I CLIMBED A FREAKING MOUNTAIN!!!!…read more Ahem, I'm sorry, I'll restrain myself. Anyway, yes, I climbed an mountain and made it to one of the peaks. Not THE peak but up there. The Scotsman and I took the gondola ride for about 15 minutes at a nice pace up the side of the mountain. This is quite picturesque, through the trees, over the bike and walking trails and over several little streams. It's GORGEOUS. Finally when we disembarked, we were at the Ski lodge area. We looked about and took the path that led to the viewing point. It's a nice path, it meanders some what and gets quite steep. It's not EASY but it's not HARD either. If you're not at least some what accustomed to walking around and up things, don't try it. There are plenty of spots where you can rest and a lovely little cold stream running along the land. Out about 1000' from the trail is a memorial to someone who loved or lived there. May they rest in peace. Once you get to the top, the view is incredible, and there's a sense of accomplishment, or there was at least for me. My knee didn't give out and my friend surprised himself too!

Seriously, go climb this mountain. What awaits you at the top is worth it. The view is absolutely…read morebreathtaking. Not only in this on epic level hike it is also a popular snow sports destination and am everything else outdoors. The entire town of Fort William the readied at the base of Ben Nevis is geared towards the outdoor recreation lifestyle. This make it easy if you forget an item or two in your rucksack.

We found the Falls of Foyers 100% on accident, but I'm so glad we did!…read more It's a bit of the beaten path-- a ways off a side road off the B road on the east side of Loch Ness. You get to see some Highland Cattle (aka fluffy cows) on the drive in. There was plenty of parking at at the top. The hike to the top viewing point is short and not too steep, but I'd still make sure to have good shoes, and be careful if you have limited mobility at all. The stairs and trails are very well-maintained, but still a bit uneven, and there isn't always a railing. The hike to the lower viewing point was steeper, but well worth the effort. The trails past this viewing point are quite pretty as well, and lead to great views of a river leading into the Loch. We ended up turning around after a bit because we were short on time, but there's a longer loop you can do that is likely gorgeous. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, as well as plaques with poetry and explanation about the falls. Don't rush when you're driving through the Highlands; definitely take the time to follow signs pointing vaguely to a waterfall so you get to see incredible views like these.

Nice little falls, although rather more modest than some of the descriptions suggest. Nonetheless,…read morewell worth seeing after the pleasant drive to their location. The walk to half way is modest and very manageable for most. But, try and avoid the holiday makers we ran into. They were rude and blocked the narrow and slippery path. Phooey to them.

One of our favorite stops on our trip! We appreciated you could drive through certain parts but the…read morerest you were able to walk through at your own pace. The open concept also allows you to circle back to any animals who may have been hiding the first time! Very family friendly. Can bring all the snacks and bags that you need or leave in the car and run back. They do have a cafe on site with limited options but was good for us for lunch.

A nice drive ended up with us here at the Highland Wildlife park. It was a chilly afternoon and…read moreall but the toilets in the main building were down, leaving the masses to use port-a-lets. I'm thankful the temperatures were down for that alone. We started walking, seeing Red Pandas, Birds, A few small wolves, snow leopards and polar bears, Deer of some kind and the wild cats who weren't at all cooperative in being viewed, but it was day time and they are cats, so it's understood. I did marvel at their enclosure, which was done in such a way that the cats could have their free reign to go between the 4 or 5 different enclosures without being impeeded by the humans below. Once we'd walked what we wanted to walk, We went back and got in our car for the ride around part on the open safari type land. We saw deer with great horns still flocked in velvet, buffalo and Oryx, I believe, Some wild horse who were very playful. All in all it was a fabulous trip, I would come back again and again.

We've visited several times, once on a lovely sunny day which was amazing but this recent time was…read morea cold and very rainy day but we still had a fun time on the gondola up the 8th highest mountain in Britain from a different perspective. We didn't see much due to the weather but it was a great experience and we loved seeing the mountain bikers and enjoying a hot drink and cake in what looked like a school cafeteria. The guys operating the gondola were so lovely and so considerate, slowing down the gondola for us ladies and one with back problems, so thanks guys,

With all my previous Skiing experiences in Scotland being at Cairngorms I decided to give Nevis…read moreRange a go this year, and I an converted! I've been trying to get back at least once a month this season, I enjoyed myself that much. The gondola ride to the top station is pleasant and with a large mixture of runs for all abilities you shouldn't be disappointed. The staff are always friendly and helpful. On my last visit the lifty spent a load of time helping out a few beginners get to grips with the Tbar, something you won't see everywhere. If you haven't been then I highly recommend giving it a try.

What an Amazing experience this was. The staff were all so great and friendly. Full of information…read moreand spent tons of time with the kids ensuring they had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and feed the reindeer. The natural surrounding is breathtaking as well. Just come prepared as the winds can get intense and weather changes quickly on the range.

To get to the reindeer is a muti step process, that is well worth the effort…read more First stop is the reindeer center itself, where you pay and can rent "Wellies" (waterproof rubber boots) for £.50. I would definitely recommend it if your only footwear is a pair of sneakers, as it can get quite muddy on the mountain. Also, would recommend wearing thick socks if you need to rent the Wellies as they are not insulated at all. After you pay, (about £32 for a family package) follow your guide in your car to a location about a mile or so from the center, where you pull over for a one mile easy hike to a fenced off area where there are about 60 or so reindeer. Once inside the gated area you have full access to the reindeer and are able to photo, pet and even feed these majestic creatures. They are surprisingly gentle and obviously used to being around humans. The guides are very nice and provide information about the reindeer, the center and the surrounding areas. Dress appropriately for all types of weather conditions for the season. Even if you are only about a mile or so from your vehicle, the weather can quickly change. This was our second visit to the center and regardless whether it was in a small or a large group of fellow hikers, we felt we had great access to the animals.

The Holy Loch is one of the most spectacular and picturesque lochs in Scotland. There are…read moreattractive villages around the shores and rugged, forest-covered, mountains rise behind. During World War Two the loch was used by the Royal Navy for exercises and a submarine base. From 1961 (amid violent controversy) it was used by the US Navy for various vessels and as home to the Polaris nuclear submarines until it was decommissioned in 1992. Now there is no sign of the military presence and the whole area has returned to its former tranquil beauty. Along the shore road just 3 miles from Dunoon (the nearest town) is Lazaretto Point and the beautiful 35 ft high circular war memorial. It's possible to park here and there are several benches where you can sit. The view across Ardnadam Bay and the Holy Loch is really superb. The point takes its name from the quarantine station built in 1807 during the Napoleonic wars. The ferry across to Gourock on the other side of the Clyde can be found at nearby Hunter's Quay where there is also a caravan park and 'holiday village'. Further on is the large Holy Loch Marina which has developed considerably in recent years. Well worth a visit, whether driving, walking - or just sitting to admire the views! One of my favourite places which I return to as often as possible.

This small and attractive 6 acre loch is in the hills a mile above Dunoon (beside the A885 Sandbank…read moreroad - free parking in a lay-by) and seems to be used mostly for freshwater fishing these days, although it's also nice just to sit on the banks! I very recently found out that my favourite pipe tune, 'Lochanside', which I've loved for many years, was named after this loch. It was written by Pipe Major John McLellan remembering his time spent along the attractive and secluded shores. McLellan (born 1875), a multi-talented man by all accounts, was from Dunoon. A pity the loch isn't shown on the Google map; however, I've added the arrow in exactly the right place.