The following trips and attractions are only some of the highlights our local area has to offer, as the list of things to see and do around Lochaber is almost endless. You will find further tourist information within the electronic guest information pack programmed into the Smart TV in your cabin.
And, to ensure you get the most out of your Highland holiday, and hit all the ‘must do’ activities while you are with us, we would be delighted to offer advice and assistance in planning your itinerary. In the meantime, here’s a few ideas to get you started!
Described as “The greatest railway journey in the world”, this 84-mile round trip has been immortalised as the ‘Hogwarts Express’ in the Harry Potter series of films. Starting near the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, it crosses the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct with its stunning views down Loch Sheil, before visiting Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig and passing close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar.
On a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train passes the silvery beaches of Morar, used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero," before stopping in Mallaig for around 90 mins - an ideal period to take a short cruise for some dolphin spotting. This is a very popular trip and booking is essential.
If you do nothing else whilst visiting Mallaig, you must do this! The One-Hour Wildlife Cruise has become the best attraction in Mallaig. Designed to fit in with the Jacobite Steam Train and Scot Rail timetables, this trip leaves Mallaig at 12:45 and 17:00 daily April to October returning with plenty of time for the trains back to Fort William.
The cruise departs the harbour with the isles of Skye, Rhum, and Eigg to the right. Crossing the entrance to Loch Nevis, the vessel travels to Green Island on the Knoydart Peninsula. The waters are frequently visited by a variety of birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales, and basking sharks.
The cruise boat, the MV Western Isles, has toilets and a whisky bar aboard and you are welcome to bring your own food from the Mallaig Chip Shop or a sandwich from one of the local shops.
Children under five and dogs travel free.
At 1,345 metres (4,413 ft), Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and dominates the local landscape.
Located just outside Fort William, Ben Nevis is approx. 15 mins from Stronaba Croft Cabins. The mountain is a popular destination, attracting an estimated 125,000 walkers a year, around three-quarters of which use the Pony Track from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
Whether you're an avid ambler or you just love beautiful landscapes, ‘bagging the Ben' is likely to feature near the top of your Scottish bucket list. But, remember, it’s a tough climb taking between 6 and 8 hours, with variable weather possible at the summit, so suitable clothing and a decent level of fitness is required.
The summit, which is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano, features the ruins of an observatory which was continuously staffed between 1883 and 1904. The meteorological data collected during this period is still important for understanding Scottish mountain weather.
The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is the only one of its kind in Britain and takes passengers 650m up the mountain. It was built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Britain, originally as a way to transport skiers to the slopes. The Mountain Gondola has become an amazing year-round visitor attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic ride and absorb the stunning views and clear mountain air.
It is also widely used by hill walkers to access summer routes as well as mountain bikers who ride the exciting & challenging downhill tracks and by paragliders on their journey to the clouds. There are two easy 60 to 90 min walks at the top of the Gondola with some spectacular views of the Great Glen to the north and Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil to the south. At the top of the Gondola, there is a well-stocked restaurant and bar with seating offering magnificent views of the area.
Departing from Fort William Town Pier, Crannog cruises sail on Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. Surrounded by wonderful wildlife and unique views of Ben Nevis, you'll also receive a fascinating, informative and entertaining commentary throughout from the Skipper.
This is a fantastic way to see the area and learn about its history and culture. Cruises regularly see seals, porpoise, dolphins, a whole host of birdlife, and of course the magnificent Ben Nevis – the views of which change every 5 mins throughout the cruise.
There are a range of cruises available lasting either one hour or 90 mins with the chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train speeding to and from Mallaig and a visit to Seal Island to see seals basking on the rocks. Cruise details and times are available on the link below
There are dozens, upon dozens, of walks throughout the local area and too many to try and list here! Needless to say, there are walks of all types and durations from leisurely forest tracks around Leanachan Forest to challenging mountain ridge walks across many of the local mountain ranges.
We are happy to advise on the suitability of many local walks and we recommend the excellent and informative Walk Highlands website and App as the most useful resource to help you plan any walks you wish to take
Glenfinnan is a great day trip with the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and majestic views of the mountains sweeping down across the Glenfinnan Monument to the picturesque Loch Shiel beyond. It’s around 30-minutes from Stronaba where you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Viaduct then stop at the visitor centre to learn about the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. Take the short walk to the see the lone Highlander on top of the Monument and take the dizzying climb up the tower for an unrivalled view of Loch Shiel.
One of the most picturesque churches in Scotland is located just a few minutes from the quirky Glenfinnan Station Heritage Museum where a restored Dining Car offers refreshments and the gift shop stocks an array of Glenfinnan memorabilia.
Finally, the magnificent Glenfinnan House Hotel is an exquisite spot to enjoy a leisurely traditional Scottish lunch in the most sumptuous surroundings – a great way to top off a great day out.
Springburn House Stronaba, Spean Bridge, PH34 4DX, United Kingdom
