Online Tour

Fort William - Glenfinnan - Lochailort - Arisaig - Morar - Mallaig
Small Isles: Eigg - Rum - Canna - Muck
Knoydart - Isle of Skye

Let us lead you on a Journey of Discovery - along the Road to the Isles, or on the awe-inspiring West Highland Railway, from the foot of Britain's highest mountain to the bustling port of Mallaig and over on the ferry to the magical Isle of Skye.

Whether by car, train, bicycle or on foot, the 46-mile journey from Fort William to Mallaig offers unique history, dramatic loch and mountain scenery, and contrasting flora and fauna in unparalleled proportions (see Photo Galleries).

At every turn the landscape changes. The road leads you west, under mountains and around lochs, to that magical moment when you meet the Atlantic Ocean. On the horizon, the Islands of the Hebrides, beyond them nothing but a glorious sunset.

The Road to the Isles takes you past where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on the British mainland. Staying the night at Fassifern House by Loch Eil, he plucked a white rose from a bush and the White Cockade became the symbol of his struggle to regain the British throne for the Stewart dynasty in 1745.

We have used his symbol of the white rose as a sign for the Road to the Isles. Nowadays the land is empty, but 250 years ago every glen had its people, who rallied to the cry to join the Highland army.

You are drawn from the main road towards deserted settlements where empty beaches and wild landscapes are now more famous as magical backdrops to film-sets to movies like Local Hero, Highlander and Rob Roy.

This is the landscape of Lochaber and the Rough Bounds - to journey through or stay for a day or three or more. Along the way you will find places to visit and stunning scenery and wildlife. There are plenty of opportunities for local walks. You can choose to sail west to the Small Isles, explore lochs that go deep into the mainland hills or continue your Journey of Discovery across the water to the Isle of Skye.

All along the road you will find a selection of hotels, bed and breakfast houses, hostels and camping sites. Good food can be found in hotels and restaurants, while most villages have at least one shop, petrol (gasoline) and other services. There are banks and Tourist Information Centres in Fort William and Mallaig.