Explore our local area

  • Inchree

    Just a 2 min drive along the A82 from Onich, you'll find the scenic settlement of Inchree, home to Vertical Descents outdoor activity centre. Here, visitors can indulge in a range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as canyoning, white-water rafting, bridge swinging, paintballing, kayaking. If you’re hungry (or thirsty) there is also great food at Roam West.

    Inchree waterfalls offer visitors a tranquil environment to unwind and soak in the area's captivating beauty. Follow the well-marked woodland trail, a moderate 1.6 km loop, which leads you through enchanting forests and delivers you to a series of observation platforms that boast spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

    looking down on inchree waterfall from viewing platform

  • Corran

    As a gateway to the remote and wild Ardnamurchan Peninsula, The Corran is the perfect starting point for your Highland adventure. Whether you’re off to explore hidden beaches, ancient castles, or the UK's most westerly point, your journey begins with the short and scenic ferry ride from The Corran across to the Ardgour.

    Be sure to stop at the Ardgour Brewery for fantastic local craft beer - sit-in or takeout!

    looking across the water to ardgour from corran ferry point

  • Glencoe

    As you make your way across the rugged wilderness of Rannoch Moor and descend into the glen surrounded by towering walls of rock – a product of ice age glaciers and centuries of Scottish weather – you'll feel as though you've entered a world frozen in time. Here, amidst this wild and unspoiled land, you'll find a real piece of Scottish history, as recognised by Scottish Natural Heritage.

    This is a place that has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, a world where time seems to stand still and the rush of modern life fades away. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the glen, and learn about the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692, a sombre reminder of the darker moments in Scotland's past by visiting the Glencoe Visitors Centre.

    looking down glencoe lochan with trees surrounding loch and mountains in background

Things to do

We are in Lochaber, located in the western Scottish Highlands, is known as the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK' for good reason. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers a multitude of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a rich history and culture. Here are the top 10 things to do in Lochaber for tourists:

  1. Ben Nevis Hike: Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just fancy a challenging walk, hiking up Ben Nevis is a must. The main trail is called the Mountain Track (or Tourist Path), and it's a well-marked route.

  2. Visit Glencoe: Known for its dramatic landscapes, Glencoe is a paradise for walkers, climbers, and photographers. It is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in Scotland.

  3. Take a Jacobite Steam Train ride: This scenic train journey is famous for its stunning vistas and its role as the 'Hogwarts Express' in the Harry Potter films. It travels from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.

  4. Visit Ardnamurchan Peninsula: It is the most westerly point of mainland Britain and offers breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and superb wildlife watching opportunities.

  5. Sea Kayaking and Loch Paddling: Explore the sea lochs and coastline by kayak. Paddle along the shores of Loch Linnhe or venture out to the sea lochs for a more challenging adventure.

  6. Go Mountain Biking: With a range of trails suitable for all abilities, Lochaber is a mountain biker’s dream. Check out the Witch’s Trails in Fort William and other surrounding trails.

  7. Experience canyoning in the nearby waterfalls: 5 mins away from us is the Vertical Descents adventure centre where they run a variety of water based activities

  8. Wildlife Watching: Lochaber is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. You may spot red deer, golden eagles, otters, seals, and possibly even dolphins or whales off the coast.

  9. Fishing: Lochaber is an angler's paradise, with a myriad of lochs and rivers where you can fish for salmon, trout, and other species.

  10. Visit Historical Sites: Explore the rich history of Lochaber by visiting sites like Old Inverlochy Castle, Glenfinnan Monument (which marks the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745), and the West Highland Museum in Fort William.

Lochaber is a place where you can really immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Scotland, whether through active outdoor pursuits or more relaxed explorations of the stunning scenery and history. Always check local advice and conditions before venturing into the outdoors, and make sure you are adequately prepared and equipped for your activities.

Local links to the Harry Potter films

The Lochaber region in the Scottish Highlands, in which Fort William is a major town, holds a special place in the hearts of "Harry Potter" fans due to its connections to the iconic film series. Here are some of the notable links between Lochaber and the "Harry Potter" films:

 

Glenfinnan Viaduct:

This is perhaps the most iconic Harry Potter-related site in Scotland. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct located on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, part of the Lochaber area. In the Harry Potter films, this viaduct is featured in the scenes where the Hogwarts Express is seen steaming over a tall bridge on its journey from Platform 9¾ to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The Jacobite Steam Train, which operates along this line, is a great way to experience this journey for yourself, as it closely resembles the Hogwarts Express. Tickets need to be booked in advance for this steam train, but please note there is also a regular commuter train service which travels upto Mallaig via Glenfinnan Viaduct which should be easier to book tickets for.

 

Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge:

Located in Glen Nevis, just a short drive from Fort William, Steall Falls (An Steall Bàn in Gaelic) is one of Scotland's highest waterfalls with a single drop of 120 meters (390 ft). The falls and the dramatic surrounding landscape served as a backdrop in various Harry Potter films, notably in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" during Harry's battle with the dragon in the Triwizard Tournament.

 

Loch Shiel:

Loch Shiel, which is close to Glenfinnan and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, was used as the setting for the fictional Black Lake near Hogwarts Castle in the films. In reality, this loch is a freshwater lake stretching over 19 miles, offering a stunning natural landscape. In the films, the lake features prominently in several scenes, including the Triwizard Tournament in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".

 

Rannoch Moor:

While Rannoch Moor stretches beyond Lochaber into other areas of the Highlands, some parts of this expansive, wild moorland were used as filming locations in the Harry Potter series. One memorable scene filmed here is when the Death Eaters attack the Hogwarts Express in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1".

 

Fort William:

While not a filming location itself, the town of Fort William is the starting point for the Jacobite Steam Train journey to Mallaig. This train journey is one of the most scenic in the world and served as the real-life inspiration for the Hogwarts Express journey in the Harry Potter films.

These locations in and around the Lochaber region have become pilgrimage sites for Harry Potter fans from around the world, looking to experience the magical landscapes that served as the backdrop for the beloved film series. Whether you are a Potterhead or not, these sites are worth visiting for their breathtaking natural beauty alone.