FORT WILLIAM
Fort William lies on the shores of Loch Linnhe (sea water) beside the mouth of the rivers Nevis and Lochy. They join in the tidal zone to briefly become one river before discharging to the sea. The town and its suburbs, surrounded by picturesque mountains, follow the curved contour of the end of the longest sea loch in Scotland.
The town is centred on the High Street, which was pedestrianised in the 90s. Off this there are several squares. Monzie Square (named after the Cameron Campbells of Monzie, Perthshire, former landowners in the town), Station Square, where the long-since demolished but often lamented railway station used to be, Gordon Square (named for the Gordons, who owned land where the town now stands in the late 1700s, during which time the town was named Gordonsburgh), and Cameron Square.
BEN NEVIS
MADE IT TO THE TOP MALKY AND SANDY ON THE BEN
KENNY ,BRIAN AND ANDY AT THE TOP
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. It is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of Scotland,close to the town of Fort William.
As is common for many Scottish mountains, it is known to locals as simply The Ben. However, if walkers and climbers from outwith Scotland use the term "The Ben", they usually mean Ben Nevis. It attracts an estimated 100,000ascents a year, around three-quarters of which are made using the well-constructed Pony Track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain. For climbers and mountaineers the main attraction lies in the 700-metre (2,300 ft) high cliffs of the north face; among the highest cliffs in Britain, they harbour some classic scrambles and rock climbs of all
difficulties, and are one of the principal locations in the UK for ice climbing.The summit, at 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) above sea level, features the ruins of an observatory, which was permanently staffed between 1883 and 1904. The meteorological data collected during this period is still important for understanding Scottish mountain weather. C. T. R. Wilson was inspired to invent the cloud chamber after a period spent working at the observatory.
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West Highland Line
A Highland rail line has beaten 400 other contenders to be voted the most scenic in the world.
The West Highland Line which links Mallaig to Glasgow has been voted number one by the readers of the travel authority magazine Wanderlust.
The second and third place were taken by two Peruvian rail journeys, the Cuzco to Puno line and the Cuzco to Machu Picchu line.
The passenger service on the Highland line is operated by First ScotRail, but during the summer the steam train, used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, operates between Fort William and Mallaig.
The journey was chosen for its wonderful scenery, along loch sides and across the famous 21-arch viaduct at Glenfinnan.
The route also takes in Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, Arisaig, Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Loch Morar with its stunning beach and views of the isles of Eigg, Muck and Rum.
A spokeswoman for VisitScotland told the Herald: "It is fantastic to hear that the West Highland Line has beaten 400 other rail journeys worldwide to come out on top, reiterating the appeal of Scotland. Offering the opportunity to appreciate our countryside and indeed our natural surroundings, it is a route which proves very popular time and time again.
"I hope this news encourages more people to get out and about and appreciate the scenery. With Homecoming Scotland 2009 taking place up and down the country, there has never been a better time for both visitors and locals to explore."
Steve Montgomery, acting managing director of ScotRail, said: "We are delighted that Wanderlust readers, who are so passionate about travel, have chosen the West Highland Line.
"It is a testament to our staff, our services and the line itself - now the world's top rail journey. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to savour the line's delights."
Wanderlust Magazine editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes added: "We had a terrific response to our new train journey category and it is obvious that the appetite for rail travel is ever increasing.
"Having a Scottish winner for this award is particularly exciting, and shows you don't have to travel far for truly world-beating scenery."
