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 10:30 AM—5:30 PM; July & August open daily; £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 commemortaing 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 if to ensure it's open (01397 722300). Visit the Station Museum (June - Sept daily 9:30am - 4:30pm; 50p). At Glenfinnan, view the Glennfinnan 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 (01796474281) or the Killiecrankie Hotel restaurant for excellent, traditional Scottish fare.
Strathspey Steam Railway, Fort William
View some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery from a historic steam trains. 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 |
