BEN NEVIS
Read moreHistory: the roof of the British Isles is nothing but grace and gigantism, above Fort William and the Highlands. Absolutely unmissable during a stay in Scotland, it is on the to-do list of many visitors, from simple tourists to experienced hikers. Its summit is 1,344 m high and was that of an ancient volcano in its most glorious hours, 350 million years ago. Affectionately known as "the Ben", its first known ascent dates back to 1771 and preceded a long tradition that attracts nearly 100,000 people every year. From 1883 to 1907, Ben Nevis was even the site of an observatory where meteorologists worked daily. Only a few ruins remain today, but it is to his presence that we owe the creation of the trail still massively favoured today. The Pony Track (or Ben Path and Tourist Route) was to allow ponies to bring food and equipment to the station to supply its residents. Today, it is the fastest and easiest route used by walkers from all over the world.
Ascent: The Pony Track starts in the Glen Nevis and can be reached at three points: at Achintee (at the Ben Nevis Inn), at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre or at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. The first 570 metres of altitude is reached by following a route that climbs along big stone steps to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a beautiful little mountain loch whose name means "the lake halfway". Don't be too confident though, you have more than half of it left, and it's not the easiest... There is no shame in stopping here, it is a breathtaking place and its setting is magical. A lot of people set their destination here, especially when the Ben has his head in the clouds and the view is no better from higher up. Sometimes it is also almost impossible to go further in winter, when snow and ice have taken over the mastodon. Some also continue northeast, at the foot of the north face and along Allt a' Mhuilinn Creek, for a very long loop back to Fort William. If you have decided to continue to the top, the path follows many zigzags and becomes more rocky and difficult to discern on the ground. Be careful as you reach your goal, cliffs drop steeply on each side and up to 700 m to the north, as you approach and along the huge 40 hectare final plateau. A multitude of cairns help you find your way and the spectacle on arrival is as dramatic as it is vivid for the one who becomes, for a moment, the tallest person in Britain and Ireland. To the north, the Great Glen stretches majestically with Loch Ness in its nest, to the west, Loch Eil unveils the tip of the Spoon of Skye, and to the south the panorama is infinite... The Glen Nevis, the Mamores peak and the Steall Falls waterfall announce a mountain range all bigger than the others, from Glen Coe to Ben Lomond, and Loch Linnhe opens splendid perspectives on Mull and even the distant Paps of Jura.
Distance and time: It takes about 17 km to climb up and down, and between 6 and 9 hours of walking in total. The ideal is to leave in the morning (early is even better) to make sure you take your time. Beware, night falls quickly in autumn.
Race and record: Every year, on the first Saturday of September, the Ben Nevis Race is a race against time on the Pony Track. The record has been held by Kenny Stuart since 1984, who made the round trip in 1h25 .
Tip: don't take this climb lightly. The altitude is not that of the Alps, but 1344 m starting at 0, it counts and that's still almost 4.5 times the Eiffel Tower! Don't forget to be well equipped with equipment and food, a map (OS Landranger 41 or OS Explorer 392), a compass and enough time. Be sure of your physical abilities and, above all, check the weather forecast (www.mwis.org.uk and www.bennevisweather.co.uk). If it is sunny down below, it can be very cold up there and the weather changes quickly. Keep in mind that the summit is always snow-covered and conditions can suddenly change and you can be thrown into clouds and storms with no visibility at all. Finally, if in summer and in good weather, the Pony Track looks a bit like a motorway and it is difficult to get lost, be aware that in winter, it is very often impossible to go beyond Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe without mountaineering equipment and experience. The trail is invisible, covered with snow and ice, and it takes excellent orienteering skills to navigate up to the top, especially in rain, cloud, wind and snow. The more adventurous and experienced climbers also sometimes pass through the North Face, which is much less crowded and above all much more demanding in effort and challenge. Whichever day, season and route you choose, drop by the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre to get some advice and, if you can, let your hosts know your route. Many of the accommodations also have a book for this purpose. There is no charge and we will know where to meet you if you have any problems. It is also possible to hire the services of a guide if you wish to be accompanied
DUNCANSBY STACKS
Read moreThis landscape is, for many, one of the most beautiful in Scotland. When you arrive near the lighthouse, you will have to follow the grassy tracks trodden by other visitors to get to the Duncansby stacks, these impressive and majestic rocky peaks. As you cross the meadow, which you'll share with the sheep, and walk along the cliffs, you'll see seagulls and many oystercatchers in their never-ending ballet. You can't miss the stacks (rocks), which will stand in front of you. Plan to be well covered: the wind is blowing very strong here!
ROGIE FALLS
Read moreRogie Falls is an impressive waterfall, which can be overlooked from a wooden and rope bridge. The waterfall is famous as a spot to watch the salmon as they swim up the Black Water River. In addition to the magnificent waterfall, several walking routes - including one of 1.5 km, to be done in one hour, with a slight difference in height - are accessible from the car park for a discovery of the rich forest landscape of the surroundings, but also beautiful viewpoints and panoramas of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature.
CAPE WRATH
Read moreCape Wrath is the north-western tip of Scotland, delivered to the power of the elements. Here are some of the most striking coastal landscapes in the country. Its end is topped by a lighthouse built in 1828 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the famous author, and all around are stacks and cliffs, including the highest on the island of Great Britain: Clo Mor (281 m). Cape Wrath is separated from the rest of the region by the Kyle of Durness and there are no roads leading to it. You can get there by ferry and minibus, or by following the end of the Cape Wrath Trail.
WHALIGOE STAIRS
Read moreThe steps of Whaligoe lead to a rather amazing old harbour. It's hard to imagine it used to be a harbour, but in the mid-1800s there were over 20 fishing boats using this anchorage every day during the herring season. The many steps probably date back to 1792. Their descent (and ascent!) can be quite strenuous, which is not surprising when you consider that the harbour is below three cliffs almost 80 m high. A nice coffee next door will help you regain your strength.
DUNNET HEAD
Read moreJust as Thurso is the most northerly town in Britain, Dunnet Head is the land's end, from the top of its high vertical cliffs. Take a detour to this magical place: you will walk along the impressive dunes of Dunnet Bay, before reaching the lighthouse that stands at the very end, facing the Orkney Islands. It was built, like many others, by Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of the famous author. The area is an RSPB bird reserve and bird lovers will be delighted to observe their winged friends.
THE EAGLE STONE - CLACH AN TIOMPAIN
Read moreThe "stone of the eagle" is a very beautiful Pictish carved stone. It can be discovered on foot, from the train station (it is indicated) by taking the height in the city. Its present location is not its original one: once situated lower down the valley, it was placed there in 1411 to commemorate the victory of the Munros over the MacDonalds, unless it was against the MacKenzies. There are many legends and stories to discover about this stone..
ARDNAMURCHAN POINT & LIGHTHOUSE
Read moreThis lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of Great Britain. It has been guiding ships through the waters off the coast since 1849. A café and an exhibition area welcome you. The former keeper's house has been transformed and allows you to discover the history of the building. The engine room can also be visited, as well as a restored workshop. It is possible to go up to the top of the lighthouse. It is not accessible to children under 5 years old.
CHANONRY POINT
Read moreChanonry Point offers an extraordinary view. Its pointed location, opposite Fort George, at the mouth of the Moray Firth, allows you to observe bottlenose dolphins and grey seals at leisure. You will also discover the story of Coinneach Odhar, a 17th century seer who could predict the future by looking through a pierced stone. His predictions remained famous, such as anticipating the construction of the Caledonian Canal. The Chanonry Point stone commemorates his atrocious death, burnt in a barrel, accused of witchcraft.
TORRIDON COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE
Read moreAlways in the north, you will reach the breathtaking solitudes of Loch Maree and its untouched islands.
SMOO CELLAR
Read moreAt the eastern entrance to Durness, along the A838, these impressive caves, inhabited since the Neolithic period, offer a magical journey to the centre of the earth. We can enter their antechamber and see a first superb waterfall, the Smoo Burn. The paying ticket will allow you to board a boat for a tour, accompanied by a guide. You can get information at the tourist office or directly on the spot during visiting hours. Also take advantage of stops to go walking on the heights of the cliffs: they offer superb views.
EAS-COUL-AULIN
Read moreThis 200 m waterfall is the highest in Britain. It is about 5 km from the road.
THE LOCH NESS BY ITS SOUTH SHORE
Read moreThe most beautiful views and the nicest sites around Loch Ness are accessible from the south shore of Loch Ness. This route is less touristy but narrower (only one lane at a time), but it offers magnificent views and allows you to reconnect with the wild side of the Highlands, a little lost in the tourist surf around Nessie. To be admired on the road: Loch Tarff, Glen Morh and Loch Morh and the Falls of Foyers.
STRATHNAVER TRAIL
Read moreThe Strathnaver Trail offers a journey back in time, through fabulous scenery and on a little-used secondary road. It passes through superb landscapes and 16 points of interest, all accessible and commented on, thanks to panels placed on each of them. Some of them require a bit of walking, and others are close to the road, with direct access. You will make stops according to your curiosity and historical interest. The other attraction of this itinerary is in the frequentation of the hills: the deer are at home there, and in numbers!
GREAT GLEN FOREST
Read moreThe taste for ascents and long hikes in Scotland can make us forget that there are also a lot of small hikes, with small differences in altitude, offering, also, beautiful landscapes. Two short walks (1 to 2 hours each) are accessible from the parking lot of Ciste Dubh. Their map is displayed and they are well marked. They invite you to discover a few acres of the Great Glen forest, follow the river and lead you to waterfalls and beautiful panoramas. Both are easy to follow: ideal for families and relaxation!
CLAVA CAIRNS
Read moreThe Clava Cairns will interest history buffs andOutlander fans. The former will happily discover one of the most famous and impressive prehistoric sites in Scotland. The Clava Cairns are around 4,000 years old and were built to house the deceased. The cemetery has remained sacred for millennia and is a mine of information for research into Bronze Age beliefs. Two impressive spaces are open to the public, offering a moving visit. As forOutlander fans, their mere name will speak for itself.