Old Fort William

The ruins of Old Fort William sit on a low rise above Loch Linnhe, a few minutes' walk from the town centre. What remains are stone foundations and crumbling walls from the 17th-century fort - nothing dramatic, but enough to give you a sense of the place and decent views across the loch towards the mountains beyond.

It's genuinely good for a casual picnic stop rather than a dedicated destination. Bring sandwiches, find a spot on the grass, and you've got that Highland scenery without the effort of a proper hike. The site's open and windswept, so summer's obviously better than February, but it works year-round if you don't mind the elements.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than most - the fort's part of the military jigsaw that shaped the Highlands - but kids won't spend hours here. Plan on thirty minutes to an hour unless you're really into old stonework. Fort William itself is right there, so it slots perfectly into a wider day without any bother.

If you're staying at Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park or Ben Nevis Holiday Park, both within walking distance, this makes an easy afternoon break. Linnhe Lochside Holidays, a bit further out, offers access to quieter ground. The fort works best as a breather between bigger activities - not the main event, but a proper Highland moment without the scrambling.