Because the Scottish town of Inverness is now a city, Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands. Fort William is an amazingly popular tourist destination with many people arriving to view or climb Ben Nevis. In the article below I take a look at 3 alternative places well worth a visit if you are taking a vacation in Fort William.

The Educational 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 present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is situated in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Small but fascinating is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a fascinating look into life in the West Highlands over the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the fascinating collections of picture’s, artefact’s and photograph’s

The Excellent Old Inverlochy Castle

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

The Exciting Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exhilarating way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig trip takes one on a magical journey through the glens. One of the most sensational parts of the trip is going across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most folk|people will know thanks to the fact that it was used in the movies about Harry Potter. The 84 mile journey takes you past Loch Morar, Ben Nevis and Loch Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to discover Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has repeatedly been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the planet.

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/