CLOG Visit to Fort William

This visit, capably organised by Elaine, Jim and Yvonna, and ably supported by walk organisers, car drivers and many more, was based in Fort William, the largest centre in the West Highlands. There were so many things to do - whatever the weather - that a return visit should certainly be considered. Ben Nevis, UK's highest mountain just next door, beckoned with its good views and snowy challenges. The West Highland Way gave us the dramatic highland grandeur viewed from a more leisurely lower altitude. One of the World's Greatest Railway Journeys from Fort William to Mallaig, (the western part of the West Highland Line), as well as the Scottish Islands, pleasant tranquil coves and ancient castles, gave those seeking gentler activities further must-see-and-do attractions.

The longest day of the year is less than a month away and we are enjoying our visit to the summit of Ben Nevis. Snow? Well, it's Britain's highest mountain after all!

We met well the challenge that a quick alternation between brilliant blue sky and highland rain gave us, and were able to enjoy to the full the numerous interesting aspects that the West Highlands offered us.

On the Isle of "Muck" (Gaelic for "porpoise"), the single 1.5 mile long road (or track) links Port Mor with the hamlet of Gallanach. This road offers splendid views of Rum and also beyond to Skye.

The restaurants on last year's CLOG visit (2010) to Ullapool and Gairloch were very good. In contrast, I am echoing a guidebook to Fort William, when I say that art of eating out in Fort William is probably still in the ascendancy. However, the good food stores in Fort William meant that self-catering was an excellent and less expensive alternative, regularly espoused by many of us.

What we see on "The Road to the Isles".
Picturesque tree-studded islands in Loch nan Uamh.

What you will see here

The pictorial descriptions that follow, echo my experiences. It is in the time-honoured nature of CLOG holidays that we can all exercise our own agendas, which will invariably intermesh nicely with those of our travelling companions.

So this is what's in store for you on these pages. Enjoy your browse!

May 24, Tuesday : Arrival
May 25, Wednesday : Glen Nevis
May 26, Thursday : Fort William to Kinlochleven
May 27, Friday : Ben Nevis
May 28, Saturday : Glencoe to Kinlochleven
May 29, Sunday : The Great Glen & Parallel Roads
May 30, Monday : Glenfinnan & Castle Tioram
May 31, Tuesday : Iron Road to the Isles
June 01, Wednesday : All Good Things come to an End

Walk Features: Maps & Heights

Many Thanks!

Contact, Copyright & "Readme"

Many Thanks!

Once again, especial thanks to Elaine, Jim and Yvonna who freely drew on their time, resources and experience, to give us all a memorable must-visit-again holiday in a splendid location. Thanks, of course, also to Jim and other event organisers and car drivers who all played their part in this fantastic trip.

We had a full agenda, including Ben Nevis (must do!) and Glen Nevis. We covered parts of the West Highland Way, on our walks from Fort William to Kinlochleven and Glencoe to Kinlochleven. The Caledonian Canal and the "Parallel Roads" were also on our schedule. And no visit would have been complete without a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the view across to Loch Shiel - where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed. We also went off the beaten track to visit Tioram Castle (rems of!), and Kentra Bay. I also managed to complete one of the "Greatest Railway Journeys of the World", by taking the Iron Road to The Isles, travelling to Mallaig and then taking the boat from Mallaig to the "Porpoise Isle".

A very memorable several days away!