im doing the West Highland Way later this year ending up in Fort William where we might have a bit of time to kill.
I've not been to Fort William for about 15 years, and back then it was a bit of an odd place, kind of run down, and no great pubs or places to eat, or at least in my early 20's I didnt find them.
Has it improved these days? Can anyone recommend any decent pubs/places to get food.
Also how far is it from the centre to the riding areas? On the Sunday morning the train doesnt leave until 11:40 so wil have time to kill.
Ta
Has it improved these days?
Probably, but still a dump.
The Grog and Gruel is an OK pub on the high street, does ale and pub food. It's a few miles from town to the ski centre which is where the DH track finishes and XC trail centre stuff starts. If you google the nevis ski centre you'll see it's not far from town.
It's been over a year, but I must admit, the only pub in Fort William I actually like is a couple of miles outside the place ...
http://www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk/
Good atmosphere, friendly, with long benches for the dining area which ensures you have little choice but to converse with whoever your are sat next to 🙂
Ben Nevis Inn is also a good shout, really nice setting. I'd rather stay there than in FB itself.
I can't recommend anything in fort william apart from the roads out 😉
Nevis range is within pretty easy riding distance, there's a cycle path that leads out of town, then you can hit the blue route return easily from there- so though it looks a fairly long way to nevis range itself the riding loops start before you get there.
If you are *in* Fort William, then the Grog and Gruel is your best bet, after that, then a curry house, or bed.
Lots of nicer places to drink once you go in most other directions out from Ft William.
Not sounding good 🙁
Ok any recommendations within cycling distance of the end of the WHW ie nice pub with rooms, just need to get back to Fort Bill the next day for a train.
Another recommendation for The Ben Nevis Inn. You can get a bed there and its not far from the WHW.
Grog and gruel for sure. Fantastic ales!
I've always eaten then become half pished in the G&G before braving the others!
The Cow Hill loop is easily accessible for a quick blast before the train home.
Access the trail from Braveheart car park in Glen Nevis and follow the signs!!
You will pass Braveheart on your way down the WHW
Pubs - Grog &Gruel is best in the high street , Ben Nevis inn does good food and also has a bunkhouse attached
There's a Wetherspoons at the South end of the town now.
Make your own mind up about that but it works for me for the odd pint and pub grub.
I can't remember the name of the B&B we stayed in at Fort Bill for the D/H world cup but it's nice (so much so we're booked in again this year). I shall find it out and let you know.
Grog & Gruel is by far the best pub in town, loads of proper beers/malts to go at.
In Kinlochleven there's the McDonald hotel & cabins, who we've stayed with a few times on the motorbikes - it's maybe a good bet.