Fort William originated in a Fort built by General Monk, during the Commonwealth, to overcome the Highlanders, and reconstructed during the reign of William III, from whom the place derives its name. From the higher areas of the town you can view Loch Linnhe in the foreground and the Ardgour hills in the distance. To the north-west is Loch Eil, to the north-east are the Lochy and Loch Nevis. Ben Nevis is also close by.
Situated south of Fort William, Glencoe is a narrow glen shut in by wild mountains, including the famous and distinctive ‘three sisters of Glencoe’.
This impressively scenic glen is commonly considered to be one of the most beautiful and historic areas in the Highlands of Scotland. Glencoe is both an beautiful holiday destination in itself and an ideal base from which to begin to explore the Scottish Highlands.
.The dramatic geology of the area is mirrored by its infamous history. On February 13, 1692, after being guests of the MacDonald clan for 10 days, clan chief Robert Campbell and 120 of his men killed over 30 of the MacDonald Clan and chased at least another 300 into the hills where many died of cold and starvation. The Glencoe Massacre quickly became a national scandal and the incident has inspired many traditional songs, folk-tales and ghost stories!
The A82 runs through Glencoe, making its beauty accessible to all, but the area is also ideal for more adventurous tourists who wish to try some of the many activities on offer. There is a wide range of walks for all abilities in the area. Other activities available in the Glencoe area include rock-climbing (both outdoor and indoor at Ice Factor, the world’s biggest indoor ice wall) mountain-biking, white-water rafting and canyoning. Information about sporting activities in the area, along with a warming ‘nip’ of whisky at the end of a long day, is available from the famous Clachaig Inn, at the bend in the glen about 3km from Glencoe village.
The Glencoe Mountain Resort is approximately 25km from the glen and, weather-dependent, provides access to a full-range of snow sports. In summer the view across Glencoe from the chair lift is breath-taking.
Gentler pursuits available in Glencoe include wildlife and bird watching, exploring some of the beautiful hidden beaches in the glen, fishing and a visit to the village of Glencoe. In the village, the National Trust for Scotland’s Glencoe Visitors Centre is an award winning ‘must see’ with a wealth of background information on the geography and history of the area. The towns of Fort William and Oban are within easy reach of Glencoe.
Glencoe has provided locations for several successful films; Rob Roy, Highlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail all filmed key scenes in the glen. Most recently, Glencoe has become home to ‘Hagrid’s Hut’ for the Harry Potter series of films making it an even more popular holiday location amongst younger tourists!
The Glencoe area offers a wide range of accommodation options. In Glencoe itself, the Clachaig Inn offers a warm welcome and also offers a choice of self-catering cottages in its grounds. The Inn also can also provide packed lunches for days out in the glen and a large drying room just in case it rains! The Glencoe Independent Hostel has an alpine bunkhouse offering budget accommodation and there are several official campsites in the area. Glencoe village offers more accommodation options from Hotels and Guest-Houses to B&Bs and self catering properties. Yet more options are available in Fort William and Oban, both with easy reach of Glencoe.
Nearby Fort William is Ben Nevis (4,418ft) the highest mountain in Britain. The actual summit of the mountain is flat and is covered with loose stones of various shapes and sizes. To the South it slopes away gradually and then very steeply into Glen Nevis.
The summit of Ben Nevis is composed of volcanic rocks, lava flows erupted as long ago as Old Red Sandstone times, and they rest on schists, a fragment of the old and surface over which they flowed. It is to be noted that the lavas are ringed round on every side by granite.
The explanation of this structure reveals an interesting phenomenon in the mechanics of igneous intrusion. The molten rock may burst its way to the surface, and give rise to a volcano; or it may simply uparch the overlying cover, and, occupying the cavity, cool quietly in situ. In this instance, however, the pressure exerted by the uprising liquid has rent the overlying roof, and a sinking block has forced the molten rock up along its margins to form the granite rings. Erosion has once more exposed the sunken roof, and the tough lavas, more durable than the granite, now tower above it and give rise to the mural precipices which form the northern aspect of the mountain.
The above phenomenon is termed a cauldron subsidence, and a second example may be cited, that of the Glencoe region.
Glencoe has a sinister reputation in Scottish history, and to the traveller it may present itself in sinister garb, its darksome carriers and gloomy recesses veiled in mist. To the lover of scenery in its wilder aspects Glencoe makes a strong appeal. The glen itself is a relic of the time when the rivers flowed east before the formation of the Great Glen Fault, but widened and deepened by glacier action. Above it tower grand mountains, Aonaeh Eagach on the one hand, on the other the 'Three Sisters of Glencoe,' and Buachaille Etive Mhor, the Herdsman of Etive. These hills are built up of lava flows contemporaneous with those of Ben Nevis.
They rest on and are almost entirely surrounded by schists and have been preserved through a cauldron subsidence the sinking of an elliptical block 9 miles long by 5 wide.
The lavas which once surrounded the cauldron, and a portion of the softer schists underlying them, have been planed away, and the resurrected fragment carved into its present form.
Guest Houses - Bed & Breakfast - Edinburgh - Glasgow - Inverness - Oban - Strathclyde Accommodation throughout Scotland
An Darag
Upper Carnoch, Glencoe,Argyll Glencoe, Fort William PH49 4HU Scotland
Peaceful Glencoe village is the setting for An Darag, with its panoramic views of the Pap of Glencoe, Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire nan Lochan. All rooms are en-suite with showers, central heating, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Hairdryers are available if needed. Breakfast is available every morning in our conservatory dining room, and the menu includes various Scottish specialities, such as haggis and oatcakes.
Anaheilt, Near Strontian Anaheilt, Fort William PH36 4JA Scotland
Welcome to An Sean Tigh – a beautifully converted original croft house, which was built at some time during the 18th century. It is situated on a working farm and has been sympathetically restored, retaining many of its original period features while offering high standard self-catering accommodation. It benefits from a private parking area and lovely views of the Highland countryside. The cottage enjoys a very peaceful location within 15 acres of farmland and is set far back from the nearest road.
Ballachulish, near Glencoe, A828 Road, Lettermore, Fort William PH49 4JD Scotland
This wonderfully comfortable and hospitable guest house lies on the shores of Loch Linnhe, amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland, with views of the serene waters of the loch and majestic mountains that flank each side. Each of our spacious guest rooms are decorated and furnished to a very high standard. All offer rooms are en-suite, with king –sized beds, televisions, hairdryers and hospitality trays.
Old Military Road, Blarmafoldach Blarmafoldach, Fort William PH33 6SZ Scotland
Brae Mhor cottage offers wonderful self-catering accommodation, with unrivalled views of Ben Nevis and the beautiful Highland countryside. We are close to Fort William and ideally located for a holiday in the lovely part of Scotland. The house was built in 2005 and offers modern facilities and comforts – a true home from home, where you are sure to have a relaxing stay.
Near Glencoe, A82 Road, Argyll, Glencoe, Fort William PH49 4HX Scotland
Situated in the heart of beautiful Glencoe, flanked on all sides by stunning mountains, the Clachaig Inn offers traditional, comfortable yet inexpensive accommodation. We have 23 en-suite bedrooms, which are a mix of single, double, twin and family accommodation, all with televisions and tea/coffee making facilities.
(2 Reviews)
Belford Road, Glen Nevis,Near Fort William Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6ST Scotland
Corrie Duff enjoys an enviable location in picturesque Glen Nevis, near Fort William. It lies at the end of the West Highland Way and is a perfect base for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find both guest house and self-catering accommodation to suit all travellers' needs.
Lettermore, Near Ballachulish, Lettermore, Fort William PH49 4JD Scotland
This delightful Victorian villa is set amidst pleasant garden grounds in Ballachulish, on the shores of Loch Linnhe. The house is surrounded by stunning scenery on all sides and has wonderful views of the loch and the Ardnamurchan hills. As befits a house of this age, every room has its own individual character but all are fully en-suite, with colour television, video, hi-fi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
(2 Reviews)
Loanfern, Ballachulish, Fort William PH49 4JE Scotland
Just over a mile from the majestic Pass of Glencoe, fifteen miles south of Fort William, you’ll find the Fern Villa Guest House, in the village of Ballachulish. Our five en-suite rooms are equipped with all the home comforts you will need for your stay. We have colour televisions, hairdryers and complimentary tea/coffee in every room.
Upper Scotstoun,Argyll, Highland, Scotstoun, Fort William PH36 4JB Scotland
This friendly and welcoming B&B is situated in six acres of open moorland at the edge of the beautiful Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Mountains flank us on two sides and we also have a wonderful view of the village of Strontian below. Your comfort is paramount and we will do our best to ensure you have an enjoyable stay.
Druimarbin A82 Road, Drimarben, Fort William PH33 6RP Scotland
The four star Huntingtower Lodge is set in a stunning hillside location overlooking Loch Linnhe in the West Highlands. All our bedrooms are well equipped with hairdryers, satellite TV, DVD, CD, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests also have access to fax, phone and a copying machine. Please feel free to relax with a drink in our comfortable lounge, with its panoramic views of the loch and the hills beyond.
Torlundy, Off A82 Road, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SP Scotland
Janny's Cottage enjoys a peaceful location in the Highland hamlet of Tomacharich. It is situated in the heart of the countryside and has panoramic views of Ben Nevis and the ski centre at Aonach Mhor. It is a traditional Scottish cottage which has been sympathetically restored to provide modern self-catering accommodation in an idyllic setting. You can access the fully furnished veranda from the lounge, where you can enjoy great views of the surrounding forest.
Lochyside, nverness-shire,Highlands Lochyside, Fort William PH33 7NX Scotland
We are situated just 2 miles north of Fort William. We have a choice of ensuite rooms with kingsize beds in the rooms. Most of the rooms enjoy magnificent views of the garden and the mountains. We have central heating, colour TV, clock/radio, a complimentary hospitality tray and hairdryer. We offer a Scottish cooked breakfast with locally produced specialities.
