Ben Nevis Holiday Park - Fun Days Out

Neptune's Staircase is a flight of eight locks at Banavie, near Fort William, on the Caledonian Canal. Thomas Telford designed it, and it was built between 1803 and 1822. Together the locks lift boats 64 feet, and it is a staircase lock, so each chamber opens straight into the next.

Watching boats work their way up or down the flight is the main draw. The original hand-operated system has been replaced by hydraulic operation, but the base plinths of the old capstans can still be seen beside the locks. Cast iron swing bridges carry the road and the railway across the canal at the foot of the flight.

It suits canal and engineering fans, history lovers and families looking for a gentle outdoor stop. The story behind the locks, from Telford's plans to the repairs over the years, gives plenty to read and talk about.

Tip: Look for the base plinths of the old capstans beside the locks.

Ben Nevis Distillery is a whisky distillery in Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. It was founded by "Long John" McDonald, a 6 ft 4 in man whose name was later given to a well-known blended Scotch. Queen Victoria visited with her young son, and Long John presented her with a cask of his whisky.

The water comes from the Allt a'Mhuilinn, which starts in two pools high on the mountain, Coire Leis and Coire na Ciste. Making the whisky involves mashing malted barley, fermenting the wort for around 48 hours, then distilling in a wash still and a spirit still. The spirit then matures in oak casks in traditional warehouses at the foot of the mountain.

Tip: Read about the water's journey from Coire Leis down to the distillery on its website before you go, so you know the story behind the whisky.

Glenfinnan Viaduct is a mass-concrete railway viaduct at the top of Loch Shiel. It has 21 semicircular spans of 50 feet, runs for about 380 metres and stands 30 metres above the River Finnan. It overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of the loch, and was built by Robert McAlpine & Sons, nicknamed "Concrete Bob" for his use of mass concrete.

Many visitors know it as the Harry Potter bridge, as it appears in four of the films. It also features on a Bank of Scotland £10 note. A local legend said a horse was buried in one of the piers, but a 1987 survey of the two piers large enough found no sign of one here. It suits film fans, engineering lovers and anyone after a classic Highland view.

Tip: Enjoy the viaduct from a safe viewpoint; British Transport Police have warned fans not to walk on it.

Castle Stalker is a four-storey medieval tower house on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe, in the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area. It is one of the best preserved medieval tower houses in western Scotland and is Category A listed. You may also recognise it from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

It is privately owned and open to the public only at selected times in summer, by advance booking. A tour includes a short boat crossing of about 200 metres and a guided visit led by a member of the owning family. Groups are limited to six, and you should allow up to two hours. Access involves getting in and out of a boat and climbing numerous steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Tip: Book ahead via the website's Contact Us form. Tours for 2026 have finished and the castle is closed for winter; next dates are due February 2027. Wear weatherproof clothing and wellies for the crossing.

Dalwhinnie Distillery sits in the village of Dalwhinnie, surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park, and is one of the highest distilleries in Scotland. It produces a Highland single malt known for its smooth, heather-honey sweetness and gentle smoke.

Guided tours show how the whisky is made, and tastings let you try the honeyed style for yourself. Experiences range from introductory tours to more in-depth tastings, including whisky and chocolate pairings. Even without a tour, you may be able to look around the shop and bar in the visitor centre, depending on availability. There's no café on site.

Tours are not suitable for wheelchair users because of steps and two staircases, but a tasting can be arranged. Children under 8 can't join tours.

Tip: Book ahead, especially in peak season. Dogs (except assistance dogs) can't join tours, but well-behaved ones on a short lead are welcome in the shop and bar.