Ben Nevis Distillery

The moment you walk into Ben Nevis Distillery, you're hit with that unmistakable smell of malted barley and copper. It's proper whisky territory - no pretence, just the real thing. Fort William sits right on your doorstep, and the distillery itself is impossible to miss from the main road.

You'll see how they actually make the stuff here. The tour takes you through the process from grain to bottle, and they don't rush you. The stillroom is the heart of it all - those enormous copper stills gleaming under the lights. Most people spend around two hours doing the full experience, though you can just pop in for a dram if you're short on time.

It's absolutely worth the visit if you're into whisky, though I'll be honest - if spirits aren't your thing, you might find yourself glazing over during the technical bits. Families with teenagers tend to get more from it than younger kids. There's usually a small entry fee and the tasting at the end is included, which softens the blow.

Stay at Ben Nevis Holiday Park just 0.4 miles away and you could practically roll downhill to the distillery after a heavy pour. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park, two miles out, gives you more breathing room if you want to spend your days on Ben Nevis itself or exploring the surrounding glens. Either way, the distillery works perfectly as a half-day activity alongside proper hill walking in the area.