Ever since Inverness became a city Fort William has been the largest town in the Highlands. Fort William is a massively popular tourist center with a great many people arriving to climb or just view Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the article that follows I discuss a small number of different places well worth a visit if you are taking a weekend break in Fort William.

The Thought Invoking West Highland Museum

The West Highland Museum in Fort William was founded in 1922. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The current building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is situated in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how some people describe the museum. The collections in the museum present a fascinating insight into life in the West Highlands throughout the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the superb collections of photograph’s, artefact’s and picture’s

The Historic Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the newer Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, constructed in the village of Torlundy (which is now a luxurious hotel). The Old castle was said to have been constructed between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Although the castle is in ruins, the layout has not altered much since it was first erected. Lord Abinger made alterations and enhancements to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of English and Scottish history, due to the part it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exciting way to experience the enchanting scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the port of Mallaig journey takes one on a magical trip through the glens. One of the most sensational parts of the ride is going across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of travelers will be familiar with because of the fact that it was used in the movies of the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends. The 84 mile excursion takes you past Loch Nevis, Loch Morar and Ben Nevis, with a stop in Glenfinnan before reaching Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to explore Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has repeatedly been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World.

There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/