Lucky to be living in Lochaber
We have always felt that we are extremely blessed with our seaside location here in Fort William, not just because it’s a beautiful place to live, but also because we believe spending time beside the water is immensely good for our wellbeing, bodies and soul.
For centuries people have harnessed the magical power of the water, even dating back to Roman Times with the eponymous Roman Baths, and then came the 19th century boom years of the Hydropathy movement when Spa towns became very popular in the UK and ‘Taking the waters’ became a fashionable trend, which was then believed to cure a variety of illnesses including rheumatism, alcoholic related diseases and depression.
So it was very interesting to read the recent BBC article suggesting that “there’s growing belief that being near, on, in, or under water has a far more powerful impact on our mental, and physical health than we might realise”.
The great thing about water is that there are so many different ways – for all ages and abilities – to appreciate it in the Lochaber area. Here’s just a few:
Sailing
We are blessed with an excellent sailing club here in Fort William with the Lochaber Yacht Club. It’s also a recognised RYA teaching establishment, so perfect for the next generation to come to appreciate the simple pleasure of sailing.
Sitting beside the water
Enjoying the water needn’t cost anything. Just sitting beside the water watching the boats go by is a fantastic relaxing pastime (as Otis Redding knows very well!). Here’s one of our favourite spots at the canal basin at Corpach.
(Is there a canal with a better backdrop anywhere in the UK?!?)
Action sports
For those seeking more of a thrill in the water we are spoiled for choice here in Lochaber. Of course being in the Outdoor Capital of the UK means there are plenty of action sports involving water on offer – outdoorcapital.co.uk have provided a comprehensive list of exciting water-based activities in the area.
Scuba Diving
The cold, clear waters of Scotland lend themselves to excellent scuba diving conditions, and Lochaber offers plenty of things to see beneath the surface, including some of the scuba diver’s favourites of wrecks and wildlife.
Restaurants
Fine dining is always enhanced via a spectacular setting and Lochaber is blessed with a great many such restaurants, perfectly exemplified by the Crannog Restaurant right in the centre of Fort William.
Sea Kayaking
Kayaking tends to be viewed as an action sport, and that’s certainly the case with river kayaking, however there’s also sea kayaking which can be a very gentile and relaxing way to explore the coast. Companies such as Rockhopper Sea Kayaking offer the full package.
Boat tours
Being on the coast means that there are a multitude of boat trips right on our doorstep, and the feeling that a wonderful island adventure is just moments away, is eminently palpable. There are a number of different boating experiences available, such as Crannog Cruises who offer a wonderful cruise down Loch Linnhe and the chance to experience some of Scotland’s best wildlife including porpoise, common and grey seals and maybe even a golden eagle. Caledonian Discovery offer a cruise along the Great Glen, taking in the spectacular scenery of the Caledonian Canal and the beautiful inland lochs of Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Fort William Sea Tours offer a breathtaking rib ride down Loch Linnhe to see the local seal colony and take in the magnificent views on every side, and they pride themselves on getting you close to the local wildlife including seals, dolphins, eagles and seabirds.
Beach walking
The sound of the sea lapping at the shore and getting sand between your toes are simple pleasures, but ones that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked and underappreciated. Being coastal, there is an abundance of coves and small beaches to be explored in Lochaber. One favourite of ours is Bishop’s Bay at Ballachulish, which is only around 15 minutes’ walk from the wonderful property The Heronry, available to buy now:
So, in summary, Fort William and Lochaber is a great place to live, not just on account of all there is on offer, but because its waterside location is good for you too!!!