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.

Beyond the Town: Day Trips from Fort William

The ideas above sit right on Fort William’s doorstep. If you’re happy to drive a little farther (or hop on a short bus or ferry), the map opens up. The satellites below are classic day trips within easy reach—bigger views, famous landmarks, and coast-and-island detours that still get you back for dinner.

• Glencoe: One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens, Glencoe feels like a natural cathedral with sheer ridges rising above a deep valley. Lay-bys along the A82 give instant panoramas, while trails like the Lost Valley or Devil’s Staircase provide half-day hikes into the heart of the scenery. Its beauty is inseparable from its history: in 1692, the massacre of the MacDonalds by government troops—led in part by Campbells after accepting their hospitality—left a lasting scar on the glen. Good for: scenery, short walks, photography, history.
• Glenfinnan: West of Fort William, Glenfinnan combines history and spectacle. The Jacobite Monument stands at the head of Loch Shiel, marking the start of the 1745 uprising, while above it the Glenfinnan Viaduct curves across the valley. In summer, steam trains (including the Jacobite, made famous as the Hogwarts Express) make the crossing to the delight of onlookers. Good for: history, families, rail fans.
• Great Glen & Caledonian Canal: This long valley slices coast-to-coast, and from Fort William you can explore its southern stretch. Towpaths follow the canal past Neptune’s Staircase and north toward Loch Lochy, while a short drive brings you to Fort Augustus where boats rise through locks into Loch Ness. It’s a gentle way to cover distance, with options for walking, cycling, or simply watching canal life. Good for: easy miles, mixed-ability days.
• Road to the Isles: The route west to Mallaig, known as the Road to the Isles, passes beaches of pale sand at Arisaig and Morar, sea-loch views, and crofting villages. Wildlife cruises leave from Arisaig and ferries sail from Mallaig to the Small Isles and Skye. It’s as much about the journey as the destination, with frequent stops for viewpoints and shore walks. Good for: beaches, wildlife, island tasters.
• Ardnamurchan: Across the Corran Ferry, a maze of single-track roads leads through one of Scotland’s wildest peninsulas. The drive alone is a pleasure, winding past lochs, heather moors, and scattered bays. At the end lies Ardnamurchan Point, crowned by a lighthouse at the westernmost tip of mainland Britain, with chances to spot otters, seals, and seabirds along the way. Good for: wild scenery, solitude, coastal wildlife.

Where to Stay

The town of Fort William sits pressed between the waters of Loch Linnhe and the steep slopes of the Nevis range of mountains 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, a lush valley enclosed by steep ridges. From the upper car park, a 3.5 km / 2.2 mi trail winds through a narrow gorge before opening to a meadow where Steall Falls plunges 120 m / 394 ft in a white ribbon from the cliffs above. The return is about 7 km / 4.4 mi, with an extra 6 km / 3.7 mi if you’re walking all the way from town. It’s one of the Highlands’ most rewarding short hikes, mixing drama and accessibility. On the way back, you can cross the River Nevis at Achintee to reach the Ben Nevis Inn, a rustic pub and bunkhouse at the foot of the mountain—perfect for a hearty lunch or pint with views straight up the slopes of Ben Nevis.
• Day 2: Take the train to Glenfinnan, where Scotland’s Jacobite story meets sweeping scenery. The monument on Loch Shiel commemorates the 1745 rising, and short paths lead to viewpoints over the loch and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. In summer, time your visit for a Jacobite steam train crossing — the same route made famous as the Hogwarts Express — for one of the Highlands’ most iconic photo moments.
• Day 3: Stroll the Neptune’s Staircase towpath, a flat canal-side walk with benches and views to Ben Nevis. If boat traffic is moving through, you may also see the swing bridges in action — the main road and railway track pivot sideways to let vessels pass. Note: these only open when needed, so you may need to wait or it may not happen during your visit. (See the 5-day car itinerary, Day 3, for a fuller description.) 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. A visit to the National Trust for Scotland’s Glencoe Visitor Centre is also worthwhile: its exhibits cover the glen’s history, geology, and wildlife, with a café, shop, and a replica turf-and-creel house showing how the MacDonald clan lived in the 1600s. A short film recounts the story of the Glencoe Massacre.
• Day 2: Road to the Isles — Follow the A830 west from Fort William toward Mallaig. Pause at Glenfinnan to see the Jacobite monument and famous viaduct (time it with a steam train if you can). Continue past lochs and islets to the Silver Sands of Morar and Arisaig beaches, where white shell sand meets turquoise water. End at the fishing port of Mallaig, where ferries cross to Skye and the Small Isles. Even without a sailing, the drive itself is one of Scotland’s great scenic routes.
• 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. At the canal you can watch boats step up through the eight locks, but the real highlight is when the swing bridges move into action: the main road and even the railway line pivot sideways at a right angle to let tall-masted vessels pass. It’s an impressive bit of engineering in motion, and spectators often linger to see the whole sequence unfold. Note: the bridges only open when boat traffic requires it, so you may need to wait for the right moment — or it may not happen during your visit. The towpath here is also a flat, easy stroll with benches and views to Ben Nevis. A slower day to enjoy the town itself while still catching unique Highland sights. Good for: families, relaxed sightseeing, easy walks, engineering buffs.
• 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 crossing back to Fort William. For more route options and multi-day ideas for Skye, see the dedicated Skye → guide.
• Day 5: Ardnamurchan Peninsula — Cross Loch Linnhe on the Corran Ferry and follow single-track roads west through moorland, lochs, and scattered hamlets. The reward is reaching Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse, the westernmost tip of mainland Britain, where the Atlantic stretches out to the Small Isles. Along the way, detours lead to hidden white-sand beaches, ruined castles, and wildlife-rich bays. It’s a long but memorable loop, best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Good for: wild scenery, solitude, coastal wildlife.

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.