Outdoor activities in Fort William

Wild West - Wildlife safaris and scenic tours in wild places Wild West offer a selection of wildlife safaris and Scenic tours based in the Lochaber area. See Scotland's " Big Five", Photograph red deer or discover the landscapes and legends of the Scottish highlands.  The following is a selection of safaris and scenic tours available with Wild West  BOOK NOW The Big Five Scotland’s big five of golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter and harbour seal can all be found within 25 miles of Fort William and on this safari, it’s possible to see them all on the same day.  The trip runs every Wednesday and includes a 2 hour cruise on Loch Shiel, taking you into the heart of some of Scotland’s wildest country. Cruises/boat trips can be included in full day safaris on other days, by request. Cost: Adults £94.00, Child £57.00 Book online at Wild West - The Big Five Photo safaris Wild West guide Ian MacLeod is an experienced semi professional photographer. Red deer photo safaris are a speciality with groups of deer gathering close to the roads in quiet glens over the winter, with spectacular backdrops. Safaris to photograph other species or landscapes can also be arranged.  All photo safaris are offered on a private basis. Cost: £175.00 for a four hour trip, up to 6 people depending on subject. Find out more... The Wee Safari For those just looking for a taster in wildlife watching close to their base Wild West offer scheduled safaris on Monday and Thursday afternoons and Lochaber. We find red deer and seals on most trips and regularly spot otters Trips last 3.5 - 4 hours Cost: Adult £39.00, under 16 £24.00 Book online The Wee Safari  Deer rut From late September until the end of October one of the highlights of the wildlife calendar, the red deer rut takes place. During this period the stags compete to mate with groups of hinds in a testosterone charged spectacle. Rut safaris are available daily throughout this period with the option of a dawn trip to catch the best of the action. Cost: Adult £39.00, under 16 £24.00  Book your rut safari Landscapes and Legends Wild West offer a selection of Scenic and historical tours throughout the Lochaber region, starting from Fort William. Stand in the remains of an ancient volcano, hear tales of terrible massacres, follow int he footsteps of the stars or simply listen to the silence. For more details of these trips and to book, visit Wild West' Landscapes and legends.  BOOK NOW OR ENQUIRE If you don't see what you are looking for in the choices above, please ask. Wild West happy to help you develop your own unique wildlife safari or scenic tour

If you are looking for a Ben Nevis Mountain Guide, Adventure Nevis is a Scottish-based guiding service offering classic mountain days on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing at 1,344 metres. The Ben Nevis mountain footpath ascent - 6 to 8 hours - is ideal for public, private and charity groups. For the slightly more experienced walker, Ben Nevis via the CMD arete - 8 to 10 hours - is a fantastic mountaineering experience. Adventure Nevis is owned and operated by Peter Khambatta. Peter has over 20 years' experience and holds both Summer and Winter Mountain Leader Awards. To check availability and to tell me about yourself or group, please complete the form below. I look forward to hearing from you.

The centre's position offers exceptional facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels. The Lochaber & Fort William area bounded by an extensive coastal & marine environment. Snowgoose Mountain Centre is surrounded by safe water with easy access to the sheltered tidal waters of Loch Linnhe and access to the open sea down the length of Loch Linnhe beyond Corran Narrows. SEA KAYAKING In the Lochaber area there is a truly amazing variety of inland lochs and coastline offering wide selection of sea kayak trips - offering everything from sheltered paddling journeys on placid lochs with lots of islands to discover, to open tidal water with fast tidal currents. Our beginner sea kayak sessions on Loch Linnhe are a gentle introduction to the effects of paddling on tidal waters. The inland lochs of Loch Lochy and Loch Sheil are also excellent locations for sea kayaking. A little further away protected by hundreds of small tidal islands (known as skerries) is the coastline surrounding Arisaig bay. An ideal spot to begin an adventure. This area is home to a huge variety of marine wildlife with a fair weather option to paddle up the coastline towards Mallaig with fantastic views out the Inner Hebrides. RIVER KAYAKING Our novice kayaking sessions, courses & holidays are initially based on the sheltered open inland waters of Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy, or Loch Shiel                                With a more experience we can easily progress to the moving water of the rivers Lochy, Oich, and later to the amazing white water of the Roy, Spean, etc. Our favourite spot for beginners on moving water is on Loch Lochy in a wide sheltered open bay with visiting ospreys in the summer – along with small rapids tumbling down from Loch Arkaig a few miles above. Based on the short steep side of the country we have good local access to excellent Grade 111 and above white water rivers which are largely spate in nature, some of which are quite technical in nature. This gives excellent training opportunities for intermediate and advanced white water paddling in a unique environment. OPEN CANOEING. These basic skills sessions are based inland on the more sheltered  Loch Lochy or the tidal waters of Loch Linnhe with also excellent locations to learn the skills of open canoe journeying, for day paddles or with an over night wild camping stop.There are excellent opportunities for overnight expeditions for those with a little more experience - we regularly venture further a field to the tidal waters of Loch Moidart – paddle the Rough Bounds into Arisaig; Loch Sheil; Loch Oich and Loch Arkaig. All of this as well as guided open canoe trips over the 70 mile long Caledonian Canal on the Great Glen Canoe Trail – this being one of the favourites. The idyllic River Oich and Loch Lochy are excellent for an introduction to river paddling in an open canoe  learning  to raft up effectively, lining & poling as well as the opportunity to canoe sail on more advanced courses DINGHY SAILING We have a small fleet of 16' Devon Yawls & 21’ keeled Flying 15 dinghies which can take 4 students plus an instructor. These are all weather dinghies which are fun to sail but also fast and responsive for single handed sailing or a family day out.   There are several options available for Dinghy Sailing with our experienced Instructors from ½ day taster sessions for all the family to 2-3 day sailing & boat handling courses.By the end of a 2 day Beginners course you will have experienced handling the dinghy, sail handling, rope work, be aware of safety on board and  be able to sail as a crew in light winds under supervision. There will be hands on experience of:| The dinghy and its main parts; Basic boat handling – how to sail in all wind directions; Launching & recovery;  weather & meteorology. CANOE AND KAYAK HIRE & THE GREAT GLEN CANOE TRAIL Snowgoose Mountain Centre is well placed at the extreme SW end of the Caledonian Canal for the recently opened Great Glen Canoe Trail. This offers a great opportunity to canoe or kayak along the spectacular Caledonian Canal which runs for nearly 70 miles from near Fort William to Inverness along the very varied stretches of canal as well as the wide open waters of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness (which are classed as inland seas).We provideGuided canoe & sea kayak trips along the Great Glen Canoe Trail as well as 2 - 5 day expeditions in other fantastic remote and wild locations on the west coast of Scotland. We do not hire our boats to inexperienced paddlersFull open canoe, sea & river kayak hire / outfitting packages including paddles, buoyancy aids, barrels, BDH bottles, dry bags, trolley wheels, etc.  Full camping & expedition equipment hire - plus full information on the best campsites & local services.A full shuttle service for boats & gear to the end of the finish of the Canoe Trail and elsewhere - and free drop of to the top of Neptune's Staircase at Banavie to all our hire customers.  Locally based paddling information and advice when you arrive with us - based on over 30 years of local paddling experience.

GLENGARRY HIGHLAND GAMES usually the first Saturday in July - please confirm details with the organisers. Invergarry Shinty Field 1pm-5pm A traditional Highland Games with Heavy, Track and Field events, Hill Race and childrens races. Tug'o'war, Highland Dancing and the Lochaber Pipe Band. Childrens Mini Games, Pet Dog Show and many trade/ side stalls and attractions. Adult £5.00 Child 50p Concessions £2.00 FREE PARKING Contact; Mrs Alison Donald 01809 511260 [email protected] The Glengarry Highland Games has history going back to the events held by the 15th Chieftain of the Clan MacDonnell in the late 18th and early 19th century. He was the last of the traditional Chieftains before the Estate was sold to the Ellice family and there is evidence of the Games continuing till after the second World War in various locations round Invergarry. These early Games placed great emphasis on feats of strength, and one event provoked criticism when contestants had to tear the limbs off a dead cow! The modern Games date from 1972 and are forever linked with the names of Fred MacAllan, Alistair and Sandy MacRae, Jimmy Paterson and others who revived the Games, and the local laird, Russell Ellice who donated the present field to the community. Glengarry Shinty Club was revived at the same time and they and their Ladies Teams have gone from strength to strength, many of who help with the Games, and afterwards there are Shinty matches including the McBain cup. The Games are supported by many businesses working in the area and proceeds go to local charities. The W.R.I provide teas for the committee and guest. The Glengarry Heritage Centre, located in the Community Hall can provide more History of the Games and the area of Glengarry.

Holes: 9. Par: 68. SSS: 65. Length: 5038 Probably one of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland! In the heart of Glencoe, located not far from Ballachulish and about 12 miles south of Fort William, the Dragon's Tooth is a magnificent, woodland course set below a 3,000+ foot mountain. Hotels and excellent restaurants nearby. Golf Club hire available. We have an excellent Clubhouse and cafe operated by enthusiastic people. Visit Fort William also recommends Traigh Golf Course at Arisaig, a beautiful scenic course by the sea. There is also a good course just north of Fort William and at Spean Bridge.

The Fort William Marathon is a new marathon for the Lochaber area. This new marathon is a multi-terrain route starting and finishing at Nevis Range. The course takes in the sights of Leanachan Forest, the old railway viaduct, General Wade's High Bridge, The Commando Memorial, Caledonian Canal, and of course Ben Nevis.

Choosing a cycle tour is a unique (and we think the best!) way to discover Fort William, and the Highlands beyond. The Carter Company offers a stunning 8 night guided cycling holiday, with set departure dates, which starts and ends in Fort William. The Scottish Highlands are world renowned for their stunning scenery and the west coast, where this tour begins, features peaceful and idyllic lochs, majestic mountains in Ben Nevis, the dramatic Glencoe Pass, and a coastline dotted with a myriad of islands. The Outer Hebrides are some of the most remote, with astonishingly beautiful white sandy beaches and isolated dwellings. Linked by a string of ferry hops, the tour also featured the inner Hebridean island of Skye before returning to the mainland town of Fort William. You might think that, alas, this is not the place for gentle cycling. And you would be correct - but for the vehicle support we provide as part of this guided tour. We have created an itinerary where you can avoid cycling any big, or even medium, sized hills and any main roads. We are very pleased with the route we have designed and its close historical links with the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie, its blend of castles, local crafts, fishing culture and seafood and its unsurpassed landscapes. We know that you will be pleased too - this is a unique experience not to be missed! On this tour, you will cycle with your Scottish host and guide who will share his local knowledge and make sure a fun time is had by all. Our driver will be sweeping your route and providing vehicle support along the way as well as fixing any bike problems and generally adding to the fun.

Learn to take better digital photographs on one of our photography courses. Digital photography is a fantastic, well-developed medium for capturing great photographs and video. Its never been easier to take good photos - with a little help and advice. I offer personal One-2-One photography courses, tuition and excursions in and around the Fort William and Ben Nevis area to anyone who wishes to learn more about their digital camera, and who wants to take better photographs. If your interest is in landscape photography or video; portrait photography or outdoor sports photography, I can help you get the best out of your camera. Each field trip can be tailored to suit individual needs. I can arrange 2-3 hour photography field trips for up to 3 persons. If you have a DSLR camera and a tripod, one of my short photography courses could be just for you. If you don't have a DSLR just yet, I can provide advice about these and offer you the chance to take photos with a Canon 5D and a variety of lenses and equipment. Photography Field Trip for 1 person: £85.00 Photography Field Trip for 2 persons: £150.00 Photography Field Trip for 3 persons: £195.00 During the photography field trip I will show you how to control camera aperture and shutter speeds; help you understand how to work with depth of field; understand working with different focal length lenses; show you how to improve photo composition; demonstrate how to tweak your photographs afterwards. I can provide Gift Vouchers if you would like to gift a Photography Field Trip for a friend or relative. If you would like to book B&B or self catering in a superb photo location, and at the same time as your field trip, I can provide this at our well established Woodside B&B Fort William. I can offer two ensuite bedrooms, a personalised breakfast of your choice and private, secluded parking - plus a view of Ben Nevis to die for...

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race combines yachting and mountain running and cycling into one of the greatest adventure challenges in British sport. Five team members are allowed, comprising a combination of sailors and runners, their aim is to sail from Barmouth, on the Welsh coast, to Fort William in Scotland, via Caernarfon and Whitehaven, climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis on the way. Sailing through some of the Scotland's most beautiful and sometimes wildest, scenery, the final leg ends with the shortest and steepest run of the entire race finishing at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. The entire race involves a total of 389 miles of difficult coastal sailing, 26 miles of cycling and 72 miles of running, with approximately 14,000 feet of ascent, including 2000 feet between Ennerdale and Scafell Pike, to reach the highest points in Wales, England and Scotland. Set in 2002 the race record stands at 2 days 14 hours and 4 minutes but teams have until 1800 on Saturday to finish the race. Generally most teams make the end of race party on Thursday evening, competitors sometimes opting to complete the Ben Nevis run the following morning. The Three Peaks Yacht Race attracts some of the world's best sailors and runners, as well as teams who hope just to complete the course, which is a considerable achievement in its own right. The 2011 race starts from Barmouth on Saturday June 25th and the 2012 race on Saturday June 16th. Boats arrive in Corpach from around the Tuesday after the start.

If biking is your thing then lets hang out on our bikes in the Outdoor Capital. Only £95 per person for a day of guided fun and instruction on your bike.

We offer a range of all-inclusive hobby-based and creative leisure breaks in some of the most stunning locations on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Staying at top quality hotels, enjoy a few days indulging in your passion, hobby or artistic profession. Workshops are being added all the time, but include ceramics, photography, writing, machine embroidery, painting, batik, felting, stitching, bushcraft and more! Why not build a longer family or group holiday around one of our courses? All workshops are led by enthusiastic professionals with proven expertise in their field, who will lead you through their subject with skill, patience and fun! Class sizes are kept small, and most workshops are suitable for all levels of ability. Specific subjects or formats can be created for groups. Take inspiration from our beautiful landscape, and treat yourself to some quality creative "me-time"!

Board Souter’s Lass for a wonderful cruise down Loch Linnhe and enjoy the breath-taking scenery of Lochaber. With our unique and informative skipper’s commentary, you may well see some of Scotland’s best wildlife including the family of porpoise who live in Loch Linnhe, salmon, common and grey seals, heron, red deer, otter and maybe even a golden eagle. You will also cruise past Britain’s tallest mountain and appreciate one of the most unique views of the southern slopes of Ben Nevis. From March to October cruises depart daily at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm; numbers and weather permitting. Call 01397 700174 to book. Prices are £15 per adult and £7.50 per child. A Family ticket is £42.00. Children under 5 go free. During the summer we also provide evening cruises, so you can enjoy the same sites of Lochaber while the sun sets. In 2015 these will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm. Souter’s Lass benefits from a comfortable and spacious all-weather viewing lounge with a bar serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, plus handy restrooms, which means that everything you need for a great trip is onboard. Use the contact form below to get in touch with any enquiries.