Fort William & Oban

A short winter break for the better half and me, and what a lovely time we had, based in Fort William the weather was glorious sunshine for 3 days, although rather cold but well wrapped up it was great to be out in the clear Scottish air. No mountaineering on this trip, although I did cast many envious glances at those heading up into the mountains which looked stunning with their snowy caps against the clear blue sky. We spent the first day after travelling up in Fort William, a nice walk down Glen Nevis in the morning, then into Fort William and in the afternoon a drive out to Spean Bridge and the Commando monument. Our third day saw us take in Oban on the journey home, a lovely little fishing port that I had never visited, with great views out to the Island of Mull. A great trip, hundreds of pictures, a small preview to follow.



Not long out of Glasgow, a taste of the scenery to come, Ben Lomond across Loch Lomond.



Still learning the Munros, so not sure what this one is called, but stunning none the less.



The stunning view across Rannoch Moor.



Buachaille Etive Mòr, at the entrance to Glen Coe, one of the most stunning valleys in Scotland.



Two of the '3 Sisters' of Glen Coe with Stob Coire Nan Lochan behind, which I stood on last year.



To the left from the same point is the 'third sister' and the entrance to one of the most atmospheric and beautiful valleys I have ever been in, The Lost Valley, which again I did last year as we climbed Bidean Nam Bean, the picture below was taken then looking back down the Lost valley towards Glen Coe.





We stayed at the Ben Nevis Hotel in Fort William, and we had a great room that overlooked Ben Nevis, the snowy western end of the summit pateau visible.



A zoomed in shot.



We took an early morning drive down Glen Nevis to do a low level walk, only to meet a herd of Highland cattle standing guard!



They are magnificent beasts, but very intimidating with those big horns, glad of the zoom lens meaning I didnt have to get too close!



No Camping or else!!



Hooded crow perched in a roadside tree.



Even more intimidating was the black version!



Stunning beasts in the early morning sun.



Just as we saw a chance to escape as they moved off the road, we saw why as they had heard breakfast being delivered!!





After leaving Glen Nevis we walked into Fort William, mainly for the shopping, although I manged to get to the Loch side to see what was about, a few hooded crows and some Redshank feeding at the tide line.



After lunch we had a drive up to Spean Bridge, but on the way there are some cracking views of the Nevis range, the very cold North face of Ben Nevis above.



And a wider shot showing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, one of the best mountain days out I have had when I climbed the Ben via the Arete a few years ago.



Just outside Spean Bridge up on the hillside is the Commando Memorial, a memorial erected in 1952 to commemorate the commandos that trained in the area during the Second World War, there are stunning views here over the Nevis range and beyond to the Mamores and Grey Corries.







A zoomed in shot of the Summit plateau of Ben Nevis, the ruined observatory just visible.



Neighbouring Aonach Mor, zoomed in to see the ski lifts taking skiers up to the ski runs.



That evening from the hotel room, the summit of the Ben turned a stunning shade of pink as the sun set.



Our last day saw us head off from Fort William down the coast to Oban, with many stunning coastal views as above.



The Fishing village of Oban at the Harbour side, with McCaigs tower above the village, where we drove up to to get some stunning views later.



Zoomed in shot of the tower and the observation deck at the front.



Some varied bird life in the harbour, with Oystercatchers feeding along the waters edge.





Lots of different gulls competing for food around the fishing boats.



Turnstones working along the waters edge, well camouflaged against the rocky shore.



Lots of Mute Swans.



A strinking pair of Eider Ducks were parading around the harbour, I just love the males call.



The local fisherman surveys his waters!



Hooded crows patrol the stony shore picking up scraps.



Fishing boats were firing up ready to head out to sea.



The Isle of Mull ferry coming in to Dock.



By the time we had got up to the tower the ferry was just leaving to go back to Mull.



On a lovely clear day like this the views from the tower are amazing, here the Ferry is a bit farther out from the dock.



And a wider view looking out over Oban .



Then it was into the car for the long journey back to Preston, but as we drove down the side of Loch Lomond I couldnt resist another shot of the first mountain we saw coming up, Ben Lomond.