Steall Waterfall – Scotland’s Second-Highest Falls
From Heron Bay, head to the very end of the road in Glen Nevis and follow the path to Steall Waterfall (An Steall Bàn) is a must-see natural wonder, plunging 120 meters from a dramatic hanging valley (Coire a’ Mhail). Carved by ancient glaciers, this spectacular cascade is reached via a breathtaking walk through Nevis Gorge, leading into the heart of Glen Nevis. Feeling adventurous? Try crossing the infamous Glen Nevis rope bridge—if you dare!
Inchree Waterfalls – A Family-Friendly Walk
Just 5 miles south of Heron Bay Holidays, Inchree Waterfalls offers a scenic, family-friendly circular trail through Glen Righ (Glen of the King). Stroll through enchanting woodlands, admire the cascading falls, and follow an old military road to a historic disused quarry—a perfect blend of nature and history.
Discover the Magical Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye
A beautiful day trip from Heron Bay Holidays, The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are one of Scotland’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Nestled at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains, these crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls create a magical landscape, perfect for hiking, wild swimming, and photography.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful escape, these iconic Scottish waterfalls are waiting to be explored. Book your stay at Heron Bay Holidays and experience them firsthand!
One of the biggest draws of Scotland is it’s many mountains. On a beautiful clear Summer’s day there’s nothing better being on a summit looking down on the world. Ben Nevis, the highest hill in the UK , the magnificent Mamores, and the hills of Glencoe are all nearby, and waiting for you. Hillwalking is a popular reason for visiting our beautiful area. Thousands of people every year attempt to summit the ‘Ben’. Walking Ben Nevis takes the average person about 6 hours, but the record for the Ben Nevis hill race, held every September, is 1:25:34!
For the more adventurous there are the Mamores, one of the finest mountain ranges in Scotland. Ten Munros linked by ridges and crests, forming one long chain. A great day out, if you’re fit enough! There’s also the hills in Glencoe, including the infamous Aonach Eagach Ridge. Be warned, it’s a Grade 2 Scrambling Route, and definately not one for the faint hearted. There’s the Grey Corries by Spean Bridge and the hills of Glenfinnan, all close enough for you to enjoy a magnificent day in the hills.
There are many guides in our area who are able to create the perfect day for you. If you are not wanting a guide, there are books with routes and plenty of information online, and in the local climbing shops. Remember, safety first, always dress appropriately for the weather and let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to return.
If the hills are not for you, there are plenty of low level walks which take in the natural beauty that abounds. There are visitor centres in Glencoe, Glenfinnan and Glen Nevis, all with information on walks.
The Iconic Highland Cow: Scotland’s Most Beloved Animal
When people think of Scotland, one animal always comes to mind: the Highland cow. With their long, curved horns and shaggy auburn coats, these majestic creatures are a must-see for visitors looking for the perfect Scottish photo opportunity.
Where to See Highland Cows in Scotland
Highland cows, affectionately called ‘hairy coos’, are gentle, friendly, and photogenic. You can often spot them in rural pastures, Highland estates, and even dedicated farms that welcome visitors.
From Heron Bay Holidays head to Glen Nevis and travel just past the youth and you will see cows in the fields enjoying the fresh grass and water from the River Nevis.
Ben Nevis Distillery also has 2 cows in the field next to the distillery, called Ben and Nevis - friendly and always welcome a scratch.
If you’re visiting Scotland, don’t miss your chance to see these iconic animals up close—a true highlight of any Highland adventure!
Explore Glen Nevis: A Hidden Gem Near Fort William
Just behind the bustling town of Fort William, Glen Nevis is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible glens in the Scottish Highlands. While many visitors come here to begin their Ben Nevis ascent, there’s plenty to explore without tackling Britain’s highest mountain!
Things to Do in Glen Nevis
Walk Scenic Woodland Trails – Start your adventure at Braveheart Car Park, the gateway to some of the best walking routes, including Cow Hill, the “wee hill” behind Fort William. There’s also plenty of space for kids to play and enjoy a picnic among the trees.
Discover Riverside Walks & Lower Falls – Follow the trails along the riverside, leading to the stunning Lower Falls, where you might spot adventurous swimmers leaping from the bridge into the swirling waters below.
Spot Highland Cattle – As you drive through the glen, keep an eye out for the iconic Glen Nevis Highland cattle, roaming freely in their natural habitat—a perfect photo opportunity!
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly walks, breathtaking scenery, or a taste of Highland adventure, Glen Nevis is a must-visit destination near Fort William.
Steall Falls: A Must-See Waterfall in Glen Nevis
At the very end of Glen Nevis, a scenic pathway leads to Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s most breathtaking waterfalls. A spectacular sight in summer, Steall Falls becomes even more awe-inspiring in winter, when the cascading water freezes over, attracting experienced winter climbers eager to take on the challenge.
Adventure at Steall Falls
Hike Through Nevis Gorge – Follow a stunning trail through the dramatic Nevis Gorge, leading to the 120m-high Steall Falls.
Dare to Cross the Wire Bridge – For the adventurous, a narrow wire bridge offers a way to cross the river—not for the faint-hearted!
Enjoy a Spectacular View – Whether visiting in summer or winter, the falls provide an unforgettable backdrop for photos and nature lovers alike.
This iconic Scottish waterfall is a must-visit for hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers exploring Glen Nevis and Fort William.
If you are coming to Scotland for the wildlife you don't need to look beyond your deck.
From the comfort of your deck you will be able to see an array of wildlife.
Daily you will see seals bobbing along the loch and otters playing amongst the seaweed.
We have a huge number of seabirds on our shores. You can sit back and listen to the curlews calling, and watch the herons we are named after, flying above and sitting on the shores waiting to catch a fish. Gannets dive from high in the sky catching their fish.
Other species include guillemots, razorbills, eider ducks, cormorants and black headed and common gulls.
We have also been lucky enough to have 2 Sea Eagles occassionally flying above and settling on our shores.
if you have packed your watersports equipment and stay close enough to shore to see the bottom of the loch, you will be enthralled by the sight of crabs, hermit crabs, jellyfish, moon, barrel and lionsmane and a large number of starfish.
A 20 minute drive from Heron Bay Holidays, Glencoe has a magical quality. Walk in the footsteps of ancient clan chiefs, and find your favourite film locations. From the towering hills above to the beautiful lochan created by a General for his homesick Canadian wife, it has something for everyone.
Glencoe village is full of history and definately worth a visit when staying at Heron Bay Holidays
The Glencoe Folk Museum is set in a traditional thatched roof croft house on the main street of the village of Glencoe and full of objects that provide a glimpse into the history of the area. After being fully refurbished in 2024, this museum is high on the visitor list during your holiday with us.
https://www.glencoemuseum.com/
Further along the road is Glencoe Lochan, a beautiful lochan set in a tranquil setting surrounded by towering redwoods, and ducks in the water. There are many different walking trails around the lochan, which has spectacular colours all year.
Head along the A82 and visit the National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn the history and geology of the area. The Rangers will be onsite to give you information and there is an exhibition on the area and mountaineering equipment throughout history. There is a new-look exhibition taking you through ther millions of years in the Glen’s story in just 10 minutes. There is also a cafe with superb mountain views and a gift shop for your souvenirs.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/glencoe
Glencoe Mountain Resort has skiing in the winter and tubing as well as mountain biking the summer.
It operates 7 days a week 364 days a year and offer biking (Downhill and XC), tubing, a treasure hunt, hill-walking, chairlift rides and fantastic photography opportunities during the summer months as well as skiing, snowboarding, sledging and avalanche rescue training during the winter.
With 8 lifts and 20 runs, Glencoe is by no means the largest ski centre in Scotland, but it’s still a firm favourite with many Scottish skiers and boarders thanks to its unique and exhilarating terrain, and a snow holding record second to none.
They also have a new panoramic cafe with views of the stunning scenery.
https://www.glencoemountain.co.uk/
Woodlands Activity Centre at the foot of Glencoe offers a wide range of activities to suit all ages and abilities. From e-bike hire and segway tours to archery and laser clay shooting, there’s something for everyone.
https://woodlands.scot
Cruise Loch Linnhe offers a 2-hour breathtaking cruise on Loch Linnhe with families, groups and individuals all welcome. Private Charters are also available if you’d prefer. Our trips guarantee spectacular views, spotting lots of local wildlife and live commentary from our very experienced and knowledgeable skipper Karl. A complete package to give you the best day out possible.
Whilst on our cruise you will see absolutely spectacular views of Ben Nevis Britain’s highest mountain and the surrounding area. We will visit Black Rock which is home to common and grey seals sometimes you can be lucky enough to see seal pups, before heading back up the Loch into Corpach visiting the entrance of the Caledonian Canal where spectacular views of Ben Nevis Britain’s highest mountain and the most photographed shipwreck. Along the way we will come across a mussel farm and salmon farm and a large variety of wildlife may be seen from Seagulls, Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Otters, and many many more.
With refreshments available on board and an excellent crew team – we will make sure you have the perfect day.
http://www.cruiselochlinnhe.co.uk
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. ‘River to Sea Scotland’ offers a great choice of guided paddling journeys in these stunning locations, ideally suited to couples, families and groups. All trips are exclusive to you and your party (no mixed bookings) and are tailored according to your experience and wishes.
Our canoe trips range from calm explorations of the mountain fringed lochs and coast, to tackling white water rapids. For families with younger children, we will come armed with plenty of games and activities to keep the day fun and varied – please be prepared for the kids to go home completely soaked, but with the biggest of grins on their faces. With sea kayaks we can share the water with a variety of marine life, including seals, otters and even porpoises if you are very lucky! Or for thrill seekers, take on our ‘ultimate white-water experience’ with our inflatable river kayaks.
With all our trips suitable for complete beginners, what are you waiting for – MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE, FROM RIVER TO SEA.
Day Trips – Expeditions – Canoe & Kayak Hire
T.07949292654
E.info@rivertoseascotland.co.uk
W.www.rivertoseascotland.co.uk
Enjoy A Ride Up Aonach Mòr Mountain.
The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is the only one of its kind in Britain and reaches the heights of 650m. It was built on the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Britain, originally as a way to transport skiers to the slopes. The Mountain Gondola has become an amazing visitor attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic ride and absorb the stunning views and clear mountain air.
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes.
Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
https://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm
Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is nestled at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which has a summit elevation of 4’406 feet above sea level. This imposing mountain provides an impressive background to a traditional Scottish craft.
There are some who would have you believe that there exists a kind of divine secret, a miraculous ingredient or genius behind the manufacture of Scotch Whisky. I however, acknowledge no miracle other than that which is worked when science and nature combine.
The principal ingredients are three, notably water, barley and yeast, with a measure of peat smoke or reek.
Of these there can be no doubt that water is the foremost. On Ben Nevis I was fortunate to find a constant and consistent source of pure clean water in two small lochans.
In order of importance, the second ingredient is barley. This must be clean and plump, fully rounded and quite dry, containing exactly the right amount of protein.
Special distiller’s yeast is the third ingredient. This has the texture of dough or putty and is vital to the process of fermentation.
And fourthly there is peat, which comes to the whisky through the water passing over peat bogs on its way down the mountain, and from the ‘reek’ from the fire lit during the manufacturing process.
Once again, we are fully fortunate in that nature in her magnificence, has created on the hill behind us, an ample supply of peat in our own banks to fuel the fires drying the barley.
Originally built in 1803 and 1822 by Thomas Telford, Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal is the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. You can watch boats as they travel up and down the lock flight or why not take your own boat trip along them?
The Caledonian Canal is a magnificent feat of engineering cutting through the middle of the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness with many activities and attractions along the way.
Fort William’s newest attraction and the perfect escape for a rainy day! Designed to reflect a traditional bothy, Lochaber’s brand-new boutique independent cinema and café bar is a must see for visitors to the area.
The warm, welcoming café bar features a red corrugated roof, covered terrace, wood burning stove and wall projected footage of the Highlands from the early 1900s. The food menu includes pizzas made in a genuine Napoli pizza oven, sharing platters, small dishes (Biadh Beag), vegan options and sweet treats. The bar stocks an excellent selection of the best Scottish whiskies, spirits and beers, plus wines, cocktails and hot and cold drinks to please all the family.
The back of the building houses two cutting-edge cinema screens with comfortable seating, delivering an immersive viewing experience. Films shown include the latest Hollywood blockbusters, Scottish classics, family favourites, event cinema and more. Screen one has seating for up to 109 people, including two spaces for wheelchairs plus two in a unique Lotus Elan! Screen 2 seats up to 62 people and is a particular favourite for more local and cultural films.
Come rain or shine, Highland Cinema is a fantastic destination for locals and visitors alike. It can be easily found on Cameron Square at the centre of Fort William High Street. Open daily from 10am – 10pm, with films scheduled to allow train goers plenty of time to get back to the station. Check out it’s website www.highlandcinema.co.uk for more information.
Situated in the High Street in the heart of the historic town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, The West Highland Museum’s collections tell the story of the region and its history.
Our most renowned and unusual collection relates to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause. But we also hold a wealth of curious and fascinating collections relating to less well-known aspects of the lives of the people of the West Highlands, from the effects of political warfare, to the economic impact of tourism in the region, and the coming of the industrial and modern age. Entry to the museum is FREE, but donations are very welcome to assist with our operational costs.
Set within traditional 19th century heather-thatched cottages, Glencoe Folk Museum holds an eclectic array of objects celebrating local heritage and providing an insight into the history of the area and its people.
Learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe and Explore an authentic 'cruck' cottage
The Museum has a unique array of objects including Jacobite relics, costumes, paintings, classic toys, photographs and domestic items from around the Glencoe area, as well as medals, uniform and memorabilia from the First and Second World Wars.
Each object tells its own fascinating story. How did Robert Campbell lose his boot? Why were swords hidden in thatched roofs after the Battle of Culloden? What was the common cure for 'faintness of spirit'? And what was a 'plunket roller'?
