A guide to Ben Nevis and the surrounding area

If you're considering a holiday north of the border, you might want to look at staying at one of the castle hotels in Scotland near Ben Nevis.

Outdoor enthusiasts in particular are sure to enjoy a stay in this part of the world, since The Ben - as the mountain is affectionately known - is the highest in the British Isles and presents amazing walking and hiking opportunities for those who are interested.

Even if you're not particularly proficient as a climber, you will find some of the best scrambles here, with a challenge available for all abilities, so don't be put off from booking a stay at a resort such as the Inverlochy Castle Hotel.

Depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy a spot of skiing, while if you're simply keen to see some spectacular views, you can catch a ride up the slope on the gondola system, which operates throughout the year.

Of course, there are many other attractions to this part of Scotland and you don't have to be interested in the outdoor pursuits on offer to be certain that you will have a great holiday.

Fort William - where the Inverlochy can be found - has numerous shops and a wide array of places to eat, with some amazing seafood restaurants located on the waterfront.

One of them even has its own fishing boat, which unloads its catch straight into the kitchen, so you can be sure that your dinner is as fresh as it can be.

If you want to acquaint yourself with the town, head to the West Highland Museum, where a number of items linked to Bonnie Prince Charlie can be found. You can also explore along the scenic route - often called The Road to the Isles - that runs from Fort William to the west towards Mallaig via Glenfinnan.

Here, you will find a monument on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied the troops for the rebellion of 1745. Keep an eye out for the viaduct at Glenfinnan as well, which is home to the famed Fort William to Mallaig railway - acknowledged as being one of the greatest journeys by rail in the world.