The Old Fort

Start off in Fort William itself at the structure that gives the town its name! Thousands of people will drive past it every day without ever realising it. Originally built in the mid-17th century to suppress this corner of the Highlands, it was later extended and named after King William of Orange.

It played a crucial role during the Jacobite Risings and was besieged by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men in 1746 although they found it too difficult a nut to crack! There’s very little of the fort that gives the town its name left, but you can find it across the road from the Morrisons car park with small cannons and information boards explaining what you see!

Commando Memorial

Even if you have no interest in history or the armed forces, stopping at the Commando Memorial is worth it for the views across the Nevis Range! The land around here was used to train the very first special forces during World War II, perfectly rugged with rivers to cross and mountains to climb.

Their first test was a fast march from Spean Bridge near the memorial to Achnacarry Castle seven miles away. If they hadn’t arrived in 60 minutes, they would have to turn back to the station and get the train home again. Nearby, a remembrance garden is a place of memorial for all special forces members throughout the years.

Walk To Highbridge

While most visitors leave the Commando Memorial after a quick picture, there’s something special just a short walk away. Head through a gate near the exit of the car park into the field and follow a path downhill until eventually you reach the Old Military Road.

Built in the 1700s during the Jacobite Risings to connect Fort Augustus with Fort William, the enormous High Bridge once spanned the gorge created by the River Spean. The soaring pillars remain to remind us that this was where the first shots of the 1745 Jacobite Rising were fired!

Around a dozen MacDonalds of Keppoch managed to trick over 100 soldiers into retreating by ambushing them from across the bridge. The soldiers then ran into a much larger group of Camerons and were forced to surrender!

Cille Choirill Church

Heading well off the beaten track, make the short trip to the beautiful wee church of Cille Choirril. Legend says that it was built in the 15th century by the Chief of Clan Cameron to atone for his sins, but this spot goes back around 1000 years further as a religious site.

It’s one of my special places, somewhere with an incredible feeling of history and spirituality that’s not easily matched. The view from the top of the hill in the graveyard is spectacular, but there’s a hidden Jacobite connection here. One of the tabletop gravestones, near the boundary fence, is dedicated to a daughter of “Alexander MacDonald of Keppoch who died at the Battle of Culloden.”

It's the only grave I’ve ever come across that directly mentions Culloden, although I’m sure there are more out there!

Lunch at the Bridge Cafe

With lots of seating inside and out, I’ve never had a problem getting a spot at The Bridge Café in Spean Bridge. There’s a solid selection of sandwiches, baked tatties and bigger meals to choose from!

Clan Cameron Museum

Cross the Caledonian Canal and skirt along the beautiful edge of Loch Lochy to the Clan Cameron Museum in the grounds of Achnacarry Castle. It’s a fantastic example of a small clan museum, telling stories of the Camerons, their role as staunch Jacobites and the history of the surrounding area. It’s well worth the small entry fee!

Waterfall Eas Chia

Just beyond Achnacarry, you’ll find the dramatic Eas Chia-aig Waterfall, tumbling through the trees into a dark pool known as the Witches’ Cauldron. Climb up to the top to get close to the crashing water or admire it from the wee bridge at the bottom. If you’ve ever seen Rob Roy with Liam Neeson, you might recognise it!

Loch Arkaig

This quiet corner leads onto Loch Arkaig, making for a drive that’s as scenic as it is quiet since there’s no through road. It takes around 30 minutes through beautiful scenery until you reach a dead end where you’ll need to retrace your steps.

Keep your eyes open though, it’s said a horde of Jacobite Gold is hidden somewhere around the loch and you might catch a glint in the sun. Even if you aren’t that lucky, there’s a good chance you’ll spot herds of wild deer roaming around!