You may have already seen the video diaries I made about some of the best things to do at the Outdoor Capital UK. This is my list of 10 gems for outdoor activities in the Outdoor Capital UK. The #outdoorcapitaluk area includes Fort William, Lochaber and the UK’s tallest mountain Ben Nevis.
Mountain biking
Mountain bikers can choose from a wide range of trails, ranging from the world-renowned downhill trails in Nevis Range and gentler ones at Leanachan Witch’s Trails. Mountain Guides offers mountain biking skills classes and guided outings. Rockhopper Scotland offers mountain bike rentals and fun day trips that include a bike, cruise or canoe. The Rockhopper outlet at Banavie near Fort William is the perfect place to rent bikes for a relaxing ride along the Caledonian canal.
Road Cycling
You’ll discover quiet, single-track roads away from main roads. These are ideal for road cyclists. You could ride up to Ardnamurchan – the westernmost point of mainland UK – or take the backroads in the Great Glen or Glen Spean. You’ll find that in the remoter parts of Lochaber you will often be the only one on the road.
High Wire Adventure
The High Wire Adventure is an excellent activity for the whole family. It includes a series of bridges, ladders balance beams as well as a 100m Zip Wire. You can safely harness yourself in and tackle Barn Own, Red Fox, Wildcat before you test your nerves on Swoop. For little ones, there’s a Squirrel-sized course.
Via ferrata
Via Feratta, Kinlochleven.
Try a via ferrata challenge in a deep waterfall canyon near Kinlochleven. Participants can climb the 150m wall safely and cross almost 450m with safety cables and climbing harnesses. Vertical Descents, a company from OCUK can help you.
Walking
The OCUK has it all, from easy walks to epic ridge crossings. For inspiration, see OCUK Walks or Walking Highlands.
Climbing
This area has a world-wide reputation for ice and rock climbing. There’s a variety of climbing routes and gullies in the summer, as well as snow-covered rock and ice. Check the weather before going.
Camera stalking
The thrill of seeing deer in close proximity without harming them is what camera stalking provides. You can do it all year round, as there is no set season. Nevispix offer Red Deer Safaris.
Snowboarding and skiing
The Nevis Range, one of Scotland’s six mountain centres is a favourite place to ski and snowboard in winter. It is Britain’s only gondola of this kind, and it takes skiers up to 2150ft above sea level on Aonach Mor (the eighth-highest mountain). A wide variety of slopes can be accessed.
Skimo
Skimo is a popular sport in Scotland that combines mountaineering, backcountry skiing and downhill skiing. Skis are used to climb and descend mountains in a series of laps. See Skimo Scotland. The series includes two races at Nevis range.
Sea kayaking
Canoeing, kayaking or rafting is possible in a variety of places. You can also paddle the Great Glen Canoe Trail. Check out Paddle Lochaber, Caledonian Canal Canoe Hire, and Sea Kayaking with Vertical Descents.