Fort William Guide Scotland

Fort William Guide, Scotland

Fort William, West Highlands

Jake Davies

Loch Linnhe and Fort William, Scotland. — Looking down on Loch Linnhe and Fort William from one of the many walking paths that start in the town

Fort William is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, in the Western Highlands of Scotland and has a reputation as the Outdoors Capital of Britain.

High Street in Fort William, Scotland. — The High Street in Fort William for eateries, pubs, visitor centres, as well as many outdoor supply shops

Ben Nevis

At 4,413 feet (1,345 meters) Ben Nevis is an obvious attraction for many. There are numerous trails up to the peak as well as trails around the lower slopes, but the main trail for less experienced hikers starts from the Glen Nevis Visitor Center about a mile outside of central Fort William.

Known as the Mountain Path, it is only about 10 miles for a return trip to the summit but is still strenuous and you should allow a full day for the walk.

The Visitor Centre has all the relevant and needed information, such as maps etc and any important weather information for climbing to the summit as well as information on walks in the surrounding area.

Visitor Centre
Glen Nevis
Fort William PH33 6PF
Tel: 01349 781401
Open 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Accessible by bus in the summer months.

Another two visitor centres on the High Street in downtown Fort William that can help with information not only about climbing Ben Nevis but for any and all information about visiting or staying in the area are the

Visit Scotland Visitor Centre
15 High Street
Fort William PH33 6DH
Tel: 01397 701801
Open 10 am to 4 pm

and the

Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre
55A High Street
Fort William PH33 6DH
Tel: 01397 705314

The Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre covers a much wider area centred on Fort William.

Open 10 am to 4 pm

The Camusnagaul Ferry takes passengers across the loch between Fort William and Camunagaul and Trislaig. — The Camusnagaul Ferry takes passengers across the loch between Fort William and Camunagaul and Trislaig

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The top of Ben Nevis shrouded in clouds. — The top of Ben Nevis shrouded in clouds

Munroes

There are of course many other mountains in the area for hiking and climbing including many Munroes, the name given to peaks in Scotland over 3,000 feet high.

In the winter there is skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing. The Nevis Range Resort, a few miles outside of town to the north of Ben Nevis is the major ski center but the mountain gondola, the only one in the UK, that takes skiers and snowboarders up to the slopes also runs year round and is a very popular way to reach some fantastic viewpoints without too much effort.

The gondola takes about 15 minutes to reach about 650 meters above sea level on Aonach Mor, the 8th highest mountain in the UK. From here there are stupendous views out across the highlands and across to Ben Nevis.

There are several shorter trails to other viewpoints and also a restaurant and bar at the top. It is not just walkers and skiers who take the gondola, it also carries bikes to the top of the downhill mountain bike trail, the most extreme of the 60 bike trails around the slopes of the mountain.

Nevis Range Mountain Resort
Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SQ
Tel: 01397 705825

West Highland Way

For those who prefer long distance walking, Fort William is the start and end point of two major long distance routes. The West Highland Way starts near Glasgow and runs 96 miles (154 km) to Fort William. About 30,000 people a year walk the entire length and it is also possible to ride a horse or mountain bike, though some dismounting is necessary.

Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way begins in Fort William and heads to Inverness in 78 miles (125 km). Much of the route follows the shoreline of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness, and as they are part of the Caledonian Canal that links Fort William with Inverness, the route is popular for kayakers and canoers, although a few obstacles need portage. It is known as the Great Glen Canoe Trail.

The water around Fort William is also popular for boaters, and several companies offer scenic boat tours of varying lengths including evening cruises in the summer. There is also a small passenger ferry that plies back and forth from Fort William to villages on the opposite shore of the loch.

The West Highland Museum in Fort William. — The West Highland Museum in Fort William has free entry

High Street

The High Street is the commercial centre of the town and here you will find not only the visitor centres but all all types of camping and hiking supplies as well as food.

There are plenty of restaurants and eateries as well as pubs and bars. Also on the High Street is the West Highland Museum, with free entry and 8 rooms packed with displays of local history as well as a focus on the Jacobite Uprisings. Well worth a visit on a rainy day as are several of the town's churches, with St. Andrew's being the standout. It was consecrated in 1880, built upon the site formerly occupied by the Rosse Chapel which had fallen into disrepair. Episcopalians had been suppressed in the Highlands as they were seen as supporters of the failed Jacobite Rebellion, and Rosse Chapel was in fact the first Episcopal church built in Fort William, in 1817. The churchyard of St. Andrews is entered through a small, pretty, lychgate. The granite church is fairly simple, being primarily a large nave with a tower and spire.

Just outside of the town center to the north are the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle dating back to the 13th century, and not far away is the Ben Nevis Distillery, producing whiskey for almost 200 years and offering a visitor centre with free tastings.

To the south of Fort William is Glencoe and to the east below Ben Nevis is Steall Waterfall, both popular sites of scenic beauty.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, is renowned for its long distance hiking routes and hill climbing trails. — The Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, is renowned for its long distance hiking routes and hill climbing trails

Statue of Donald Cameron in front of Duncansburgh Church in Fort William. — Statue of Donald Cameron in front of Duncansburgh Church in Fort William

Access - Getting There

At the north end of town is the train station from where the famous Jacobite steam train on the West Highland Railway Line leaves for Glenfinnan, at the head of picturesque Loch Shiel and Mallaig. Fort William is also served by The Caledonian sleeper train from London.

Campsites, hostels, guest houses, Bed & Breakfasts, lodges, self-catering, and all levels of hotels are available in Fort William and adjacent areas.

Some recommended places to stay include The Garrison, a four star property with bar and free WiFi and a choice of continental or vegetarian breakfast.

Also four-star, the Clan Mac Duff Hotel looks over Loch Linnie and offers a restaurant serving Highland cuisine.

Another great four-star hotel is Moorings Hotel on the banks of the Caledonian Canal close to Neptune's Staircase - a flight of eight locks. Some rooms have great views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor.

For all budgets see an accommodation listing in Fort William.