Now that Inverness is no longer a town (it's a city) Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland. Fort William is an incredibly popular tourist center with many folk appearing to climb or view Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain. In the article below I talk about a few different attractions well worth visiting if you are staying in Fort William.
The Highly Educational West Highland Museum
Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. 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 located 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 delightful look into the way of life in the West Highlands over the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the magnificent collections of artefact's, picture's and photograph's
The Superb Old Inverlochy Castle
There are two Inverlochy Castle's in Fort William, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the newer Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, erected in nearby Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been constructed between 1270-1280, by John "the Black" Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Even though the castle is ruined, 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 remains an important part of English and Scottish history, because of the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640's.
The Exquisite Jacobite Steam Train
An excursion on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an awe inspiring way to experience the enchanting scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the port of Mallaig journey takes you on a breathtaking ride through the glens. One of the most exciting parts of the trip is traveling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of travelers will recognize thanks to the fact that it has appeared in the films about Harry Potter. The 84 mile journey takes you past Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to explore Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has frequently been declared, 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/
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