Sites of Interest

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl

Visit the picturesque Blair Castle, one of the biggest historical attractions in the area. Blair Castle's history extends over 700 years. 55 miles; 1 hour 40 minute drive.

Rare Opportunity: Watch Salmon Swimming, Pitlochry

Watch salmon swimming up the river on their way to the spawning grounds. In Pitlochry Power Station and Dam, you can view the spectacle through two glass panels. Visitor Centre open April - June & September & October Monday - Friday 10:30am - 5:30pm; July & August open daily; Admission £3. 62 miles; 1 hour 45 minute drive.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry

Attend a theatre production at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, established in 1951. Productions staged in summer season (March - October) and winter weekends. 62 miles; 1 hour 45 minute drive.

Edradour Distillery, Pitlochry

Edradour, Scotland's smallest (and one of its most charming) distilleries, is a traditional distillery that still does the entire process onsite. 62 miles; 1 hour 45 minute drive.

Highland Folk Museum, Kingussie and Newtonmore

The Highland Folk Museum is a living history museum that brings to life old Highland traditions. 32 miles; 1 hour drive.

Spean Bridge Mill, Spean Bridge

Wide selection of Scottish gifts, as well as a café. 24 miles; 50 minute drive.

Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge

Monument commemorating the WWII soldiers who trained in the area. Around the memorial are magnificent views of Ben Nevis. One mile from Spean Bridge. 24 miles; 50 minute drive.

Ben Nevis, Fort William

Climb the highest mountain in Great Britain, Ben Nevis (4,406 feet)! Be prepared for snow - even in the summer. Alpine equipment is a must for the four hour hike. Stop by the Ben Nevis visitor centre for more information: daily Easter to mid-May & October 9am - 5pm; mid-May to end Sept 9am - 6pm; 1.5 miles southeast of Fort William along the Glen Nevis road, bus #42 from An Aird in Fort William. 35 miles; 1 hour 15 minute drive.

Summer Gondola Rides, Fort William

Take a ride on Britain's only mountain gondola system for a bird's eye view of the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and surrounding areas. Self-service restaurant at the top. 30 miles; 1 hour drive.

Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit

One of Scotland's most popular attractions is Urquhart Castle, a medieval fortress on the banks of Loch Ness. 65 miles; 1 hour 45 minute drive.

Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre, Drumnadrochit

While in Drumnadrochit, don't miss the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre, open 365 days per year with multilingual presentation. 65 miles; 1 hour 50 minute drive.

Ben Nevis Distillery, Fort William

Tour one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, located at the foot of Ben Nevis. Tour concludes with a complementary tasting. 35 miles; 1 hour drive.

Suggested Day Trip Itineraries

Glenfinnan Day Trip

Take the train to Glenfinnan and witness the 21-arched Loch nan Uamh viaduct, built in 1901. Next to the station is a quaint restaurant, the Dining Car - call ahead to ensure it is open (+44 (0)1397 722 300). Visit the Station Museum (June - Sept daily 9:30am - 4:30pm; 50p). At Glenfinnan, view the Glenfinnan Memorial, one of Scotland's most famous monuments. Bonnie Prince Charlie managed to inspire the confidence and support of the loyal clansmen at this point, where they rallied in support of the Stewart monarchy after the defiant raising of the Royal Standard on 19 August 1745. A visitor centre across the street provides a detailed account. 47 miles; 1 hour 40 minute drive; 1 hour 30 minute train ride.

Fort William Day Trip

On your way, visit the Ben Nevis Visitors' Center - their child-friendly exhibit is entertaining and informative. Later, stop at the Spean Bridge Mill, just outside of Fort William, for all of your souvenir needs. While in Fort William, you can go bowling at The Nevis Centre, or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants on the pedestrian friendly main road.

Pitlochry & Blair Atholl

Tour Blair Castle, watch salmon swimming to their spawning grounds through the windows of the Pitlochry Power Station, or tour Edradour, Scotland's smallest and most traditional distillery. 62 miles; 1 hour 45 minute drive. Finish the day at The Old Armoury (+44 (0)1796 474 281) or the Killiecrankie Hotel restaurant for excellent, traditional Scottish fare.

Strathspey Steam Railway, Fort William

View some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery from an historic steam train. This particular line was featured in Harry Potter. Trains from Fort William to Maillaig. 34 miles; 1 hour 15 minute drive.

Cairngorn Mountain Railway, Aviemore

Ride the highest mountain railway in the UK. 50 miles 1 hour 30 minute drive.