Souter's Lass Cruise Boat

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Outdoor Activities and Outdoor Providers

Fort William and many other areas of Lochaber provide an amazing range and diversity of outdoor activities including watersports, mountain activities and leisurely outdoor trips

Not much point in calling Fort William and Lochaber - the Outdoor Capital of the UK if there was not an established local industry of businesses providing a range of outdoor activities and experiences for you. So if you want to hike, climb, run, sail, ski, snowboard, cycle, bike, canyon, raft, try quad biking or archery or paint-balling or whatever, you've come to the right place.

We have boat trip providers with Loch Shiel Cruises at Glenfinnan and Souter's Lass on Loch Linnhe with slow leisurely cruises for sight-seeing and spotting local wildlife, or others with fast rigid inflatable rib boats - for an adrenalin rush on the sea; there are people who will take you out on a field trip for photography sessions, or natural history or outdoor skills courses.

Fort William and Lochaber is the undisputed Outdoor Capital for outdoor sports and activities in the UK - that's a fact! There is nowhere else in the British Isles where you can do almost everything from dive in the sea to fly in the air - with all watersports, country sports, cycling and mountain biking activities and of course mountain sports in between.
Come for a relaxing cruise on the Caledonian Canal, ride your bikes in our forest tracks, or what about a game of golf on all four Lochaber golf courses... the Fort William area boasts the widest choices of activities for everyone interested in a holiday in this unspoilt, natural, rural area where hills and glens, rivers and lochs, the sea coastline all offer something to do while enjoying the peace and tranquility. Visit Nevis Range, Fort William's outdoor centre for mountain biking, hill walking and winter snowsports.

Local activity providers offer a great range of activities for families, couples, corporate events and stag & hen weekends. How about white water rafting trips, canyoning, gorge walking, canoeing, kayaking and tons more. Or consider some bushcraft, natural history trips, outdoor craft activities, photography tours - all sorts of outdoor activities in and around Fort William.

The list of businesses below represents the broad range of activity providers in the Fort William and Lochaber area. If you are running an outdoor activity business, add your business today !
If you are looking for an activity - get on the phone or drop them a text - our Lochaber Business Directory customers are waiting to be of service.

Local Provider? Get yourself listed on the VisitFortWilliam website today
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Up and Doon Guided Walks
I love Scotland.I love exploring the beautiful mountains & glens of the Scottish Highlands.I love meeting people and sharing my passion. I decided to combine this energy into creating a small friendly guiding company. I offer a highly personalized private and bespoke guiding service for individuals or groups at an affordable price. So whether you want to hike the highest mountains,tackle one of my challenges,backpack through the mountains or just go for a wee walk with the family I  have something for you.
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Traigh Golf Course
Traigh Golf Course welcome visitors and is “Probably the most beautifully sited nine hole Golf Course in the world” (says The Scotsman newspaper).  It was recently made world famous by a large sinkhole that opened up on the course. The sinkhole has now been safely repaired and the course is playing better than ever - complete with a new grassy bunker! Traigh Golf Course is known as "one of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland" (say BBC) and is located 40 miles west of Fort William. The word Traigh (pronounced “Try”) means beach in gaelic, and the course lies beside sandy beaches and rocky islets, with spectacular views to the islands of Eigg and Rhum, and to the Cuillins of Skye. Golf has been played at Traigh since about 1900, but the old layout was rather cramped, and the course was enlarged and greatly improved in 1994. It was redesigned by the well known golf architect Mr. John Salvesen, with assistance from Mr. James MacDonald, Head Greenkeeper at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, who is a native of Arisaig. The feature of the course is a line of grassy hills, originally sand dunes, which rise some sixty feet, and the first hole demands a skilful tee shot to the top. At the second, a long drive is needed, to get from one summit to the next. The third drops down towards the beach, while the fourth passes between two gorse covered hills to a beautifully positioned green. The fifth hole crosses a broad burn - broader still at high tide - and the sixth comes back across the burn in a tricky dogleg par four The seventh - which was the location of the sinkhole - is a long par five, while the eighth climbs back to the top of the hill, and the glorious view, and the ninth drops down again to the beach and the clubhouse. Golfers Information Visitors are always welcome. Clubs are available for hire. Golf clubs, balls, tees, gloves and clothing are on sale at the clubhouse. Advance booking is only required for larger parties. Fees should be paid at the clubhouse, or if it is closed put in the Honesty Box. How to find us Traigh lies two miles north of Arisaig, six miles south of Mallaig and forty miles west of Fort William. Take the A830 main road to Arisaig, then follow the coastal road (B8008) two miles north. There is a signpost to the course on the A830. Park across the road from the white Clubhouse. Visit Fort William also recommends Fort William Golf Club, Spean Bridge Golf Club and the Dragon's Tooth course at Ballachulich
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Abacus Mountain Guides
Abacus Mountain Guides provide world class mountain adventures on the west coast of Scotland. With the highest qualifications in Mountaineering and Mountain Biking, plus twenty years of experience, we deliver expert coaching and guiding in the mountains. Choose Your Adventure! Ben Nevis group walks and private guides. Summer and winter hillwalking. Bothy adventures to a number of nearby bothies. Mountain Bike skills coaching and guiding. Guided scrambles such as the CMD Arete and Aonach Eagach. Rock climbing on classic climbs such as Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis. Abacus Mountain Guides Activities May to September 2016 Every Wednesday - Ben Nevis Guided Walk - £70 Every Saturday - Ben Nevis Guided Walk - £70 This is your chance to join a group to reach the summit of the UK's highest hill. Individuals or groups are welcome to join us but advance booking is recommended. As well as leading the way your guide will look after you and show you the unique environment of the mountain, its geology and history. http://www.abacusmountainguides.com/ben-nevis.html Hill walking, scrambling, rock climbing and mountain biking are available for individuals or small groups on any day of the week by arrangement. Get in touch and let us know what you'd like to do. We specialise in providing exactly what you want. Creating the perfect trip for you based on the prevailing weather and conditions, your previous experience and aspirations, is our challenge and what gives us the most satisfaction. Instruction and guiding in hill walking, mountaineering, scrambling, rock climbing and Scottish winter climbing, and mountain biking. Be inspired by your private mountain guide in the best hills in Scotland, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Skye. Customer Testimonials "Booked with Abacus on a 3 day mountaineering course and from start to finish it was fantastic. Communication from Sally keeps you up to speed with the whole process of your booking and what's to come. Our guide Scott was excellent very easy going yet you felt completely in safe hands his knowledge and manner made learning simple and his explanations will remain with me.  The trip could not have been better and I cannot recommend Abacus enough. Top service from a top team." - Scott "Out with Mike Pescod for a few days winter climbing last week. What can i say i have been using Abacus for progressing my winter climbing skills for a few years now, and each and every outing is amazing. A true professional and a pleasure to climb with, local knowledge and enthusiasm from Mike is remarkable. Don't miss out!" - Mick "A great day out with fantastic weather, a really friendly, knowledgeable guide Rich. Cannot find fault, great service start to finish, will be back Thank you!" - Paul
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Fort William Marathon
The Fort William Marathon is a new marathon for the Lochaber area. This new marathon is a multi-terrain route starting and finishing at Nevis Range. The course takes in the sights of Leanachan Forest, the old railway viaduct, General Wade's High Bridge, The Commando Memorial, Caledonian Canal, and of course Ben Nevis.
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River to Sea Scotland
Guided canoe & kayak journeys (and hire) in the Scottish Highlands. There’s a reason the West Coast of Scotland is one of the best paddling destinations in the world.  We have beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and picturesque islands; all with an abundance of wildlife and set in a landscape of mountains and forests. River to sea Scotland offers a great choice of guided paddling journeys, with families, groups and individuals all welcome.  All trips are exclusive to you and your party (no mixed bookings) and are tailored according to your experience.  Day Trips Our canoe trips range from exploring the mountain fringed lochs and coast, to tackling white water rapids.  With sea kayaks we can share the water with a variety of marine life including seals & porpoises. Or for thrill seekers, take on our ‘Ultimate White-Water Experience’ with our inflatable river kayaks.  Expeditions Planning and executing an overnight paddle trip can feel daunting.  In reality, if you book with us, there are only a few simple steps standing between you and a memorable journey through breath-taking scenery, which we can make as relaxing or as wild as you like.  With morning coffee on an island shores and evenings filled with campfires and stars, we guarantee if it’s your first paddle expedition, it will not be your last.  We work with you to plan the perfect exclusive itinerary and advise you every step of the way.  Canoe & Sea Kayak Hire For those that can already paddle, we have a fleet of canoes and sea kayaks available for hire, with all the associated kit.  We can help you with your planning so talk to us about your ideas and we will help you create an itinerary that meets your needs.  We want you to make the most of your hire time, so we will take care of the logistics for you.  We will meet you at the your start location with all your hired kit, and pick it up at the journey’s end, eager to hear your stories.  Make it and adventure, from River to Sea. Find out more here.
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Vertical Descents
Ranked as Fort William's No. 1 outdoor activity attraction on Tripadvisor in 2014, we work hard to make our activities the highlight of your holiday! Find us on the A82 between Glencoe and Fort William. We specialise in White Water Rafting and Canyoning, not to mention River Bugging, Via Ferrata and Fun Yakking, all in half day and full day packages.  WHITEWATER RAFTING  THE RIVER GARRY DAM RELEASED WHITE WATER ALL SUMMER £55pp  Our White Water Rafting will allow you to visit and experience some of Scotland’s wildest rivers. It will enable you to discover landscapes out of reach by normal means and is a must for lovers of adrenaline and teamwork. Vertical Descents operates WWR from easy class 2 rivers up to more technical and challenging class 5 rivers. Please click here for more info CANYONING Starts at £55pp group and family discounts available  Canyoning is jumping, abseiling down waterfalls and sliding down natural water flumes. Suitable for people with no prior experience or seasoned canyoneers alike we have a range of sessions available and trips can be tailored to suit. Canyoning is exhilarating, adventurous and fun and is a brilliant activity both on a sunny day, or as a fill-in on a rainy one to. VIA FERRATA £65 Discounted to £55 (2015 promo)  Built by Vertical Descents in 2013 we have a fantastic 400m awe inspiring journey up the side of one of Scotland largest waterfalls, Via Ferrata is made of metal staples glued up the cliff a safety cable follows the ladder.  This Guided tour takes around 2hrs,  and is situated in Kinlochleven Please click here for more info.  With 15 years of experience in the Outdoor Industry, we guide school groups, Scouts, families on holiday, the RAF, the Royal Marines, the Army, stag and hen dos, international tourists, adventure seekers and anyone else interested in an amazing experience. Our guides speak German, French and Danish.
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Alba Mountainbike
Alba Mountainbike is a mountain bike adventure and tuition provider based in Fort William, Lochaber, the heart and soul of Scottish mountain biking. The Highlands provide truly world class adventures, with some of the most breathtaking scenery the country has to offer. With Alba Mountainbike you will discover, progress and explore your way through a large variety of landscapes and experience how this proud country developed its rich history and spirit. Whether it be developing skill or expanding peoples ventures, we make it our mission to meet the requirements of everyone we meet and that is something we are passionate about. We have worked tirelessly over the years to allow us to produce the best west coast experiences, from bike fundamentals to adventures in Scotland. 
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Caledonian Discovery
Caledonian Discovery operate 2 large holiday barges, allowing you to explore the Great Glen while travelling along the Caledonian Canal including Loch Ness. Starting in either Fort William or Inverness, enjoy an unique holiday experience, amidst superb Highland scenery. Prices include all food and accommodation in twin ensuite cabins which have powerful hot showers. The resident cook uses the finest local ingredients to produce fantastic food. You can have a holiday of gentle relaxation or fun and adventure, it's up to you. Optional outdoor activities include walking, biking, sailing and canoeing or alternatively you can relax on board whilst we travel through the Great Glen. A qualified instructor is on hand to help. In addition, we have themed weeks when we offer wildlife, music and our very popular option of Walk the Great Glen week. Our 2020  and 2021 schedules are available for your consideration . Our 2020 cruises start from £975 and are also based on 2 people sharing a twin cabin, with ensuite facilities for a 7- day cruise. We also have a special early booking offer on our 2021 cruises. Save £70 per person on a 7 day cruise.  Save £35 per person on a 4 day cruise – This offer is only available until the 31st January 2021 Why not charter one of our barges? It is a wonderful way to discover this beautiful part of Scotland. If you reserve one of our comfortable barges, you decide exactly what you want to do from canoeing, walking, cycling, or a mixture of activities, on a 7-day journey through the Great Glen and you save money! Starting either in Inverness or Fort William, travel along the Caledonian canal and the lochs Ness, Oich and Laggan. It is an escape you will love. To find out more Click here  Remember to also have a look at our Offers which appear occasionally Visit www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk for more information. or alternatively email [email protected] or contact the friendly office team on 01397 772 167 Monday to Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30pm. 
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Free Spirit Boat Hire
Free Spirit hire boats are neat clean silent-running electric powered motor boats that are easy to drive and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peaceful, scenic Caledonian Canal for an hour or two. Couples, car-loads and coach-fulls of all ages are catered for with safety equipment supplied by us.  We are proud members of  Neptune's Staircase Activity Hub, established by Scottish Canals to open the Caledonian Canal up to many more users than ever before. Free Spirit electric boats are the first of their kind on the Scottish Canal network.   SOMETHING TO REFLECT UPON! The opportunities for a day out at Neptune's Staircase are extensive. -A self-drive boating adventure with Free Spirit.  -Refreshments at the Moorings Hotel, at the canal side next to the car park. -Kayak and bike hire from Rockhopper, half way up the lock flight. -Harry Potters Steam Train, from Fort William to Mallaig. A day out in itself. -Or, twenty minutes drive from Free Spirit Boat Hire you could be watching the steam train glide over the now well know Harry Potter flying car bridge atGlenfinnan. (A perfect spot to view from above can be reached via the short path up the hillside to the left and behind the visitor centre there. The monument on the beach across the road is also a must-see.  Before or after all that you might ride the Gondola up to the Golden Goose Cafe at Nevis Ski Range. To mention but a few! Boat Capacity 3 large adults, 4 medium sized adults, family of 5. One adult with 4 to 5 children depending on ages.   We encourage youngsters to steer the boats so they gain valuable experience while on the water. They will enjoy receiving their "I've Been a Free Spirit" badge to mark their achievement.   From wildlife spotting to counting the jumping trout (which you can fish for by the way), steering and navigating, there is an abundance of memorable moments to be enjoyed and taken home.   Couples can share a unique experience together. Families, often three generations in one boat can spend magical moments amid the mountains. Groups of friends always come back in our boats pleasantly surprised at how nippy they are. Were they racing!?   Group bookings attract discounted hourly rates. We offer children's birthday party and school trip packages.    Directions Heading north out of Fort William on the A82, turn left at the Ben Nevis Distillery, onto the A830 Mallaig road. One mile down, cross the Caledonian Canal and turn first right into Banavie to find ample parking. Free Spirit boats launch from the pontoon just beyond Top Lock, 2 minutes walk from the car park. Just follow our signs.    Opening Hours 10:00-17:00 7 days a week during school summer holidays. Otherwise weekends; and at any other time by arrangement. Telephone bookings are easy to make. If we can we will!  Read more about: Terms and conditions can be read here  Reviews  Up to date Facebook 
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Skyak Adventures
Skyak Adventures are based in Skye but we often explore the Lochaber shoreline during our sea kayaking trips. We offer individual and group training and canoeing / kayaking expeditions around the Scottish West Highland sea coastline. For more details about our outdoor adventures, kayaking and paddling services please drop us an enquiry or visit our website. Sea kayaking trips | Learn to sea kayak or canoe | Sea paddling | Sea canoe trips
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Fort William Golf Club
Fort William Golf Club is located just north of Fort William by the A82. This course lies under the shadow of Ben Nevis and is a challenging course with great views. Our 9 hole golf course will provide you with a great golfing experience below the highest mountain in the British Isles. You have a good clubhouse with bar and facilities, including club and trolly hire. Visitors are especially welcome and often play a round of golf with our locals.
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Loch Shiel Cruises
For a unique cruise through one of Scotland’s most remote, beautiful and unspoilt landscapes, take a trip to Glenfinnan. Join local skipper Jim Michie on his lovingly restored 1940 ex-naval harbour launch, who will guide you along this magnificent loch while keeping a close eye out for Golden & Sea Eagles, Red Deer and a variety of Rare Wildlife.   A variety of cruises operate on the Loch. A morning 2 hour run takes you to majestic Glenaladale, former homeland of a notable branch of the Clan MacDonald who were prominent in there support of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s attempt to regain the throne of Britain for his father, the exiled King James. A superb view of the “Jacobite” steam train crossing MacAlpine’s famous 21 arch viaduct can be seen on this cruise.   A 1 hour cruise to the Prince’s Bay will give a you taste of the Loch and its stunning surrounding landscape.   An afternoon 2.5 hour cruise visits Gaskan, where the writer and naturalist Mike Tomkies found the perfect seclusion to study and record the wide variety of his beloved wildlife.   For a great day out go on the Wednesday Loch Cruise which takes you the full length of the Loch to the crofting community of Acharacle where you can have lunch before returning home. This cruise passes the “Green Isle”, ancient sanctuary of St Finan and burial ground for over 1500 years.   Sileas is available  for private charter, be it for weddings, birthdays, corporate or group outings.   Further details on the cruises & timetable can be found on our website.   Don’t miss the boat, this is not just a cruise but an unforgettable experience!   Timetabled Cruises operate on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Only. Private Charter Available 7 Days/Week April to November. ADVANCE BOOKING ADVISABLE.
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