Nestled beside Loch Leven and in the shadows of the Mamores and the nearby peaks of Glencoe lies a beautiful and tranquil spot in the Scottish Highland of Kinlochleven.

Just 14 miles from Fort William, this inland sea loch of Loch Leven provides a safe haven and calm waters for water sports.

In the past Loch Leven has played host to Hollywood, when parts of both the Rob Roy and Braveheart epics were filmed here.

Before Hollywood hit town, Kinlochleven and the nearby hamlet of Kinlochbeag were visited by Royalty when King Edward VII spent time shooting at the Mamore Lodge. 

War time action did not pass this part of the world by either when the woodlands behind Kinlochleven were chosen as a suitable site for a Prisoner of War camp (the remains of which can still be seen today).

Later, an aluminium smelter was built and so too was the eight mile long Blackwater Reservoir on the hill behind Kinlochleven. The Reservoir was the last massive engineering feat in the Highlands to use navvies, and was built to link several moorland lochs.

For the nostalgic, you can walk along the five mile pipe line taking water from Loch Eilde Mor to the Blackwater Reservoir. By the time you reach the reservoir you feel quite isolated and in the middle of the wilderness. As you take the path back to Kinlochleven you can also visit the graves of some of the navvies who lost their lives during the reservoir's construction.

However, it’s the beauty and peacefulness of the countryside that many people come to enjoy now. Just past St Paul’s Episcopal Church is a signpost pointing to Grey Mares Waterfall – one of the most spectacular in Scotland. Or trace your way along the wooded River Leven with its many waterfalls.

For those of you looking to pursue a more energetic pastime then Kinlochleven is along the West Highland Way – which is a long distance walk from Milngavie up to Fort William.

For water bound sports then you can try your luck at fishing, freshwater in the River or saltwater in the loch – who knows, you may even catch your supper!!! 

Oh yes and don't forget that Kinlochleven is home to the Ice Factor indoor climbing centre, which includes an indoor ice wall!

LetsGoThere's BT & KT visited Kinlochleven and walked to Blackwater June 2006