A long distance walking trip taking you from Milngavie in Glasgow through some knockout scenery to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis.
We took six days to do this last July and some parts of the walk were quite challenging, particularly ascending the Devil's Staircase at Glencoe, and descending Conic Hill into Balmaha (which most people seemed to do on their derrieres!) Despite having spent a small fortune on midge repellent, rain macs and waterproof trousers, we didn't come across one midge and only had an hour of rain in the whole week.
Walking into Glencoe in blistering sunshine is a memory I don't think will ever leave me, but some of our highlights of the trip were the very well deserved pints at the end of a long walking day! The best of these was at the Drover's Inn in Inverarnan, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Formerly an inn for the highland cattle drovers, it hasnt been decorated in centuries. A roaring fire, amazing steak pie and a folk band had us staying there til the wee hours, despite our 10 mile hike the next day.
Lowlights included a sleep-free night at the Rowardennan YHA, an otherwise beautiful old house on the banks of Loch Lomond, less enticing when trying to kip in a room full of snoring hikers. The best night's sleep we had was in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. About half way into our week, this little hotel had all the mod cons we needed, including a bath, which at that point seemed heaven sent.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable challenge that I'd do again in a heart beat. Take walking poles and compeed blister plasters, be prepared for changeable weather and you'll have a great time.

www.west-highland-way.co.uk/

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Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the British Isles – you cannot be serious?! For a not so experienced walker it’s a truly terrifying prospect. But it can be done. Tackling it with an experienced and fully qualified mountain leader and first aider, my fears were quelled. The guide, Gary, was reassuring and patient, and the sheer joy of reaching the summit is as incredible as the surrounding landscape. Knowing that you are with a professional who has done this many times before is invaluable. I won’t lie; it is hard and scary at times, but worth every penny, digestive biscuit and blister. It will rain, the sun will shine, you will be cold and you will get boiling hot. But when you reach the top, around seven or eight hours later, you will feel literally on top of the world.

www.serenventures.com/BenNevis.htm
Adventure Centre, Vicarage Road, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0AD
+44(0)1690 710754
Google map: bit.ly/GVw1mM

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Àite Cruinnichidh is a hostel on the outskirts of Roy Bridge in the Spean Valley, a short drive out of Fort William.

It's a fantastic kayaking destination for people who are more adventurous. Tere are a large number of fantastic white water rivers nearby at a range of grades from 2/3 upwards. The Roy, the Upper Spean and the Arkaig are almost on the doorstep. For those in need of an introduction there are a number of guiding companies who operate locally and if the weather is not right for kayaking there are a host of other activities in the area to entertain you.

The hostel is family run and the owners are always welcoming. They have fantastic drying facilities – very important for a kayaking holiday - and a good knowledge of the area. It also sports a sauna, which is a great way to unwind of an evening.

Starting at £12 a night, if you are looking for a cheap base for a fantastic white water kayaking holiday then this a great place to start, either for a small or larger group of people.

www.highland-hostel.co.uk/
Train Station: Roy Bridge
Phone: 01397 712315

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I have always wondered why it is so hard to find fresh and interestingly cooked seafood in our island nation!

Well, my search ended when I came across the Loch Leven seafood cafe sitting innocuously on Loch Leven just off the A82. The fish and seafood is caught fresh and locally.

My starter was a plate of oysters - which I can honestly say were the juiciest and plumpest one I've ever had. For the main course I had the razor clams cooked in herby white wine served with delicious bread.

There is also an adjoining shop that sells fish and seafood. If you like seafood you won't be disappointed.

It's about four miles off the A82 (the Glasgow to Inverness road) as the A82 passes in between Ballachulish and Onich (just south of Fort William). There is a brown sign on the A82 pointing you in the direction.
01855 821048 www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk

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A stunning location overlooking the loch. The hostel is recently refurbished to full 'green' standards with both wind and solar power and recycling. Well located for exploring the hills around Rannoch Moor - the best way to arrive is by train to Corrour Station and then walk the 1km to the hostel.

A must for scenic beauty in a remote location.

Loch Ossian YH, Corrour, Fort William, Inverness-shire.
0870 004 1139
www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/Web/Site/Hostels/txt_LochOssian.asp

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The West Highland Museum in Fort William is an extraordinary collection, full of charm and surprises, like pictures of the gang who took a car up Ben Nevis. It is an ideal place to go if the weather drives you off attempting to climb that mountain.

www.fort-william.net/museum/

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Recently re-opened cafe and B&B in splendidly isolated position on Rannoch Moor. Only accessible on foot or by train to its own station!

Great food and drink (lots of venison-based dishes from the local estate) and within walking distance of beautiful lochs and hills. Equally brilliant Loch Ossian eco-Youth Hostel close by.

Corrour Station House, Corrour Estate, Fort William, PH30 4AA
- at Corrour Station.

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