A view for a thrill

There can be few more breathtaking sights than the view from Britain’s only mountain gondola ride as it climbs 650m up the side of Aonach Mor in the Scottish Highlands.

On a clear day it is possible to see almost 100 miles, as far as the summit of Askival on the Isle of Rum and the Cuillin mountains on Skye.

The leisurely 15-minute ascent provides plenty of time to gaze over thousands of acres of dark rugged peaks, purple heather moors and lush green farm land - once home to warrior clans such as the Camerons, MacDonalds and Campbells among others - which is liberally dotted with ancient castles, villages, lochs and glens.

It is no wonder Scotland has long been recognised as a top staycation hotspot in the British Isles for holidaymakers. Every year thousands of UK domestic and overseas visitors travel to the Highlands and invariably the Nevis Range Mountain Experience is one of the top 10 destinations.

Situated just seven miles from the historic Highland town of Fort William, which dates back almost 400 years on the eastern shore of the majestic Loch Linnhe, the gondola ride is the jewel in the crown of the Nevis Range Mountain Experience.

Created more than 30 years ago as a centre of adventure Nevis Range has become a ‘must see and do’ attraction for visitors to Scotland from across the UK and mainland Europe, especially Germany, and from countries

Research carried out by VisitScotland found 87 per cent of Chinese holidaymakers, aged 25 to 45, who come to Scotland say they want to return due to the beautiful landscapes, as well as the culture, relaxing atmosphere and family friendliness - all of which Nevis Range has in abundance.

Signs for Chinese visitors have been installed around the centre’s facilities and arrangements have been made to allow visitors to use online and mobile payment platforms they are familiar with, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

In addition to the cable car ride there are numerous scenic walks, world class mountain bike trails, aerial obstacle courses, adventure play areas, mouth

At 1221m Aonach Mór is the ninth highest mountain in the UK. It sits next to Carn Mór Dearg, at 1220m, and Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 1345m, providing a home to a variety of species of flora and fauna.

Red deer are a common sight roaming the mountainside as are buzzards, hen harriers and golden eagles that nest in the area. Some animals are harder to spot, like the mountain hare, ptarmigan, dotterel bird and pine marten. There are also many hardy species of plants. At certain times of the year, there is an abundance of mountain flowers, bog asphodel and bog cotton that can easily be spotted from the gondolas as they make their way up the slopes.

Visitors can catch a ride on any one of up to 80 four-person cable cars that constantly operate from the base station next to the Pinemarten Cafe - which incidentally offers delicious home baking, hot snacks and main meals all served with stunning picturesque views up the mountain slopes.

On arrival at the top station there’s a choice of two spectacularly scenic walking trails to enjoy the panoramic view points of Sgurr Finnis-aig to the north and Meall Beag to the southwest.

The Sgurr Finnisg-aig trail is a short pleasant 45-minute walk along a gravelled path with good views of the upland grassland, heath and blanket bog. At the viewpoint, there are some benches from which to sit and admire the scenery as well as a handy interpretation board identifying the surrounding features.

The Meall Beag route, which passes by a children’s play area, provides fabulous views of the surrounding peaks with their boulder strewn slopes and rocky outcrops. It is a little longer and takes about 60 minutes. There is also bench at the end of the trail from which to soak in the panoramic views of Loch Linnhe, Loch Eil, the hills of Ardgour and Moidart.

If, after some exercise and some incredibly fresh air, visitors feel they have worked up an appetite they can enjoy a meal with a view at the Snowgoose Restaurant within the Gondola top station. There is a wide range of locally sourced and freshly prepared food on the menu, including some favourite Scottish specialties, and the bar stocks a selection of local beer, gin and whisky.

A gift shop, toilets, interpretation board, children play area, a Snow Sports School and a Mountain Discovery Centre with exhibitions on the wildlife and environment can also be found within the station complex. For anyone seeking more active experience there is skiing and snowboarding in winter - the mountain has been a popular winter sports destination since the 1930s - or plenty of mountain bike trails to enjoy the rest of the year.

Nevis Range is a world-famous mountain biking destination. There are many miles of testing tracks to suit all abilities throughout Leanachan Forest and the slopes of Aonach Mór, from gentle family trails to international standard race routes.

During the summer it is easy to hire bikes and gear on site so visitors don’t have to worry about not being pre-prepared if they suddenly decide they want to try some of the amazing trails.

Another fun family orientated activity worth checking out is the Tree Adventure, a series of aerial obstacle courses designed to provide the ultimate forest adventure for thrill seekers of all ages.

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience is more than just a day out. It is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Scotland or the rest of the UK. It’s a place where memories are made.

For more information on activities at the Nevis Range Mountain Experience, and to check opening times or buy tickets, visit www.nevisrange.co.uk