LYING at the northernmost end of Loch Linnhe, with Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, towering majestically above it, Fort William is undoubtedly a beautiful place.

Although a fair distance from the North-East (it took us around eight hours to get there) the last part of the journey was an absolute pleasure, with roads edging lochs and passing through quaint Highland villages, and breathtaking mountains looming on all sides. It was a fitting introduction to what is surely one of the most picturesque parts of the British Isles. With a landscape of lochs, waterfalls and towering mountains, carpeted with vivid greens as far as the eye can see, it is guaranteed to leave visitors awe-struck.

Fort William has provided the backdrop to many films, including Braveheart, Highlander, and Rob Roy, and the locals will tell you any number of tales about brushes with celebrities - apparently even Barbra Streisand has been spotted wandering the high street.

The Moorings Hotel at Banavie, Fort William, certainly seems to be a favourite among the stars, boasting several among its patrons. A relaxed hotel with a family atmosphere and charming staff, the Moorings was our base for a three-day visit to Fort William. Conveniently located for all the town has to offer, it attracts many for its bar meals and has clean, spacious rooms - ideal for resting after a hard day of activities.

Apart from climbing Ben Nevis (which we didn't, although apparently there's quite a gentle route up) there's plenty to keep you occupied in Fort William. Ideal for outdoor types, it offers a wealth of activities perfect for getting to know the beautiful landscape at close range. One of the most popular is Canadian canoeing, a relatively gentle pursuit with great views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding countryside.

For those who prefer dry land, another way to absorb the scenery is by walking to Steall Falls, in Glen Nevis. The beauty of the route is that you can take it at your own pace and go as far as you like, but although the walk itself isn't too difficult, it can be a bit wet, so waterproofs and walking boots are advisable. Something else to bear in mind (which we completely failed to) is that this part of the world is cursed with midges, so if you don't want to be eaten alive, take plenty of insect repellent.

Natural wonders of a different kind are on display at Treasures of the Earth, an award-winning attraction boasting one of Europe's finest gemstone and crystal collections inside a simulated cave. You can soak up more of Fort William's heritage at the West Highland Museum, which houses Scotland's second largest collection of Bonnie Prince Charlie memorabilia.

An excellent way of taking in the loch while someone else does the work is by going on a boat trip. Options include the one-hour special, a visit to Oban or a day trip to Mull. If you fancy a more hands-on experience, try canyoning, which means slithering down waterfalls and jumping into pools in a wetsuit. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted, and for us pampered city folk, was a real challenge. It requires a head for heights, the ability to swim quite strongly and an unstinting trust in the instructors, who, incidentally, were brilliant. Three hours after embarking on what seemed like a death wish, we emerged cold, bruised, but thoroughly exhilarated. If you want to really challenge yourself mentally and physically, I can't recommend this enough.

A visit to Fort William would not be complete without a gondola ride up the Aonach Mor mountain. Used by skiers, climbers and downhill cyclists, it is also ideal for those just wanting a great view of the mountain and surrounding area. The gentle ride in a cable car takes you to the top station, where you can eat at the Snowgoose restaurant, send a postcard from Scotland's highest post box, or just enjoy the magnificent views. The bottom of the mountain is excellent for off-road cycling, although I found the "easy" route quite challenging.

At the end of the day, the perfect way to relax and assuage your hunger is by visiting the renowned McTavish's Kitchens restaurant, which boasts delicious Scottish and international food as well as a nightly show complete with dancing and bagpipes. For a more formal dining experience, try the stylish No 4 restaurant - ideal for an intimate dinner or a special occasion.

Having never visited Fort William before, we left completely sold on it and determined to discover more of this spectacular part of Scotland.

* For information, contact Fort William Tourist Information on (01397) 701801.