Fort William — Gateway to the Highlands
Fort William occupies one of the great positions in Britain: at the head of Loch Linnhe, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, at the meeting point of the Great Glen, Loch Eil, and the Road to the Isles. It is the largest town in the Scottish Highlands and the natural base for any visit to this part of Scotland.
The town itself is not the most beautiful in the Highlands — the high street is functional rather than charming — but its location is extraordinary. Every direction from Fort William opens onto dramatic scenery. And it is the starting point for two iconic journeys: the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs west to Mallaig, and the ascent of Ben Nevis.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis (1,345 metres) is the highest mountain in Britain. On a clear day, the summit offers views stretching from the Atlantic coast to Cairngorm, from the Southern Uplands to the Outer Hebrides. On many days — perhaps most days — the summit is in cloud.
The most popular route to the summit is the Mountain Track (formerly called the Pony Track or Tourist Track), starting from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre on the outskirts of Fort William. The round trip is approximately 17km with 1,344 metres of ascent. Allow 6–8 hours. The path is well maintained but can be very busy in summer. The summit plateau can be dangerously cold, wet, and windy even in midsummer — waterproofs, warm layers, good boots, map, and compass are essential.
For less experienced walkers, a walk up Glen Nevis — the beautiful valley below the mountain — is rewarding without the altitude. The Nevis Gorge walk at the head of the glen is spectacular.
Nevis Range
The Nevis Range ski resort on the slopes of Aonach Mòr (adjacent to Ben Nevis) operates year-round. In summer, the gondola (cable car) runs to the mid-mountain station at around 650 metres, giving impressive views without the effort of a full ascent. The Nevis Range is also internationally famous for its downhill mountain bike trails — the World Cup course is here.
The gondola is a useful option for families and those who want a taste of the high altitude landscape without a strenuous walk.
The Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is a long-distance walking (and cycling) route running 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness, following the Great Glen — the geological fault line that cuts diagonally across Scotland, containing Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness. Fort William is the southern terminus of the route.
Sections of the Great Glen Way near Fort William make excellent day walks — particularly the section along the Caledonian Canal towpath, which follows the canal from Fort William to Corpach and beyond.
Inverlochy Castle and the Caledonian Canal
The ruined Inverlochy Castle (not the luxury hotel of the same name) sits near the mouth of the River Lochy on the outskirts of Fort William. It is a 13th-century stronghold, once one of the most important castles in the Western Highlands. It can be visited freely.
Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, 3 miles north of Fort William on the B8004, is the longest staircase lock in Britain: eight interconnected locks lifting the Caledonian Canal approximately 20 metres. Watching boats ascend or descend the staircase is a surprisingly fascinating way to spend an hour.
Accommodation
Hotels
Fort William has several hotels ranging from comfortable chain options to more characterful independent properties. The town centre hotels are convenient for the railway station and the main restaurants. The Alexandra Hotel is one of the established town-centre choices. The Inverlochy Castle Hotel (a different property from the ruined castle) is a renowned luxury option a few miles from town, set in private grounds beneath Ben Nevis.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Fort William and the surrounding area have an excellent selection of B&Bs, particularly along the Achintore Road south of the town centre. Many have views over Loch Linnhe. B&Bs offer good value and a more personal experience than hotels.
Hostels
The Fort William Backpackers hostel and Ben Nevis Inn (at the start of the Ben Nevis Mountain Track in Glen Nevis) are popular budget options. Glen Nevis has a large campsite and several self-catering options that are popular with walkers.
Booking Ahead
July and August accommodation in Fort William fills very quickly. If visiting in peak season, book at least 2–3 months in advance. September and October offer more availability at lower prices, and the weather can be just as rewarding.
Getting to Fort William
By train: Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William on the West Highland Line (approximately 3 hours). Scenic and recommended if coming from Glasgow or Edinburgh.
By car: From Glasgow via the A82 through Glencoe (approximately 2 hours). From Inverness via the A82 south-west (approximately 1.5 hours). From Edinburgh via M9/A9/A84/A82 (approximately 2.5–3 hours).
By coach: Scottish Citylink operates coach services from Glasgow and Inverness. Journey times are similar to the train, with less scenic appeal.
From Skye: The A87 over the Skye Bridge connects to the A82 at Invergarry. The drive from Portree on Skye to Fort William takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Eating and Drinking
Fort William's high street has a range of restaurants and cafés. For seafood, the Crannog Seafood Restaurant on the pier is a Fort William institution, offering fresh local fish and shellfish with views over Loch Linnhe. The Ben Nevis Bar and Restaurant is a popular local pub with hearty Scottish food.
For a quick meal or takeaway, there are several options on the high street. The Morrisons supermarket in the town centre is useful for supplies before a long journey or walk.