914/ 916/ 915 Glasgow – Fort William

Journey Overview

This is a route that traverses the most stunning of landscapes across the UK, starting with the cultural hotspot of Glasgow, then gaining impetus, in terms of incredible scenery, with every mile in solitude and increasingly mountainous scenery.

Leaving invigorating Glasgow behind, the coach makes its way along the banks of the incredible Loch Lomond, through lovely Luss village with its flowers blooming in colour and fabulous views over Ben Lomond and cruise boats across Loch Lomond for those who wish to make a longer stop. 

Then, the coach closes in on the beautiful waterfall on the River Fallock, surrounded by woodlands. Bridge of Orchy follows, with its incredible scenery before Loch Tulla, a magnificent Highland Loch visible from thew window and a magnet for hikers on the West Highland Way. As the road climbs higher, there’s great views over the valley within which the loch resides and then its through moorland and shallow lochs, overlooked by great peaks. Passing Rannoch Moor, the scenery is simply breath-taking through the wild moor. 

Onwards, this incredible journey goes, through Glen Etive, the location for James Bond’s ‘Skyfall’ and then to Loch Etive with mountainous views, of Buchaille Etive Mor and the archetypal Highland cottage, Lagangarbh Hut.

The shores of Loch Leven beckon as the coach goes through the famous Glen Coe and its river, which is synonymous with the history of the bloody Glen Coe Massacre and stunning mountain views over three peaks – Buchaille Etive Beag, Three Sisters and the wall of roch – Aonach Eagach ridge.

From Glen Coe the road leads along Loch Leven and over the Ballachulish Bridge with amazing views across the water to the peak of Garbh Bheinn and then Fort William approaches and the gateway to the Nevis Range and the utterly outstanding scenery across the mountains on top of Aonach Mor.

Fabulous places to visit

This is a journey that’s worthy of spreading over a few days. There’s plenty of places to visit en route, stopping off and maybe staying overnight

Glasgow

There’s so much to see and do in Glasgow, from museums to parks, nightlife to sport. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is Scotland’s Scotland’s oldest public museum and a splendid temple to the wonders of art, science, and history. Then, there’s the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with its 8,000 exhibits from dinosaurs to World War 2. If it’s natural serenity and relaxations, then visits to Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Pollock Country Park with its highland cattle, woodland and glades as well as the Burrell Collection, are ‘must visit’ locations.

Balloch

There are few more enchanting villages than Balloch, which is situated on the south-west shores of Loch Lomond. Renowned as the gateway to the Lock Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, it’s a great place for a day trip or longer exploration of the National Park. There’s many indoor and outdoor and water based activities on Loch Lomond Shores, as well as fab shops, restaurants and pubs. Particularly fascinating attractions are Treezone, an aerial adventure course and the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, with its amazing variety of species and also the home of the restored paddle steamer, the Maid of Loch, at Balloch Pier. The bus stops in the heart of Baloch, opposite Lower Stoneymollan Road.

Glencoe

The bus stops next to the Glencoe Chairlift Road End and a trip on the chairlift which provides a taste and glimpse of the mid and upper mountain. The chairlift, which is in the Glencoe Mountain Resort, runs throughout the year and takes you from the valley floor up to 2200ft in just 12 minutes with spectacular views of waterfalls, Ranoch Moor and towards the Buchaille Etive Mor. The Eagles Rest, directly off of the chairlift provides a fantastic viewpoint with no need for any hiking. If you are feeling a little more adventurous there is another viewpoint on the Summit of Creag Dhubb; this is just a brisk 3/4 mile walk from the top of the chair and gives beautiful views down Glen Etive.

The bus also stops at the Glencoe Visitor Centre which is also well worth a visit and is nestled in a woodland glade. There’s useful information on walks, weather and wildlife, including a cinema, showing a short film ‘The Glen Revealed’ which takes folk on a journey through millions of years. There’s also the ‘Pioneers of the Peaks’ exhibition which shines a spotlight on those who have pushed the limits of climbing in Glencoe’s mountains.

Take in the panoramic views and refuel in the Highland Coo Café or visits the fabulous shop where every penny spent contributes towards conservation work in this amazing landscape.

Exhilaration abounds here at the Glencoe Mountain Resort with snow tubbing is available in the winter and sledging in summer.

Accommodation is available in the micro lodges (sleeping 4-6 people depending on size booked), camping and electric hook-ups are available year-round, with camping free during winter months.

Fort William

It’s one of the most stunning places in the UK and there’s so much to see and do here over the course of a few days. Of course, the really ambitious can climb Ben Nevis, the ultimate of hikes. There’s also lovely boat trips, a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct to explore Loch Shiel or a tour of Ben Nevis Distillery. Two castles are also worth a visit, notably Eilean Donan and the old ruins at Old Inverlochy.