Holiday in Fort William

maccaz

Hi All
My Dad has always wanted to go to Scotland for a holiday, he's 88 now so I thought it's now or never.
We're from Tyrone in the Northern Ireland and are going over for a week in at the end of August.
I've booked a place in Fort William for a week.

Anyway my question is can you recommend anything that we should do. Please bear in mind that the mobility of my Mum & Dad isn't great so climbing Ben Nevis is definitely out

He's always loved what the shows on TV like Coast to Coast etc... that show the scenery of Scotland, I'm thinking a day to one of the islands would be great.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

mooomin

You could take the train to Mallaig:

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/Jacobite_Details.html

Although I haven't taken the train from Fort William to Mallaig, I've driven it and the scenery is stunning.

mooomin

I also found this: http://www.goscotlandtours.com/timberbush-tours/fort-william/eilean-donan-skye-tour.html

This is a trip from Fort William to the Isle of Skye and is a full day tour.

maccaz

Thanks Flyin_fresian, I had seen something about the train, I'm a big Harry Potter fan so will have to give it a go.

Will have a look at the websites tomorrow, thanks again

welda

There are also boat tours up the Caledonian Canal, head for Corpach and Neptunes Steps for tours.

Although a bit of a drive, from Fort Bill, Castle Tioram (chee-rum) is a sedate place to visit, weather dependant of course.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Castle+Tioram+Moidart&hl=en&ll=56.784308,-5.828108&spn=0.002615,0.014613&sll=56.798857,-5.818269&sspn=0.005229,0.02105&t=h&z=17

Glenfinnan Viaduct if a Potter fan http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=glenfinnan+viaduct&hl=en&ll=56.870528,-5.436033&spn=0,0.0421&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.562655,43.110352&t=h&z=15&layer=c&cbll=56.870528,-5.436033&panoid=KldKQ92S2Z0txeH90Unpkw&cbp=12,32.57,,2,0.69

Tigsteroonie

Whilst he can't climb Ben Nevis, he could go up in the cable car ... Well, strictly speaking is Aonach Mor but it's in the Nevis Range!

If you can get down to Oban (drive or bus), you can go on the ferry to Mull, plenty of coach tours available once on the island.

welda

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

If you can get down to Oban (drive or bus), you can go on the ferry to Mull, plenty of coach tours available once on the island.

Corrine ferry, then drive down to Lochaline, then over to Fishnish (with car, no booking required) not be quicker than & cheaper than Oban to Craiganure?

Always_Harassed

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

Whilst he can't climb Ben Nevis, he could go up in the cable car ... Well, strictly speaking is Aonach Mor but it's in the Nevis Range!

If you can get down to Oban (drive or bus), you can go on the ferry to Mull, plenty of coach tours available once on the island.

If you are lucky with the weather the sailing from Oban to Mull is absolutely wonderful. The trip on to Tobermory is fine but if its a good day and your dad has mobility issues he might like to stay on the ferry and come back again.

ninnoodle

The Arnamurchan peninsula west of Fort William is just stunning. You can drive the long way round or get a short ferry across (with your car). It is a lovely drive and would showcase some beautiful scenery. It has the most westerly tip of mainland Great Britain that you can drive out to, which is a crazy drive but well worth it: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kilchoan/ardnamurchanpoint/index.html
It is also on the same road (I think) as Sanna Bay which is truly the most stunning beach I've ever come across - it is breathtaking, with views across to the islands of Rhum, Muck and Eigg. http://www.sannabay.co.uk/

ninnoodle

Ooh, also don't forget the drive through Glencoe! Stunning!

pogofish

Yes - I second Ardnamurchan, beautiful place.

Glencoe is stunning but can get very busy. Turn right at the top and head down Glen Etive tho - Beautiful place.

Also drive down to Port Appin - There is a great pub right at the pier end in Port Appin and you can get the foot ferry over to Lismore, a small island, stapped with history and a stunning outlook all round.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/appin/portappin/

The Sea Life Centre on the road to Oban is a good place to visit, as is the Inverawe Fisheries - Even if you don't fish, the walks around here through mature mixed woodland are excellent and even if you just have a cup of tea at the shop, the birdlife that comes to feed feet away from you is fantastic:

http://www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk/


And I can highly reccomend the Nevis Bakery in Fort William (or Oban), Steak pies to die for!