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!

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.

Ice Factor

This is Britain’s biggest Ice climbing wall.  There’s no better place to learn if you fancy giving ice climbing a go!  It also has indoor top rope, lead and bouldering walls.  If you are more keen on a nice sit down while watching others climb,  there is a lovely upstairs cafe. A  great trip for the whole family.

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.

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!

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.)

West Highland Museum

This  interesting 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.

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.

3 Monkeys Climbing

This is Britain’s biggest Ice climbing wall.  There’s no better place to learn if you fancy giving ice climbing a go!  It also has indoor top rope, lead and bouldering walls.  If you are more keen on a nice sit down while watching others climb,  there is a lovely upstairs cafe. A  great trip for the whole family.

Bowling

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

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.

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.