Our guide to Fort William
The town’s stunning location provides the main appeal for visitors; Fort William is spectacularly set overlooking Loch Linnhe and the rugged West coast with Scotland’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, providing a stunning back drop.
Walkers, ramblers, hikers, cyclists and those who simply enjoy the great outdoors flock to the highland town throughout the summer months to use it as a base from which to enjoy the surrounding countryside and coast. The town lies at the northern end of the West Highland Way, Scotland’s most popular long distance walk, and Glen Nevis, the valley on the Eastern flank of Ben Nevis, provides some excellent trails whilst the brave may try to climb to the peak. The busy harbour offers an opportunity for boat trips on the loch to enjoy the Lochaber scenery and wildlife spotting on the water.
As one of the main ports and largest towns on the West Coast, Fort William acts as a major commercial hub for a large area of the Western Highlands. As such the town is home to a bustling centre of high street shops and a healthy number of gift and visitor outlets. There is a lively pub scene which comes to life through the summer months and a host of quality eateries including seafood restaurants serving fayre fresh from the loch. Attractions within the town include the West Highland Museum which details the Jacobite and wider history of the region, whilst the Ben Nevis Distillery offers an interesting tour with a free dram to round off your visit.
Further afield, the area provides a wealth of heritage locations; to the south lies the eerily beautiful valley of Glencoe, infamous location of the 17th century clan massacre whilst to the north you’ll find the Glenfinnan Monument and a perfect location from which to watch trains crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter movies.
Fort William provides an ideal base from which to explore the great outdoors and an ideal stopover on route to the northern highlands.
