Located in Lochaber in the West Highlands, the town is often described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK and is a popular base for weekend breaks and holidays in the Highlands . From sandy beaches and dramatic hills to iconic films locations, castles and distilleries, there are plenty of things to do in Fort William.
What to do in Fort William when it rains?
- Jacobite Steam Train. 4,163. Scenic Railroads. ...
- West Highland Museum. 1,098. Speciality Museums. ...
- Lochaber Geopark Visitor Centre. Parks. ...
- Fort William VisitScotland iCentre. 213. ...
- Saint Andrew's Church. 126. ...
- Ben Nevis Distillery. 677. ...
- Lime Tree An Ealdhain Gallery. Points of Interest & Landmarks. ...
- Treasures of the Earth. 420.
Can you get around Fort William without a car?
However, it is totally feasible to explore the area without a car ... Many folk arrive here on foot, for instance whilst walking the classic long distance footpath – the West Highland Way, which will take you over Rannoch Moor, and drop you down directly into Kinlochleven then continue into Fort William.
Where do you stop on the way to Fort William?
- The Duke's Pass Scenic Drive.
- Loch Chon.
- Falls of Dochart.
- Conic Hill.
- Dumbarton Castle.
- Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
- Loch Katrine and the SS Sir Walter Scott.
- Inveraray Castle.
Can you walk from Inverness to Loch Ness?
Walking the Loch Ness 360° Trail
This circular trail takes in the city of Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Foyers and Dores. This route is 80 miles (129.5 km) long, and we recommend walking it over six days – one section per day.
What is Fort William known for?
It is a centre for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro mountains. It is also known for its nearby downhill mountain bike track. It is the start/end of both the West Highland Way (Milngavie – Fort William) and the Great Glen Way (a walk/cycle way Fort William–Inverness).
Is Fort William good for a holiday?
Fort William is a great holiday destination for an enjoyable stay amongst mountains, rivers and glens . Visit Fort William to relax or enjoy the outdoors. Holidays in Fort William. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in the Fort William and surrounding area of Lochaber, in the Highlands of Scotland.
Does Fort William have a beach?
A stunning string of white sandy beaches , with spectacular views out to the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna, the Silver Sands of Morar are a spectacular destination. A popular place with walkers, the beaches are all accessible from the road and can be enjoyed individually or as a trail.
Can beginners climb Ben Nevis?
For novices climbing Ben Nevis, we'd recommend the ‘Mountain Path' (also known as the ‘Pony Track' or ‘Ben Path') . It's the simplest way to the top, and also the most popular.
Is there a cable car up Ben Nevis?
Does the gondola take me up Ben Nevis? No – the gondola is located on Aonach Mor, Scotland's eighth highest mountain .
What month is best to climb Ben Nevis?
The best time to climb and hike Ben Nevis is in the summer from July to August . The temperatures are mild and it's better to hike with sunshine and clear visibility. However, you will probably see snow at any time of the year. The downside during summertime are the crowds, as the mountain gets very busy.
Is it better to stay in Fort William or Glencoe?
I personally quite prefer Glencoe because of it's scenic beauty and very small towns do not bother me, especially if it is only for a night or two. You could look at some menus online if it helps. But if you want loads of amenities, Fort William is definitely the way to go .
How do you get to Glencoe without a car?
For an easy day trip to Glencoe by bus, you have two options: CityLink buses or the local Shiel Buses . Both of these companies' buses leave from Fort William's bus station at the side of Morrison's supermarket. The journey time from Fort William to Glencoe by bus is around 30 minutes.
What is there to do in Fort William in October?
- Climb (or Photograph) Ben Nevis. ...
- Book a Nevis Range Mountain Experience. ...
- Hike to Steall Falls. ...
- Walk across Neptune's Staircase. ...
- Step Back in Time at Old Inverlochy Castle. ...
- Visit the West Highland Museum. ...
- Climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train.
Is Fort William Scenic?
With some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, Fort William, Scotland, is a great place for scenic walks and to visit historic landmarks such as Old Inverlochy Castle or the Commando Monument. Adventurous travellers can try their hand at climbing Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK.
Can you drive around Loch Shiel?
Yup – it is a forestry road and quite popular with cyclists but I've never heard of it being open to motor traffic . Surface must be reasonable because it is considered fit for fairly normal/touring bikes as opposed to full-on MTBs.
What islands can you visit from Fort William?
- Overview. Leave Glencoe, passing Ben Nevis, towering over Fort William. ...
- Glencoe. ...
- Fort William. ...
- Mallaig. ...
- Isle of Skye. ...
- Stornoway. ...
- Ullapool. ...
- Inverness.
Is Inverness worth seeing?
Inverness is the Capital of the Scottish Highlands and often used as a gateway to popular destinations like the NC500 or the Isle of Skye. But the city of Inverness itself is also worth a visit . Plan to spend at least a day here at the beginning or end of your trip.
Can you visit Inverness without a car?
No transport, no worries
Car free holidays don't only mean using other transport, you can also go by your own steam, walking or cycling . Whether you bring your own bike or hire one from a local company you can easily cycle around Inverness and still have a full itinerary of places to visit and more!
Can you walk around Urquhart Castle?
If you walk the Great Glen Way Urquhart Castle, it gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the stories surrounding the Loch Ness monster ! An incredibly famous tale, at Urquhart Castle you are in the best location to learn about and explore Loch Ness. Would you like more information about the Great Glen Way?
Is Fort William a big town?
Fort William is the most important town in Scotland south of Inverness, west of Stirling, and north of Glasgow. It forms the natural centre of a very large area and the focus of the road and rail routes across the region. Most visitors to the Highlands are likely to find themselves here sooner or later.
Which Loch is Fort William on?
Fort William was the first town in Britain to light its streets entirely by hydroelectricity. Water from Loch Treig , conveyed by a 15-mile (24-km) tunnel beneath Ben Nevis, provides power for an aluminum works.
Is Fort William open?
We are working to implement a phased approach to reopening which is aligned with public health measures and recommendations. The construction of our new access road is well underway, however it is not open for public use at this time . Please continue to use King Road to access Fort William Historical Park.
What towns are near Fort William?
- Glencoe, United Kingdom.
- Kinlochleven, United Kingdom.
- Ballachulish, United Kingdom.
- Fort Augustus, United Kingdom.
- Mallaig, United Kingdom.
- Oban, United Kingdom.
- Foyers, United Kingdom.
- Killin, United Kingdom.
How long does it take to hike Ben Nevis?
How long does the walk take? An average time to the summit and back is 7 – 8 hours . Walkers fit enough to try to climb The Three Peaks in 24 hours need to take 5 hours or less. The winner of The Ben Race each September gets to the summit and back in around 90 minutes.
How do you get to Isle of Skye?
Getting to Skye
You can get to the Isle of Skye from the Highland capital of Inverness . The city has good bus links to the island or you could go by train to Kyle of Lochalsh. It terminates close to the Skye Bridge which links the island with the mainland, and the train connects with bus services.
