Croft Lochyside

There's lots to do near, especially if you ask Donald and Nicky for tips: they're keen walkers and canoeists, and are more than happy to share their knowledge of these and other activities in the area like cycling, diving, fishing and skiing. One of the prettiest walks in the area – admittedly quite a high bar – starts straight from the croft to the shore front of Loch Linnhe, and from there all the way to Corpach along the shore. If the tide is out, walk out to the island and back along the river at the estuary. The Caledonian Canal with Neptune's Staircase is also within walking distance, as is the gondola of Nevis Range and a treetop climbing course for when Ben Nevis has been tackled. When you're in this area, a trip on the steam train to Mallaig is a must for its spectacular views: if you've seen the Hogwarts Express steaming north in the Harry Potter films you'll know how it spectacularly looks... Donald's also pretty knowledgeable on local history – Lochabar is steeped in it from the Jacobite uprising to the training of the commandos – and will be around to whet appetites for anyone interested in the same. And speaking of appetites, plenty of places are nearby for food, drinks and occasional live music, like the Lochy Bar, the Moorings Hotel and the Trade Winds Bar within walking distance and the Achintee Inn at the start of the Ben Nevis footpath, for nosh and a pint after your hike up the Ben.