Fort William

The Scottish Highlands' unofficial capital sits beneath the towering mass of Ben Nevis, where the West Highland Railway terminates in proper dramatic fashion. Fort William feels like a frontier town that's grown comfortable with its role as gateway to some of Britain's wildest landscapes. The high street might not win beauty contests, but step beyond the outdoor gear shops and you'll find a place that takes its mountain credentials seriously.

Corpach station marks where the famous West Highland Line ends its spectacular journey from Glasgow. Worth timing a visit around the steam trains - the sight of vintage carriages against Loch Linnhe is something special. Speaking of the loch, it stretches south towards Loch Eil, creating a watery corridor through the mountains that feels almost Scandinavian on grey days.

Climbers flock here for obvious reasons, but even non-mountaineers can appreciate peaks like Beinn na Gucaig and the cluster of munros that ring the town. Treslaig Tower Viewpoint offers cracking perspectives without the full Highland expedition. History buffs shouldn't miss the Monument to Colonel John Cameron or the ancient Kilmallie Stone Circle - reminders that people have found this landscape compelling for millennia.

Treasures of the Earth museum might sound touristy but actually delivers, especially on wet afternoons when the mountains disappear into cloud. The Sir Alexander Cameron of Inverailort Memorial tells another piece of the area's clan history.

Getting here is half the fun via the West Highland Railway, though the A82 from Glasgow works fine if you're driving. Holiday parks like Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park and Linnhe Lochside Holidays put you right in the thick of it - wake up to mountain views and spend your days exploring everything from gentle lochside walks to proper Highland adventures.