fort William, on the Road to the Isles, stand the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct. The viaduct is now a very popular tourist attraction, there is a visitor center associated with it and the Glenfinnan monument, decicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising which started in the area in 1745.

Glenfinnan viaduct

Glenfinnan monument

The pictures below show the Glenfinnan monument, erected in1815. The monument is at the end of Loch Shiel, in an area of great natural beauty...

Christmas in Fort William

2008-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

After 5 years in Fort William, I had never seen that much snow at sea level. I thought it was worth the drive to Glen Nevis to take a few photographs. The surroundings in the snow are really nice. This kind of weather would surely be best at Christmas but I take it now as it is and hope you like the few following pictures.

All the above photographs were taken in Glen Nevis, near the visitor center.

Pictures taken this summer

2008-11-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

Here are a few additional pictures taken this summer in the area. I hope to get some free time during the winter to take and post some more photographs of this beautiful landscape under the snow.

Stob Ban

Near Arisaig

Caledonian canal

In Mallaig harbour

In Mallaig harbour(2)

Glen Nevis

Glen Nevis (2)
Caledonian canal(2)not quite the same as above but almost!I prefer this one.

More highland cattle, Glen Nevis

2008-11-09T03:06:00.000-08:00

A few more photographs to show you the whole family! They don't seem to mind posing for the camera))

The elder brother

The young cousin twice remote

Auntie Beth

Didn't get introduced to those but I can tell they are from the city

Boat trips and wildlife cruises

2008-11-09T02:15:00.000-08:00

From Fort William town center, at the Crannog sea food restaurant, it is possible to book a short cruise on loch Linnhe.
Lenght of trips vary, from an hour up to half day trips, going further down towards Oban.
Wildlife here include seals, porpoises, sea eagles, dolphins and otters.
Depending on the time of year and luck you have, you will get to see plenty of it:o or none at all(((((...Unfortunately, I did not have much luck in my trip but hope to go back, for a longer one when I get enough free time for it. The only wildlife spotted then was the head of a black seal, for a couple of seconds only, which didn't give me enough time to take a picture. Nonetheless, the cruise was pleasant, with nice views over to Fort William and Ben Nevis and all the surrounding hills. I would advise to go for the longer cruises though. The one I took was just an hour long and we did not get to go very far( .

Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge.

2008-11-06T05:35:00.000-08:00

About 10 miles North of Fort William, on the road to Inverness, lies the small village of Spean Bridge, outside of which is the Commando Memorial monument. This statue is dedicated to the forces having trained there in the early 1940's, and who have fought in the second World war.
Set on a hilltop, the memorial is a moving sight, worth a visit for the remembrance and the views towards nevis range and Aonach Mor.

Commando memorial

A view from the memorial

Highland cattle

2008-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is a sort of tribute to these beautiful animals!

They cooperate very happily when it comes to having their pictures taken as you can see in the following snapshots.

Mallaig and the road to the isles

2008-09-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

West of Fort William, the A 830, nicknamed the "road to the isles", will lead you up to Mallaig, a small fishing harbour and the starting point for the ferry to the isle of Skye.
The nickname road to the isle comes from this simple fact and also the views towards the islands of Eigg and Rum, often painted by local artists and great sights on the horizon when the sun shines over the Atlantic Ocean. The road is very scenic but quite narrow and dangerous in places, care when driving is needed in some places. Having said that, some works are done to it at the moment and it is much better than it was just a couple of years ago so do not be put off by that.
You will drive through splendid sceneries, very varied with mountains and views of the ocean.
Morar and Arisaig are other places where you can stop to admire the views.
Here are some of the photographs I have taken today.

The first three show the white sands of Morar, just of the A830, take the alternative coastal road and stop at the first lay-by. The place is nice and sheltered, and the sand here is surprisingly clear. A nice surprise one would not expect in this part of Scotland.

White sands of Morar

The next picture was taken in Mallaig, a nice little fishing village.

The harbour of Mallaig

Next are photographs taken near Arisaig, with the locally famous view towards the isles of Eigg and Rum, with their distinctive shapes on the horizon, followed by the golf course at Arisaig.

View towards Eigg and Rum

Arisaig golf course

More pictures are coming very soon, stay tuned if you are interested in discovering this great area of Scotland.

Ben Nevis distillery

2008-09-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

The Ben Nevis whisky distillery

Not a very well-known brand, but resisting commercial pressure and producing a good quality whisky, using only natural ingredients, the Ben Nevis is Fort William's local whisky, produced in the only distillery remaining in Lochaber.
The local distillery is situated on the A 82 towards Inverness. Over 175 year old, the distillery still produces blended and single malt whisky. It is possible to tour the distillery, situated at the foot of the highest hill in Great Britain...well worth visiting for those who want to know more about whisky making in general.

The distillery's website

The distillery

To find out more about whisky making ( a necessary part of your discovery of Scotland ), visit the following site: www.celtic-whisky.com
There is explained the process of making whisky, step by step, well made site...

Nevis forest, thistle

2008-08-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of photographs taken on this rainy day on the path in Nevis forest.

Thistle, a national symbol in Scotland

The well maintained path in Nevis forest, ideal for walking, running or cycling.

Neptune's Staircase, the caledonian canal

2008-08-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, I just came back from the Neptune's staircase at Banavie, near Fort William. The weather was not great but I still took some photographs there. The walk along the canal is quite pleasant with nice views over to Fort William and Nevis range. Boat lovers would enjoy the walk at busy hours and they can see some nice ships mooring at the top of the locks. The Neptune Staircase is a successiion of 8 locks, built in the early 19th century, it took over 40 years to complete.

Moorings at the top of Neptune Staircase

Corpach, the Caledonian canal

2008-08-20T02:14:00.001-07:00

A few miles west of Fort William, the small town of Corpach is where the caledonian canal starts. It joins up Fort William in the West to Inverness in the East of Scotland and provides a good shorcut for those travelling by sea from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea, straight from the West coast to the East coast of Scotland. (about 60 miles at this point)
A few miles outside Corpach, the Neptune Staircase is a series of Locks taking the canal to the level of Loch Lochy and then the famous Loch Ness.
Here is a couple of pictures taken at Corpach, at the start of the Caledonian Canal.

The first lock at Corpach

Start of the Caledonian canal

On a good day, from Corpach, there are very good views over to Ben Nevis and the Aonachs.(Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag are munros in the Nevis range ski area)

Banavie, where is the Neptune's staircase is also a good view point for Ben Nevis and the surrounding hills.

Cow Hill, easy stroll in all seasons.

2008-08-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Cow hill

For those who like to take on easy leisurely walks whilst taking in fresh air and pleasant views, the Cow Hill path around the hill behind Fort William is ideal. The path is well maintained and the views vary, from Ben Nevis and views down to Glen Nevis, to sights of Fort William and loch Linnhe. Ideal with children, the walk is 5miles( 8 kilometres) long.

The path starts either at the leisure center on Belford Road or from the Yacht club on Achintore road(A82 south).About half way, you can choose to stay on the main path or fork left or right(depending on where you started)and follow signs to the TV relay on top of Cow Hill from where you get great views down to Fort William, Loch Linnhe and loch Eil to the West and Glen Nevis to the East. The views of Ben Nevis are good from there as well with the "tourist track" winding up the hill.

The winding path to cow hill with Ben Nevis in the background

Fort William from the start of the walk

It is also possible to do the round by bike, starting at plantation if you don't feel like tackling the (very) steep bit at the start by the leisure center.

Great area for photographers.

2008-08-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Whether you like the area for its beauty and the opportunities it provides you with for hill walking, mountain biking, sailing, bird watching, climbing... or you are a photographer in search of the best snapshot, Fort William area has all you are looking for on an all year round basis. Crisp winter mornings on the loch, sunny spring skies in May, Automnal colours on the hills or bright views of the glen in summer, this place never fails to impress and the light here just keeps changing, thus giving great opportunities to get great and varied snap shots.
Photographed places around Fort William:

Ben Nevis is one of the most photographed mountain in Scotland and the views of the hill from Corpach across the loch are very changing depending on the time of the day, the season and the weather.
Glenfinnan viaduct about 15 miles outside Fort William, on the road to the isles, the Glenfinnan Monument and the viaduct are also some of the area's most famous sights, having featured in many films and not the least, in some Harry Potter's movies.
Stob Ban and Sgurr a' Mhaimm from Glen Nevis. These names might not be the most famous but the views have been made internationnally well-known by the movie Brtaveheart.
An Steall Ban waterfall. After a short walk in the Nevis Gorges, the views offered by the waterfall and the Steall meadows opening in front of you is just breathtaking and very inspiring.
Access to the Nevis Gorges is from the end of the Glen Nevis car park. Note that in winter conditions, the path is quite slippery and icy and some care is needed as there are some steep drops along the way.

Hiking near Fort William

2008-07-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Stob Ban, Mullach Nan Coirean and Sgurr an Iubhair
The walk:

At last, today we got some perfect weather for a walk around those hills. The normal walk takes you from the Lower Falls car park in Glen Nevis to Stob Ban from which you take the ridge walk to Mullach Nan Coirean and back to Glen Nevis from there. Today, I did this circular walk but added the top of Sgurr an Iubhair to it which made it an hour longer or so. Very good weather helped with the pictures but I am still a bit disappointed with them as they don't render the aerial feeling you get when on the hills. (After all, pictures can't replace the real views).

It took me about 6 hours to complete this walk. There is no major difficulty but an easy scramble to get to the summit of Stob Ban and back down to the other side. The views are great once you get to the ridge, opening towards Glencoe and Kinlochleven and Glen Nevis.
There is no dull part here (views throughout) but the descent from Mullach Nan Coirean is a bit boggy just before to reach the forest. I would recommend it on a clear day only.(the summit of Stob Ban is quite difficult to navigate, there is no very obvious path to it once you get near the top and the descent from it to Mullach Nan Coirean is not obvious either)

The pictures:

Mullach Nan Coirean from Stob Ban

Sgurr a' Mhaim from the summit of Stob Ban with the devil's ridge at the center

Clear water of the Lochan in a quiet spot between Stob Ban and Sgurr a' Mhaim

The lochan

The summit of Stob Ban from the path

The ring of Steall from the Devil's ridge. On the right, Am Bodach

Sgurr a' Mhaim from the devil's ridge

Stob Ban from Sgurr an Iubhair

A view of Stob Ban and Sgurr a' Mhaim from Mullach Nan Coirean

Ben Nevis from Caol

2008-07-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

A scottish sky

Ben Nevis playing hide and seek with the clouds.

These two pictures were taken on a clear day, the sky was blue all around except on and around Ben Nevis

Munro "Bagging"

2008-07-26T02:08:00.000-07:00

The best thing about Fort William is that it is THE place to go to if you don't own a car and want to walk up or climb as many munros as one possibly can in a week.

Munros:

Munros are the classified Scottish summit over 3000 feet (about 914m). It does not sound like very high mountains but considering each of them or almost can be climbed up from sea level or very close, you still have to have a certain level of fitness if you want to get to the top.(no need to be a very experienced hiker for most of them). Also, they all offer fantastic views over lochs, glens and other mountains. The scenery over here never fail to inspire and please.
Many British (or other) enthusiasts try to walk up as many of these munroes as they can to finally be able to say they have done them all.
In all, there is 284 munroes scattered all over the Highlands.They are called munros after sir Hugh Munro, the man who classified and conquered them all but one. He published his "Munro's tables" in the end of the XIX th century.

Around Fort William and accessible by foot from Glen Nevis are many munros.

The first of all of course is Ben Nevis(1344m), the highest of all but probably the easiest proposition.
Further in the glen, Stob Ban (999m)and Mullach Nan Coirean(939m)can be done in one day, they are both joined by a nice ridge walk.
From the very end of the glen, the Ring of Steall ridge walk covers four munros and is also done in one day by fit walkers: An Gearanach(982m), Stob Coire a Chairn(981m),Am Bodach(1032m) and Sgurr a' Mhaim(1099m).
All the hills mentioned above(except Ben Nevis) are part of the Mamores ridge.

Aonach Mor (1221m), Aonach Beag(1234m) and Carn Mor Dearg(1223m) are also accessible from Fort William.

That is a total of 10 munros to do, a nice busy week in prospect! You know where to go now.

Glen Nevis and Stob Ban

2008-07-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures taken on a rather good day, but too windy to get to the summit of Stob Ban.
Hopefully, some pictures from the top will come up soon. Meanwhile, these show the views from the very pleasant path leading up to the ridge.

All photographs show Stob Ban from the path except the last two, looking down to Glen Nevis

Rainbow

2008-07-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, here is just a little picture taken one morning at Loch Linnhe

Glen Nevis near the Lower Falls car park

2008-07-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures taken in the Glen, from the path leading to Stob Ban and the Mamores ridge.

Ben Nevis,Glen Nevis and Loch Linnhe

2008-06-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

To see the pictures I have taken in Glencoe, follow this link to my new address:www.glencoepics.blogspot.com

Version Française

Pictures of the area around Fort William

The town of Fort William is situated in the North West of Scotland, at the southern end of the Great Glen, that includes Loch Ness. ( The Great Glen stretches from Inverness to Fort William at the Caledonian Canal )Below are a few pictures of the area around the town, including some taken on the path to Ben Nevis, which is the highest hill in Great Britain.
If you want to visit a nice part of Scotland, Fort William is a good base. Hill walking, cycling, climbing, many sport activities are present around the town.

The town itself is a bit dull, with just the one high street with souvenir shops mainly and a few of the usual high street names. There is also a small leisure center with swimming pool, gym and sauna. It is quite easy to find accommodation in Fort William with many B&Bs and hotels in town.
Public transports to Fort William from Glasgow or Inverness: Regular bus services run to these two cities from Fort William. You can also go to Glasgow by train but it takes longer.

Despite its bad reputation for bad weather and a dull town center, Fort William is a nice place to spend a holiday. The proximity of Glen Nevis, Glen Coe and Ben Nevis make it the perfect place for active holidays. It has been branded the "outdoor capital of the UK". Every year, Fort William hosts a stage of the Mountain bike world cup. The competition takes place about 8 miles outside the town, where the Nevis Range center and mountain gondolas are. Also, if you feel fit enough, you could participate to the Ben Nevis race, and run up and down the hill! (time to beat: 1h30')

Below is a photographs taken in June, looking towards loch Linnhe and the west

The view below was taken from the summit in June. The view from there is really amazing on a clear day, a nice reward after a long walk.

The following pictures have been taken in Glen Nevis. The hills in the background feature in the movie "Braveheart" and you might recognize them if you have seen this movie. Glen Nevis is a great starting place for walks to the Mamores hills, including Stob Ban and Sgurr a M'haimm.

The pictures below show Loch Linnhe and the hills opposite Fort William in March

Loch Linnhe in spring

The picture below shows the path zigzaging up to the half-way lochan

The summit is covered with snow for most of the year

As you can see on the pictures above, it does not always rain in Scotland. In fact, Fort William, which is the rainiest place in the UK can be quite a pleasant place to stay when the weather is good.

The following pictures were taken in weather conditions closer to what one would expect when visiting Lochaber

Glen Nevis, looking towards the mamores

Green hills around the glen

The horseshoe shaped ridge from Stob Ban to Sgurr a M'haimm

Looking across Loch Linnhe towards Fort William

The river Nevis

River Nevis and Sgurr a m'haimm in the background

To get to the Glen Nevis, from Glasgow, follow the A82 towards Inverness until the road takes a left turn, over a bridge. At this point, just continue straight ahead at the roundabout, the scenery changes about 2miles after you leave the town.

Glenfinnan

About 15 miles from Fort William, on the road to Mallaig, stand the Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct. The viaduct is famous for featuring in Harry Potter movies and TV series. It has 21 arches and is a railway viaduct built in the end of the 19th century.
The viaduct is now a very popular tourist attraction, there is a visitor center associated with it and the Glenfinnan monument, decicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising which started in the area in 1745.

The pictures below show the Glenfinnan monument, erected in1815. The monument is at the end of Loch Shiel, in an area of great natural beauty...