Entertainment in Fort William

Running from late December until April, the Nevis Range is the highest ski and snowboard resort in the UK. Equipped with 12 lifts, a ski and snowboard school and full equipment hire, Ben Nevis is one of the best places to be in the UK when the snow is falling. There is a good range of slopes including five black, seven green and over 20 blue and red, plus plenty of off-piste skiing for those looking for something more challenging. And, just 15 minutes by car from our Fort William hotel, you can be there for first tracks in the morning!

Whether you fancy canoeing, kayaking, sailing or white water rafting, or you want to try your hand at the truly out there – yes, canyoning, we’re talking about you – you’ll find it all and more in and around Fort William. The nearby lochs and rivers are perfect for lazy days canoeing, or you can hire a sea kayak and head out into Loch Linnhe. For more adrenaline-fuelled fun, head to the Lochaber region and take on one of their tricky white-water routes or take the plunge, literally, by trying your hand at canyoning where you jump, slide, climb and swim your way downstream while kitted out in a hard-hat, wetsuit and life jacket.

If you’d rather stay dry and warm, and don’t mind a bit of mud, the Fort William area is amazing for mountain biking and cycling. From gentle routes that take in the incredible scenery along forest routes and canals to some of the toughest routes that attract the world’s best bikers, the region has lots to offer. Lochaber is home to the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup held at the start of June, and you can also take your mountain bikes up the Nevis Range gondola and descend their 2,150ft track.

Founded in 2004, Belladrum has quickly become a Scottish music institution hosting A-list names including Ed Sheeran, Primal Scream and Paloma Faith. Now a three-day, multi-stage festival held every August, it’s located around 50 miles away on the edge of Inverness and is known for its setting in the woods and its Italian Garden amphitheatre as much as it is for its line-up that spans indie, pop and dance music.

Billed as ‘one of the best short walks in Scotland,’ this two-hour round trip takes in the awesome Steall Falls and the jaw-dropping steep drops of Nevis Gorge. Start at the Upper Glen Nevis Car Park and follow the signposts for the three-mile route that climbs 200m. The path is well walked, but there is some rocky terrain so wear sensible shoes and bring a picnic. And, if the weather gods are smiling and it’s sunny in west Scotland, head under the Steall Falls for the most refreshing shower you’ve ever had!