Fort William: Gateway to the Scottish Highlands

Known as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK," Fort William is a vibrant town perfectly situated amidst some of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes, with a steep mountain at its back and an expansive view of Loch Linnhe at its front. Once a garrison built to hold back Jacobite uprisings, today it’s a lively community where walkers, climbers, and sightseers gather before stepping out into the landscape.

Adventures for Every Traveler

What makes Fort William special is the variety of adventures that begin right on its doorstep. Whether you climb, hike, or simply want to see the landscape from the water, the town offers a gateway into the Highlands at whatever pace you choose.

• For the climber: Ben Nevis (1,345 m / 4,413 ft), Britain’s highest mountain, rises directly behind the town. The Mountain Track from nearby Achintee is a full-day walk of about 16 km / 10 mi return. In summer, hikers join the steady stream toward the summit; in winter, the peak becomes a serious alpine challenge where a guide is advised.
• For the hiker: At the head of Glen Nevis, a green valley threaded with rivers and ancient woodland, a short 3.5 km / 2 mi path winds through a narrow gorge. The trail suddenly opens into a broad meadow where Steall Falls plunges 120 m / 394 ft in a white ribbon from the cliffs above. A simple wire bridge spans the river—part crossing, part adventure—that adds to the drama of reaching the falls.
• For the sightseer: Cruises on Loch Linnhe drift past seal colonies and lighthouse beacons with Ben Nevis as backdrop. Nearby, Neptune’s Staircase—eight canal locks built in the 1800s—lifts boats 20 m / 65 ft into the Caledonian Canal, an engineering theatre framed by Highland scenery.

This is also a place where great journeys meet. The West Highland Way, a 154 km / 96 mi long-distance trail from Glasgow, ends here; the Great Glen Way, a 127 km / 79 mi walking and cycling route to Inverness, begins here. Add in the rail line, the canal, and the loch, and Fort William becomes not just a springboard but a destination worth slowing down for—with cafés, bakeries, and waterside walks that reward an unhurried pace.

Where to Stay

The town of Fort William sits pressed between the waters of Loch Linnhe and the steep slopes of the mountain behind, where many guesthouses and hotels perch on the hillside with sweeping views of the loch. To the east, Glen Nevis leads into forests and waterfalls, home to campsites, hostels, and a few lodges at the foot of Ben Nevis. North and west, quieter residential communities stretch toward Inverlochy and the coast, with smaller B&Bs and guesthouses offering a calmer, more local feel away from the bustle of the centre.

• Hotels & guesthouses: Most line the southern strip along the hillside and main road, facing Loch Linnhe.
• Self-catering: Flats and cottages are dotted through suburbs north and west of town, with some tucked higher up the slope.
• Hostels & bunkhouses: Clustered in Glen Nevis near the visitor centre and trailheads, popular with walkers finishing the West Highland Way.
• Camping & glamping: Primarily in Glen Nevis, with large serviced sites under Ben Nevis and a few smaller lochside options south of town.

No Car? No Problem.

Fort William sits on the West Highland Line, one of Britain’s most scenic railway lines. This route winds north from Glasgow through lochs, moors, and mountain passes to Crianlarich, where it splits—one branch continuing to Fort William and the fishing port of Mallaig, the other turning west to Oban. From Fort William, onward buses—not trains—carry you north through the Great Glen to Inverness.

• Rail: The West Highland Line links Fort William with Glasgow to the south and Mallaig to the west. Regular ScotRail trains run year-round, while the seasonal Jacobite steam train (May–Oct) offers a nostalgic ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct—famous to Harry Potter fans as the route of the Hogwarts Express.
  Note: There’s no direct rail to Inverness; the only way by train would be to detour back via Glasgow or Perth, which is a full-day journey.
• Bus: Local and long-distance buses connect Fort William with Glencoe, Kinlochleven, Glenfinnan, and Inverness. The Inverness run via the Great Glen takes about 2.5–3 hours and is the fastest public-transport option north.
• Taxis & tours: Handy for early/late links to trailheads (Steall, Nevis Range) or one-way hikes where you don’t want to backtrack.

Taste the Highlands

Meals in Fort William are hearty and Highland in character: venison from the hills, salmon from the rivers, or a bowl of Cullen skink—a creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions—after a wet day. Ben Nevis Distillery runs tours and tastings, while pubs and bars stock Highland malts. Yet the town also surprises with bold flavors: one local curry house is known for its naga chilli dishes—fiery, fragrant, and unforgettable. Bakeries fuel early starts, and in summer you may stumble into a pub alive with music — sometimes even a ceilidh (pronounced “KAY-lee”), a traditional Scottish gathering of fiddles, dancing, and community spirit. For value and variety, the local branch of the Wetherspoon chain offers a broad menu and long hours — handy for families or groups on a budget.

Practical Planning

Visiting Fort William is as much about preparation as it is about adventure. Seasons, weather, and demand all shape how your trip unfolds, from daylight hours on the hills to whether you’ll find a bed for the night. A little foresight—on timing, gear, and bookings—goes a long way toward making the Highlands rewarding rather than unpredictable.

• When to go: Apr–Jun and Sep balance long days with fewer crowds; Jul–Aug is busiest. Midges (tiny biting insects) peak late May–Sept in still, damp conditions—nets and repellent make them manageable.
• Weather: Expect four seasons in a day. Pack waterproofs, warm layers, and sturdy footwear year-round.
• Safety: Map/app + spare power, know your turnaround time, carry a headtorch outside midsummer.
• Bookings: Summer accommodations fill quickly, and tickets for the Jacobite steam train (Fort William–Mallaig) often sell out months ahead.

Suggested Itineraries

Think of these as starting points—swap days around to suit weather and energy levels. Ben Nevis and Steall Falls are condition-dependent; the canal, museum, and loch are reliable back-ups.

2–3 Days (No Car)

• Day 1: From Fort William, walk or bus into Glen Nevis. From the upper car park, the trail to Steall Falls is 3.5 km / 2.2 mi each way (about 7 km / 4.4 mi return). Add 6 km / 3.7 mi return if you’re walking from town rather than using local transport.
• Day 2: Take the train to Glenfinnan for the monument and the viaduct viewpoints; in season, time it for a Jacobite steam train crossing.
• Day 3: Stroll the Neptune’s Staircase towpath, a flat canal-side walk with benches and views to Ben Nevis. In the afternoon, take an optional Loch Linnhe cruise if boats are running.

5 Days (With a Car)

• Day 1: Glencoe — Drive 30–40 min south into Scotland’s most dramatic glen. Stop at lay-bys for panoramas of the Three Sisters, or take the Coire Gabhail (“Lost Valley”) trail for a half-day hike.
• Day 2: Fort Augustus & Loch Ness — Follow the Great Glen north, pausing at Spean Bridge’s Commando Memorial. Continue to Fort Augustus to watch boats climb the canal locks into Loch Ness. Short forest or towpath walks add variety before the return drive.
• Day 3: Fort William Discovery — Stay local: walk the High Street and West Highland Museum, stroll the canal at Neptune’s Staircase, or ride the Nevis Range gondola for views without the climb. A slower day to enjoy the town itself.
• Day 4: Isle of Skye Loop — Drive the A87 north through dramatic glens to cross the Skye Bridge. Explore as far as Portree or the Cuillin foothills, then return via the Armadale–Mallaig ferry for a scenic sea crossing back to Fort William.
• Day 5: Oban & Kerrera — Head south along Loch Linnhe (via Ballachulish Bridge) or cut across on the Corran Ferry to loop down the Ardnamurchan coast. End in Oban for seafood, a distillery visit, and optional ferry to Kerrera before driving back.

Accessibility & Families

Fort William works well for mixed-ability groups: flat canal paths, drive-to viewpoints, and visitor centres balance out the hill days.

• Level routes: Caledonian Canal towpaths around Neptune’s Staircase offer smooth, mostly flat surfaces with benches and facilities.
• Easy viewpoints: Glenfinnan visitor centre has maintained paths to viaduct/loch viewpoints; many Glencoe lay-bys give big scenery with minimal walking.
• Gondola: Nevis Range gondola provides step-free uplift to viewpoints; check wind closures before you go.
• Museums & breaks: The West Highland Museum (compact, central) suits short visits between showers; cafés on the High Street make easy pit-stops.
• Trails note: The path to Steall Falls (3.5 km / 2.2 mi) is narrow with drops and a wire bridge—spectacular but not suitable for all; consider lower Glen Nevis riverside sections instead.

Fort William: A Destination and a Gateway

Fort William is a destination in its own right and a springboard into the southern and western Highlands—Glencoe, Glenfinnan, the Great Glen, Oban, even Skye are all within easy reach. Stay a night or three to enjoy the town itself, then fan out on day trips. When your route bends further north—to Loch Ness, the Black Isle, or the far coasts—Inverness becomes the next sensible base. But at the foot of Ben Nevis, with the loch ahead and trails behind, this is where many Highland journeys begin.