The Highlands

Fort William

Ahhh, the Scottish Highlands. It’s one of my favorite places so I’m sure there will be more posts to come, but let’s start with Fort William.

A few years ago, Zac and I rented a cottage in Glencoe and absolutely adored it so I knew I wanted to visit again as soon as possible after the move. We decided on Fort William this time because we wouldn’t have a car and being in town gives better access on foot. And for anyone reading – no, we won’t have a car over here because no one needs me driving on the other side of the road…

Life is slower here, in the best way, with a focus on being outdoors. It felt like we were in a mountain town in Colorado with all the hikers around town; the population is around 10,500 with about a dozen or more outdoor shops and a pop-up Patagonia truck on main street. I think the Boulder-ites would approve.

It’s also off season in February, so several local spots were closed and there weren’t as many tourists (which just meant more space at the pub for us!). We spent our time walking along Loche Linnhe, hiking Cow Hill trail, and trying different whiskies to keep warm.

The train took a little over five hours (versus a three-hour drive), with a change in Glasgow. I’m sure you’ve heard me rave about public transportation over the years, and man I missed riding trains through the countryside. Especially with the bag o’ snacks I always have.

Fort William is a hub for all things outdoors (as previously mentioned), and is home to the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. You can see it trying to peak through the clouds in the “Cow Hill Trail” photo above. We agreed to come back for that climb because even Cow Hill had mudslides that forced us to vault and limbo fallen trees. Update on my white Nikes = they are no longer white. I really have no idea why I continue to buy white clothing.

We’ve taken the whole whisky thing very seriously and toured Ben Nevis Distillery. While Zac leans towards peated whiskies, I prefer not being punched in the face and was happy to find a couple smooth, easy drinking options. I’ll try for another post specifically re: Scottish whisky because there are over 140 distilleries in Scotland.

All in all, this weekend was a great weekend to get out out of the city and enjoy the countryside. I absolutely want to visit in the summer to get outdoors even more, though I’m told the Highlands have become very popular/busy nowadays. We’re trekking out to the Isle of Skye in June so I’m sure we’ll be in the mix of it then. Until next time, Fort William!