amazing whatever the weather

Rainy Days at Highwinds

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, but there is still an incredible amount to do in Highwinds even during the worst rainy days. Here are a few great ideas for you to do with your day!

Steall Falls

Get your rain coats on and head down Glen Nevis to see the Waterfall in all its glory. The falls are really effected by how much rain has fallen recently so it’s best to see them after some heavy rain. For more information see our easy walks page.

Jacobite Steam Train

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! This historic steam train starts in Fort William and passes over the world famous viaduct in Glenfinnan, before reaching its destination in Mallaig.  It returns on the same route, providing an unforgettable journey through some spectacular scenery. The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally.

If you’re unable to get on the Jacobite you can simply get the standard train from Fort William to Mallaig and back, the views are the same!

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Highland Cinema

The Highland Cinema is an absolute gem in the heart of Fort William. Hollywood films on the day they’re released in a modern cinema in the middle of the Highlands, you can even watch a film in a Lotus. The cafe at the cinema is also worth a visit!

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Eilean Donan Castle

This is one of the most iconic sights in Scotland. The original castle was built in the 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. It  has been used as a location in many films including the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough. If you’re looking for a place to eat close by I can recommend the charming Pizza Jo which looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland. (Pizza Jo’s is open seasonally.)

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

West Highland Museum

This incredibly well put together museum is close by  in Fort William. It is the oldest museum in the Highlands and was founded in 1922. The museum exhibits the history and archaeology of the Western Highlands.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Ben Nevis Distillery

The Ben Nevis Distillery is just down the road from Highwinds which is handy if you’re keen to sample what they have to offer!  Founded by John ‘Long John’ Macdonald in 1825, it is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

3 Wise Monkeys Climbing

The 3 Monkeys Climbing wall is in the heart of Fort William. It’s in an old converted church and has a bouldering room, a roped climbing room, a cafe and a good seating area at the top of the tower where you can watch all the bouldering action. If climbing isn’t your thing it’s still well worth a visit just for the cafe! There’s a few parking spots right by the old church if not there is ample parking close by down at the west end car park.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Bowling

The Nevis Centre at Fort William has something for the whole family including bowling, softplay, roller skating, table tennis and badminton.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Lochaber Leisure Centre

If you fancy a dip (that doesn’t involve a loch) the Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William has  a 25 metre pool. The centre also has a gym (including brand new strength and conditioning area), squash courts, hydrotherapy pool and fitness classes.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Dine Out

For eating out options go to our food & drink page.

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Located in the Cairngorms the Dalwhinnie Distillery offers another great whisky tour and is only an hours drive away. The tour guides are great and you’ll learn a lot about the process of making whisky.

u003csvg aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022 data-prefix=u0022fasu0022 data-icon=u0022check-circleu0022 class=u0022svg-inlineu002du002dfa fa-check-circle fa-w-16u0022 role=u0022imgu0022 xmlns=u0022http://www.w3.org/2000/svgu0022 viewBox=u00220 0 512 512u0022u003eu003cpath fill=u0022currentColoru0022 d=u0022M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001zu0022u003eu003c/pathu003eu003c/svgu003e

Loch Linnhe Cruise

Go for a tour on the Loch Linnhe cruise where you can see Seals, Eagles and get an incredible view of Ben Nevis while staying nice and dry inside the boat!

Watch the Weather Roll In

With great views over the mountains and fields, Highwinds is an incredible place to simply watch the world go by.  We also have a good selection of books to choose from and free wifi to plot your next adventure when the weather cooperates!

Highwinds Cinema Room

Highwinds has Sky, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime, so if you just want to get cozy and watch some great tv you can do it here!

Highwinds Video Games

We have a Switch, PS2 & Dreamcast set up to entertain anyone getting a bit restless. Each console has a number of games to go with it!

Cook at Highwinds

We are lucky to have an incredible fully stocked kitchen, so why not use it? The shops are only a few minutes’ drive away so you could create an incredible feast while the weather does its thing.