Jetsettersblog

It may be the only solid banker and safe bet this season but a half term break to the Outdoor Capital of the UK is one investment the family won’t regret. Britain’s active holiday hotspot in Fort William and Lochaber has more outdoor pursuits per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. So head north for the half term and enjoy the great outdoors on a small budget. Incorporating 2000 square miles of ancient, beautiful, wild, rugged, exciting countryside on the north west coast of Scotland the Outdoor Capital has more than 70 different outdoor activities to choose from.

Whether you’re interested in adrenaline fuelled extreme sports, a wild family adventure or relaxation and tranquility, the Lochaber area is bursting at the seams with cultural and sporting activities. Walking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, sailing, quad-biking, canyoning, coasteering, wildlife watching, fly fishing, and many other stress busting leisure and cultural pursuits – you name it, you can do it in the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

This half term is the perfect chance to discover riches and enjoy some unforgettable experiences close to home in the Outdoor Capital. Just to whet your appetite for the perfect mini break check out these indoor and outdoor pursuits for the whole family to enjoy:

The sky’s the limit!

Ice Factor in Kinlochleven have added to vertical challenges of their indoor climbing and ice climbing walls with a breathtaking new high ropes adventure course. At 15 metres above the ground intrepid skywalkers of all ages can tackle tightropes, cargo nets, balance beams, shaky bridge steps; and make the ‘leap of faith’ from platform to platform. They also have a scream inducing giant swing, dropping the daring from a great height and swinging them 50 metres for a rush no fairground could compete with. http://www.ice-factor.co.uk

Fall for fishing hook, line and sinker
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For all those keen to catch a trout or to perfect their fly fishing skills Great Glen Holidays offer a three day package of fly fishing instruction in their own trout ponds. Self catering accommodation is provided at Great Glen Chalets, Torlundy, just outside Fort William Quiet wooded site with superb views of Ben Nevis. TEL: 01397703015 or check our website: www.fortwilliam-chalets.co.uk

Deer! Oh Deer!
As winter sets in and herds of wild red deer descend to lower levels in search of easier feeding Nevispix offer half and full day wildlife safaris. At this time of year experienced guides can almost guarantee getting close enough to these magnificent creatures without the need for a telephoto lens or a high powered pair of binoculars! Golden eagles, sea eagles and winter migrants are regularly seen soaring high above the glens and even if the deer don’t put in an appearance, most magnificent scenery is definitely guaranteed. www.nevispix.com

Give Loch Linnhe your seal (otter and porpoise) of approval!

Discover life on, in and around Fort William’s beautiful Loch Linnhe. Crannog’s Seal Island Cruise offers visitors to the Highlands a truly unique experience.

 The 90 minute cruises, sailing from the historic town pier in Fort William aboard Souter’s Lass, give families the opportunity of seeing common and grey seals, otters, porpoise, the occasional golden eagle and many other species of native wildlife whilst gliding through the clear waters of Loch Linnhe, the UK’s deepest sea loch.

The cruise also includes a visit to a working salmon farm on the way to the rendezvous at Seal Island, a craggy outcrop which has for many years been a favourite with Loch Linnhe’s seal population. Passengers will also have numerous opportunities to film and photograph the astonishing local scenery of Lochaber, including outstanding views of the southern face of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Each cruise is augmented by a highly informative and entertaining commentary provided by Souter’s Lass’ skipper.

http://www.oceanandoak.co.uk/index.asp?TopicID=7 

Sea wildlife you’ve never seen before

Sea Xplore offer fast boat wildlife tours, specialising in a unique combination of high adventure and pure exhilaration, with the thrill of close encounters with Scotland’s magnificent sealife and scenery. The interactive marine eco-tours are the perfect way to experience the natural wealth of Lochaber’s history, folklore and wildlife. Porpoise, seals, dolphins, whales, basking shark, otter, eagles, and a wealth of sea birds can be spotted on the daily one and two hour adventures. The high speed modern Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RIB) seats 12 passengers and includes parent and child seats to give an all round family experience.

For the even more adventurous, SeaXplorer can take families on remote coasteering trips exploring the usually inaccessible coastline by boat and allowing adventurers to scramble, cliff jump, swim and climb along the dramatic coastline of the Outdoor Capital. http://seaxplorer.co.uk/index.php

We know you’re going to bike this…

If dry land is more your thing then don’t miss the chance to explore Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest, home to the Mountain Bike World Cup Cross Country Trails, on a guided bike tour. Highland Activities will give riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to see some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery from the saddle. http://www.highlandactivities.co.uk

After working up an appetite by biking on the World famous Witch’s Trails in you can enjoy the log burning stove and homemade soup and baking in the Pinemarten coffee shop at the Nevis Range gondola base station. Or if you want to experience the mountain views and autumn colours of the Great Glen the easy way take a trip on the mountain gondola to the Snowgoose restaurant & bar … 650m up. http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/summer/index.asp

These are just a few of the activities that have made Fort William a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts so for more info on why the Lochaber area is Britain’s Outdoor Capital check out http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

HALF TERM ACTIVITY DETAILS

High Ropes Adventure at Ice Factor, Kinlochleven. To go round the High Ropes adventure course costs £18 for adults and £15 for kids and the swing costs £12 for adults and £10 for children. Sessions are run daily from 10am to 6pm. www.ice-factor.co.uk / call 01855 831100

For information on Indoor ice and rock climbing visit www.ice-factor.co.uk / call 01855 831100

Sea Xplorer wildlife trips. One and two hour trips departing from Fort William and Ballachulish start from £18 for adults and £14 for children under 14. Family tickets start from £69. To book on a Sea Xplorer trip call 01855 821 593 or 07729 937242 or call in at Fired Art Cafe, Fort William High Street – the non pedestrianised end opposite the Police Station. For more info go to http://seaxplorer.co.uk

Mountain biking sessions in the Leanachan Forest.with Highland Activities. Starting off with a session on a purpose built skills at the foot of Nevis Range, venue for the Mountain Bike World Cup and 2007 World Championships you will be able to hone your skills with advice from your instructor before heading out on a ride suitable for your group’s ability on Scotland’s world class trails. Bike hire, helmet and Instruction included. To book and for more information Guided Bike call Highland Activities on 08450 945513. Half day sessions – £45 per person – maximum 6 persons. If under 16, children must be accompanied by an adult. http://www.highlandactivities.co.uk

Mountain gondola trips at Nevis Range. – Gondola and mountain restaurant operating until 17 November 2008. Kids play area and nature trail. Opening times: 10am until dusk. Adults: £9.25. Family of 2+2: £24

Fly fishing skills Great Glen Holidays. 3 day breaks ( £210 for a family of upto 4 persons) in October staying at Great Glen Chalets include free fly fishing on our trout ponds. Basic instruction – £10 for 30 mins. Rod hire – £10 / day.

To book and for more information Tel: O1397703015 or check our website: www.fortwilliam-chalets.co.uk

Wildlife safaris with Nevispix. Half and full day wildlife safaris in the heart of Lochaber. Target species at this time of year will be red deer though Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle and winter migrants may well be seen. £27.50 for a half day, £47.50 full day.

A family of four will get one place free. Binoculars and spotting scope are available for guests use (though not one each) and digital SLR cameras with 300mm telephoto lensare available to hire, £10 per half day. Stout shoes/boots are recommended and warm, waterproof clothing. To book and for more information – 01809 501355 / ian@nevispix.com  / www.nevispix.com

Crannog Seal Island Cruise. 90 minute cruises, sailing from the historic town pier in Fort William aboard Souter’s Lass. Four scheduled departures each day (10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00) from March to October; evening cruises are available on request. Adults £8 / Children £4. To book and for more information: Tel – 01397 700714 or visit – http://www.crannog.net.

OUTDOOR CAPITAL OF THE UK

A not-for-profit community company established to promote Fort William and Lochaber as the best place to experience the outdoors in the UK. There are over 65 different activities to choose from in an amazing landscape that encompasses the small isles to Ben Nevis with white water rivers, sea, lochs, beaches, forest, glens, cliffs and mountains in between.

To find out about what The Outdoor Capital has to offer everyone, from the most rabid outdoor enthusiast to those keen to just give things a try, visit: http://www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

Formed in 2003, the Outdoor Capital is a community company with the vision:

 To establish and maintain Fort William and Lochaber as the UK’s premier destination for outdoor pursuits and adventure tourism in an exceptional natural environment.

The company has its roots in the Mountain Access Group formed during the Foot & Mouth outbreak in 2001.

The Outdoor Capital is made up of 15 unpaid directors, who represent a wide range of local businesses from retail, hospitality and outdoor activity providers and two full time members of staff, a Project Director and Project Co-ordinator.

Visitors interested in the outdoors are increasingly important to economy and community of Lochaber.

The aim is to attract visitors interested in outdoor pursuits, adventure tourism and those who just want to enjoy nature.

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