For those that do your own trip planning, here is an free-flow agenda we used for Fort William a few weeks ago. A follow-on to my posts about Edinburgh and Inverness. We (group of 4....my wife and I and two young adult children ages 18 and 20) stayed just outside of town in the Glen Nevis area, but the Fort William area in general worked out well as a great place/base to spend 3 nights.
Day 7: (Arrive Fort William) - blazing sunshine, Hike Ben Nevis
Day 8: (Fort William) – blazing sunshine
• A day of rest and recuperation (after Ben Nevis hike).
• Got up later, late breakfast. Wife and I went for walk to Nevis vistors center and along the river. Sat on the benches in the “contemplation” park. Young people stayed at hotel did facebook posts, etc.
• Took a few small day trips that might be better in good weather – Glencoe, Neptunes Staircase, saw the famous viaduct of Harry Potter fame, also Glen Nevis.
Day 9: (Fort William) – cloudy and drizzly
• 9amish - Took my son (age 20) out (without my wife and daughter) so he could drive on the left, try the single track roads, etc. We drove around for about an hour (even though Hertz would frown on this) and by the look on his face, for him it seemed better than going to an amusement park. We did several loops in some of the early roundabouts, but he got the hang of it.
• Went to downtown Fort William, shopped, ate, enjoyed the rain
• Ended up driving to Oban, having breaks in the clouds, walked around and explored the town in separate groups, my wife and I went to the tower and the weather broke for a few minutes so we could enjoy it.
• I know it sounds boring but just sometimes just sitting on a bench downtown, watching people pass by, and watching everyday life happening sometimes gives you a great sense of a place.
Day 10: (Fort William to the Airport Doubletree) – cloud and drizzly
• We took an incredibly scenic ride back toward Edinburgh on the 82, 85 route (don’t remember all the route numbers honestly) through Glencoe. Stopped at a few pull-offs and hiked up paths to get better views. Better weather would have been nice, but I still enjoyed the mountains poking in and out of the clouds and the sweeping vistas. Rain or shine, this was a great drive.
• We stopped in Stirling for a late lunch, took a walking tour, and then headed out to our hotel which was at the airport.
Day 11 (Edinburgh):
• Our flight on Delta to Boston actually left on time. A Miracle. Although they tell you to arrive 3 hours early, we only did 2 hours early and we were fine and still hanging around for an hour waiting to board. But you should plan based on your comfort level with air travel. I fly almost every week and we didn't check any bags, so I'm familiar with the system.
Safe and happy travels to you all!
Bob