Things to Do in Fort William, Scotland

Fort William sits at the foot of Ben Nevis on the shores of Loch Linnhe, and is the natural base for exploring the West Highlands. The town is the start of the West Highland Way, the end of the Great Glen Way and the departure point for the Jacobite Steam Train. It is also the gateway to Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles.

The town itself is functional more than pretty. The High Street has the usual tourist shops and a few good places to eat, but the reason to come here is what surrounds it. Within an hour’s drive you have Britain’s highest mountain, one of the most photographed viaducts in the world, the most famous glen in Scotland and one of its remotest peninsulas.

Here is what to do with a couple of days in Fort William.

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Fort William at a glance

• Where: West Highlands, on the A82 between Glencoe and the Great Glen
• Drive time: 3 hours from Glasgow, 3 hours from Edinburgh, 2 hours from Inverness
• Best for: Mountain climbing, Harry Potter fans, the West Highland Way, day trips to Glencoe and Skye
• Best big walk: Ben Nevis (8 hours) or Steall Falls (2 hours)
• Don’t miss: The Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig
• Best time to visit: May, June and September. Avoid July and August weekends if you can
• Where to stay: The Garrison Hotel for the location, Inverlochy Castle for luxury, Glen Nevis Caravan Park for camping

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How to Get to Fort William

By car, Fort William is around 3 hours from both Glasgow and Edinburgh on the A82. The Glasgow route via Loch Lomond and Glencoe is one of the best drives in Britain. Take it slow and break the journey at Tarbet for lunch.

From Inverness it is 2 hours south on the A82 along Loch Ness. From Skye it is 2.5 hours via the Skye Bridge and Glen Shiel.

By train, the West Highland Line runs from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William in around 4 hours. The route over Rannoch Moor is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Some services continue on to Mallaig as the Jacobite Steam Train (more on this below).

Driving distances:

• Glasgow to Fort William: 3 hours via A82
• Edinburgh to Fort William: 3 hours via A82
• Aberdeen to Fort William: 3.5 hours via A96
• Inverness to Fort William: 2 hours via A82
• Portree (Skye) to Fort William: 2 hours 25 minutes via A87
• Pitlochry to Fort William: 1 hour 40 minutes via A9 and A86

Parking in town is at the An Aird car park near the loch (cheapest), the High Street car parks (most central) or the West End car park (close to the museum and shops).

Climb Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest mountain at 1,345 metres, and over 150,000 people climb it every year. The standard route is the Mountain Path (also called the Pony Track or Tourist Route) which starts at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre or the Ben Nevis Inn at Achintee.

It is a long day. Allow 7 to 9 hours for the round trip and start no later than 9am. The path is well constructed but steep, and the summit plateau is famously dangerous in poor visibility. Don’t climb Ben Nevis without a map and compass, decent boots and full Scottish hill gear.

For the full guide including the Mountain Path route, parking, what to take and what to expect from the summit, see my complete guide to climbing Ben Nevis.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train (not yet confirmed for 2026)

The Jacobite Steam Train runs from Fort William to Mallaig and is the train you’ll recognise from Harry Potter as the Hogwarts Express. The 84-mile round trip takes around 6 hours including a stop in Mallaig for lunch, and crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct halfway through.

Tickets sell out months in advance for the summer season. Book early through West Coast Railways and choose first class if you want a window seat with a table – the standard carriages are open-plan with bench seating.

Tips:

• The viaduct is best photographed from the Glenfinnan walking trail, not from the train itself
• The two services a day (morning and afternoon) run May to October
• If tickets are sold out, you can ride the same line on the regular ScotRail service to Mallaig – same views, no steam, much cheaper
• In Mallaig you have an hour for fish and chips at The Cornerstone or seafood at The Fish Market

Walk Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge

If Ben Nevis is too much, the walk through the Nevis Gorge to Steall Falls is the best short walk in the area. The path follows the river through a steep wooded gorge before opening out into a wide grassy meadow with the falls dropping 120 metres down the cliff opposite.

The brave can cross the wire bridge over the river to reach the foot of the falls. It is a three-wire affair (one to walk on, two to hold) and not for the nervous.

• Distance: 3 miles return
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, with some rough ground in the gorge
• Start/Finish: end of the Glen Nevis road, 7 miles up the glen from Fort William

Visit Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan is 30 minutes west of Fort William and combines two of Scotland’s most photographed sights in one car park.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the 21-arch railway viaduct that the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films. The walk up to the viewing platform takes about 20 minutes from the National Trust for Scotland car park. Time it for one of the steam train crossings (around 10.45am and 2.45pm in summer) and you’ll see the viaduct in full action.

The Glenfinnan Monument sits at the head of Loch Shiel, marking the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 to start the Jacobite Rising. The view down Loch Shiel from the monument is one of the most beautiful in Scotland and was used as the lake outside Hogwarts in the films.

Parking is busy in summer. Get there for opening at 9.30am or after 4pm to avoid the worst of it.

Take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

The Nevis Range Gondola takes you 650 metres up the north face of Aonach Mòr in 15 minutes – a much easier way to get into the mountains than walking. From the top station there are short walks out to viewpoints over the Nevis Range, a cafe for lunch and views across to Ben Nevis itself.

In winter the gondola serves the Nevis Range ski centre with 35 runs across Aonach Mòr. In summer it’s used by mountain bikers tackling the World Cup downhill course.

More walks near Fort William

Fort William has more good walks within a short drive than almost anywhere else in Scotland.

• Glen Coe to Glen Nevis – a 26-mile walk along the most beautiful section of the West Highland Way, with 5,000 feet of climbing. A serious day out for experienced walkers
• The Pap of Glencoe – 4 hours up and down for one of the best views in Scotland over Loch Leven and the Mamores. See my Pap of Glencoe guide
• The Lost Valley – the hidden hanging valley between the Three Sisters in Glencoe where the MacDonalds hid their cattle. 3 to 4 hours, mild scrambling. See my Glencoe guide.
• Polldubh Falls in Glen Nevis — an 8-mile walk up Glen Nevis past a series of waterfalls
• Cow Hill — the small hill behind Fort William town with views over Loch Linnhe. A good 2-hour leg-stretcher if you’ve just arrived

Boat trips from Fort William

• Speedboat trips on Loch Linnhe – loch safaris, trips to Glenfinnan to see the train from the water, and 2 hour Loch Linnhe explorer tours. Ocean Trek.
• Loch Shiel Cruises from Glenfinnan – wildlife boat trips down the loch from the Glenfinnan Monument with golden eagles, red deer and (in late summer) salmon leaping. highlandcruises.co.uk
• Western Isles Cruises from Mallaig – sail to Loch Nevis or Knoydart, one of Britain’s last true wildernesses. The Knoydart trip takes you to Inverie, the village with the most remote pub on mainland Britain. westernislescruises.co.uk
• Caledonian Canal cruisers – for a longer trip, hire a cabin cruiser from Le Boat at Laggan and motor along the Caledonian Canal through Loch Ness. Read my guide to sailing the Caledonian Canal.

Day trips from Fort William

Fort William is a brilliant base for exploring the West Highlands. The best day trips:

• Glencoe – 30 minutes south. The most famous glen in Scotland and worth a full day to explore Glencoe by foot.
• Ardnamurchan – Scotland’s most remote peninsula. Drive to the lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point for the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and to Sanna Bay for one of the best beaches in Scotland. Allow a full day. See my guide to Ardnamurchan.
• The Road to the Isles to Mallaig — the A830 west through Glenfinnan, past the Silver Sands of Morar, to the ferry port at Mallaig. Take the boat over to Skye or Knoydart.
• Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland’s most famous castle, 1.5 hours north on the road to Skye
• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle – 1 hour north up the Great Glen. Read my guide to Loch Ness.
• Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie – the eight-lock staircase on the Caledonian Canal. A 10-minute drive from town and worth a wander
• The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge – 15 minutes north on the A82, a sobering monument to the WW2 Commandos who trained in these mountains

Things to Do in Fort William in the Rain

The west coast gets a lot of rain. Most days you’ll get some.

• Ben Nevis Distillery – one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland (1825). Tours from £15
• The West Highland Museum – small but excellent free museum on the High Street. The Jacobite section is particularly good, including the famous secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie that only resolves when reflected in a polished cylinder
• The Highland Cinema – independent boutique cinema in town with a great cafe-bar. Worth a visit even on a sunny day
• Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre – small free centre explaining the volcanic geology of the area. The rocks here are some of the oldest in Scotland. Check whether the centre is open before visiting.

Where to Eat and Drink in Fort William

Fort William’s food scene punches well above what you’d expect for a small Highland town. There’s first-rate seafood, wood-fired pizza, a French bakery, an artisan vegan cafe and one of the best small-town restaurants in Scotland.

Crannog at Garrison West. Crannog have recently moved from the iconic pier setting to a new home in the centre of town, but the menu is the same: Mallaig langoustines, Kinlochleven mussels, Loch Creran oysters and Isle of Barra crab. The grand seafood platter is the headline dish – lobster, crab, scallops, langoustines, mussels and oysters all on one plate. Book ahead, this place is busy.

Now I have your voice. Let me rewrite the food section properly — straight description, your phrasing patterns, no AI tells.

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Where to Eat and Drink in Fort William

Fort William’s food scene is much better than people expect. There’s good seafood, decent pizza, a French bakery, a vegan cafe and one of the best small restaurants in the Highlands.

Crannog at Garrison West. Crannog is the best seafood restaurant in town. They moved from the old pier site in 2024 to a new spot in the centre, and the menu has come with them. Mallaig langoustines, Kinlochleven mussels, Loch Creran oysters, Isle of Barra crab. The seafood platter has lobster, crab, scallops, langoustines, mussels and oysters all on one plate. Book ahead.

Blas Na Mara is a wooden seafood shack at the far end of the High Street, next to the cruise ticket office. Open during the day. Buckets of langoustines, lobster tails, salads and seafood subs at half the price of a sit-down meal.

Silly Goose at the Lime Tree. Silly Goose is the best place to eat in Fort William for a proper sit-down dinner. It’s run by chef-owners David and Kylie Hickman in a converted manse a few minutes off the High Street. Scottish menu with a French accent – pan-seared duck, langoustines, charred goat’s cheese with Puy lentils. Book in advance.

Ben Nevis Inn is at the foot of the Mountain Path, a 200-year-old converted barn with stone walls, long shared tables and a fire in winter. Hearty walker food, battered haddock, pastrami sandwiches, calamari, big burgers. If you’ve just come down off Ben Nevis, this is where you’re heading.

The Geographer has has an eclectic menu – sea bass with chimichurri, local mussels, herb-and-Parmesan fried chicken burgers. No bookings.

Black Isle Bar is just off the main street. Wood-fired pizzas and craft beer from the Black Isle Brewery up on the Black Isle. The nduja and honey pizza is the one to try. Communal tables, dog-friendly, beer garden in summer.

Highland Cinema has a proper cafe-bar inside, not just popcorn. Wood-fired pizzas, gourmet hot dogs, chilli nachos, a long list of Scottish gins. The interior is built like a Highland bothy with stone walls and a log burner.

Ben Nevis Bar is a classic Highland pub on the High Street with one of the longest whisky lists in town. Pub staples done well, live folk music most evenings.

Larder Cafe at the Highland Soap Company is just outside town and is the best brunch in the area. Modern, airy, good pastries and reliable coffee. The Highland Soap Company shop next door is worth a wander while you wait for a table. A 5-minute drive or a walk along the cycle path.

Wildcat on the High Street is independent, vegan-friendly, and does a great big breakfast. Toasties, soup and wraps at lunch.

Farine Bakery is a French-style bakery on the High Street that opened in 2024. Sourdough, croissants, fruit tarts, pastries with homemade custard – the window display is dangerous. They also have a cafe menu.

Fishy Fish does proper fish and chips on the High Street. Eat in for fancier options like locally landed langoustines, or take away.

Where to Stay in Fort William

Best location: The Garrison Hotel. The Garrison is right in the centre of town with refurbished rooms and a good bar. Walking distance to everything.

Best for luxury: Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Inverlochy is a Victorian baronial castle in 500 acres of grounds north of town. Three Michelin-recommended restaurants, prices to match.

Best boutique: Lime Tree An Ealdhain. Lime Tree is a converted manse with a brilliant restaurant and small contemporary art gallery. Loch views, individual rooms, walking distance to town.

Best mid-range: Cruachan Hotel. The Cruachan is a long-running family hotel on the High Street. Good value and reliable.

Best for hikers: The Nevis Bank Inn. The Nevis Bank Inn is at the foot of the Glen Nevis road, 5 minutes from the Ben Nevis path. Decent rooms, drying room for kit, good bar.

For B&B and self-catering: Achintee Farm sits literally at the start of the Mountain Path on Ben Nevis. The Hideaway in Caol has uninterrupted views of Ben Nevis from the loch shore. There are also Highland Hobbit Houses you can rent if that’s your thing. Looking for a log cabin? Try the Dontra Chalet.

For camping and glamping: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park. The classic Fort William campsite, right at the foot of Ben Nevis with glamping pods if you don’t want a tent. Walking distance to the Ben Nevis path.

For hostels: the Chase the Wild Goose Hostel is on the loch shore with cheap dorm beds and private rooms.

When to Visit Fort William

May and June are the best months. Long days, decent weather, manageable midge levels and the hills are at their best after a winter of snow. The Ben Nevis path is usually clear of snow by mid-May.

July and August are peak season. The weather is at its best but everything is busy and the midges are brutal in still weather. If you climb Ben Nevis in summer, expect to share the path with hundreds of others. Book accommodation months ahead.

September and October are my pick of the year. The midges have gone, the bracken turns gold, and the first dustings of snow appear on the high tops in late October. Quieter accommodation and roads.

November to March is winter. Ben Nevis becomes a serious mountaineering proposition that should not be attempted without ice axe, crampons and avalanche awareness. The lower walks (Steall Falls, Glen Nevis) are still doable. The Nevis Range ski centre opens late December to early April. Days are short but the light when it’s clear is incredible.

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You might also like

• How to climb Ben Nevis
• The complete guide to Glencoe
• Things to do in Ardnamurchan
• Scotland road trip itineraries

Love, from Scotland x