Beholding Fort; Travel.

Byline: Neil MacDonald 

IN THE space of a few days I enjoyed dinner in Mel Gibson's favourite restaurant, browsed in Bo Derek's favourite shop, explored William Hague's favourite mountain and drank in Charles Kennedy's favourite pub.

HThat's an impressive roll call of celebrities to fit in on anyone's agenda, but where? Not London, or any other big city, but Fort William, the biggest little town I know.

Nestling on the shores of Loch Linnhe at the base of the awe-inspiring slopes of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, Fort William has been around under several names since it was established as a garrison town in 1692.

As such it is steeped in history, but also heading firmly into the future and is an excellent base for shopping, sightseeing, walking, fishing, golfing or simply relaxing in the great selection of bars and restaurants.

After an easy drive through some mesmeric Highland countryside, we arrived at Fort William and checked into our hotel, the three-star West End hotel, where our comfortable room afforded sumptuous views across the loch.

We finally managed to tear ourselves away, and dinner for the evening was at the Glen Nevis restaurant, five minutes drive from the town centre.

While the food was excellent, our interest in the meal peaked when manager Mike McCormick revealed Mel Gibson was a frequent visitor when he was filming Braveheart in the area, with other Hollywood blockbusters including Rob Roy and Highlander also utilising the rugged scenery to Oscar-winning effect.

The movie connection continues to the present day with the producers of the Harry Potter film rumoured to be planning to turn the Jacobite steam train into the Hogwart's Express in the coming weeks, while the BBC are currently filming a drama about the region's mountain rescue team. A short walk along the Glen ended our first day in perfect style, although mosquito repellent is a must with flies tracking every step.

The next day began with one of the highlights of the trip, a visit to the Treasures of the Earth museum. This award-winning attraction displays an amazing range of priceless, world-class gemstones and crystals, including diamonds, opals, gold and emeralds, from an original collection by owner Desmond Reece.

From there the West Highland museum was next, providing a comprehensive visual history of the region with a wide ranging display of artefacts including the famous secret portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, only visible when reflected in a polished cylinder.

A perfect seafood lunch at the Crannog restaurant, romantically placed on the town's pier, allowed us to enjoy the view across the loch once more.

Then it was off for a hilarious cruise up the loch itself on The Soutar's Lass, with narration by the boat's comedian captain, to Seal Island where the local seal population were enjoying a sunbathe.

A gentle end to a relaxing day was enjoyed in the company of local historian and journalist Ian Abernathy, as he told us the life story of the town during a stroll, including Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy's stint as a barman at the Volunteer pub, William Hague's trip up Ben Nevis on his stag night, and celebrities including Bo Derek and the late King Hussain and Queen Noor of Jordan enjoying shopping trips in Fort William.

Ian revealed much more, but you'll have to ask him about the rest when you see him - I don't want to spoil the surprises.

A rip-roaring Scottish night at McTavish's Restaurant finished the day off in style, where the excellent food was more than matched by the fun, games and entertainment.

A trek to Steall Falls, hidden at the top of Glen Nevis, brought home an air of hidden grace and magic. The walk along the narrow, rugged path enclosed by trees on either side gives no indication of what is to come, but when you turn the final corner the view takes your breath away.

Opening out is a valley of staggering beauty, with the magnificent falls as the glistening centre point to steep rock faces, their slopes half hidden by bands of mist.

The next port of call was a cable car ride through the mist to the top of Aonach Mor, an all year round attraction offering anything from skiing and snowboarding to downhill mountain biking where another tasty meal awaited, before our break ended that evening with a stroll up the Caledonian Canal and dinner at the Stables Restaurant.

While we packed a lot into our stay in Fort William, I felt we were just scratching the surface. It is an enchanting sanctuary that bears exploring again and again, and as we left we were already making plans to return.

Facts

A double room at the West End Hotel in Fort William costs pounds 65 per night, including breakfast. To book, call 01397 702614.

A visit to Treasures of the Earth costs pounds 3 for adults, pounds 2.75 for OAPs and pounds 1.50 for children. It is highly recommended and open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm in winter, and 9.30am to 7pm in summer. Contact 01397 772283 for details.

Seal Island cruises depart from the town pier and cost pounds 6.50 for adults and pounds 3.50 for concessions between April and October. The cruise lasts roughly 90 minutes. Contact 01397 700714.

Roamer's Ramblings with Ian Abernathy is a two hour tour of Fort William exploring the town's heritage, history and humour. It runs all year round and costs pounds 3 per person. Contact 01397 703456.

For any further information, contact Fort William tourist information centre on 01397 703781.