Heading to Fort William as you explore the Scottish Highlands? Our guide has you covered all the best things to do in and around the town!
Updated November 2023
When planning our early summer adventure in the western Scottish Highlands, Fort William was the obvious choice for a base town.
As well as being ideally located for travellers hoping to conquer Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain - it's incredibly convenient for day trips to popular places like Glencoe, Glenfinnan, several scenic hikes and walking trails, and to catch the famous Harry Potter train. If you're planning to walk the West Highland Way, you'll also start or end the 96 miles (154 km) route here.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that it's often referred to as the outdoor capital of the UK!
The largest town in western highlands of Scotland, Fort William also has a picturesque location on the banks of the tidal Loch Linnhe encircled by hills and peaks. It is however quite compact, and the majority of people stay here due to what's nearby, its accessibility, and its good facilities, rather than viewing it as a destination in and of itself.
In this guide for travellers, we've shared our tips on the best things to do in Fort William (including when it rains), places to eat, our picks on the best accommodation, and all the info you'll need on transport connections from elsewhere in Scotland.
This is our wee guide to Fort William, Scotland.
The Best Things To Do in Fort William
Conquer Ben Nevis
Although its designation as Britain's highest mountain may be a little intimidating, the reality is that our mountains are actually not that high in comparison to Italy, France, or Austria.
Ben Nevis is no tiddler at 1,345 metres (4,412 ft), but is actually a relatively accessible and manageable day of hiking for most people who are mobile and have an adequate level of physical fitness.
The first half is all up, up, up, then up some more, the main trail is quite straightforward, and it does not require scrambling or specialist equipment in the summer months.
It does however take about 7-8 hours, is steep in sections and advance preparation is mandatory; the views and the sense of achievement are however absolutely worth it.
If climbing Ben Nevis is in your sights, Fort William is the most convenient and accessible option for you to be based in the night before and / or the night after. From the town centre, you can walk to the main startpoint in just over 30 minutes (15 if your accommodation is on the outskirts), or it's a 5-minute drive.
We have written a detailed guide to help you prepare and plan perfectly: Everything You Need To Know Before Climbing Ben Nevis.
Alternatively, if you’re a little uncomfortable about taking on the mountain independently, or travelling by yourself and want some company, consider joining a guided hiking tour - this option is ideal if you’d prefer to be in a group of people, or if you’d prefer a private experience (either by yourself or with your own friends or family), this guided walk has excellent reviews.
Insider Tip | If you want a great view of Ben Nevis, then head to Corpach (a 5-10 minute drive from Fort William) and go down to the beach and the old boat of Caol. Do note however that the summit of Ben Nevis is often obscured by cloud.
Stay | We stayed at this Airbnb, which was only a three-minute drive from the Ben Nevis hike startpoint and a 10-minute walk into the town centre.
Craft Beers & Pizza At The Black Isle Bar
After conquering Britain's highest mountain, you've absolutely earned the right to have a proper pint and a pizza.
The Black Isle Brewery is based on the eastern coast of the Highlands, not far from Inverness, but you can taste 27 of its fantastic award-winning beers at their relatively new bar in Fort William. '21 Pale' is the go-to for one half of Along Dusty Roads, but you can get plenty non-beer drinks here too!
It's dog-friendly, has an open, friendly atmosphere, and its wood-fire pizzas are a popular option in the evenings.
Where + When | It's in Gordon Square just off the end of the High Street (here on Google Maps), open from 12 pm - 11pm Monday to Sunday.
Did You Know? // Fort William’s name stems from its use as an actual strategic fort from 1654 to ‘keep the peace’ in the Highlands for Oliver Cromwell’s government forces (the clans who lived their would not have shared that perspective or wording). The ‘William’ was added around 1690 after the fort was rebuilt and dedicated to King William III of England (also known as William of Orange).
In Gaelic, its called An Gearasdan (The Fort or The Garrison).
take A Boat Trip Across The Loch
When you need a rest day from walking, or simply wish to enjoy some scenic tranquility, then a boat trip across Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil is a great thing to do in Fort William.
Offering views of Ben Nevis and the hills from the water, there's also the opportunity to spot seals or the odd porpoise, or savour a golden sunset. You do however need to pick the right boat trip for your preference and itinerary.
Crannog Cruises offer the following options: The Fort William and Ben Nevis Cruise with departures at 12pm and 2.30pm, and the 90-minute Sunset Cruise with daily departures at 6.30pm.
Note these are seasonal activities that do not run in the winter months.
There's also a daily Seal Island cruise with Cruise Loch Linnhe, in addition to their own sunset cruise. These two are seasonal but they do offer a 2-hour winter cruise.
Alternatively, you could hop on the very affordable Treslaig ferry (see info in the picture below).
Where + When | The boat departs from Fort William Town Pier (maps), which is right by the kitsch red-and-white Crannog Seafood restaurant. Cruises run seven days a week and last 60 or 90 minutes, depending on which is selected.
Tickets | Boat tour prices range from £12.50 to £17.50 (adults) and £7.50 to £10 (5-15 year olds) depending upon the cruise taken. Family tickets also available.
Visit Glencoe
Perhaps the most iconic, dramatic landscape in all of Scotland (and that's saying something) is just a half-hour drive from Fort William.
The site of a pivotal moment in Scottish history, Glencoe's peaks, lochs, and ranges form the back drop of several famous films, offer lots of hikes, and an unforgettable drive.
As we knew that we'd spend quite a lot of our days on this trip walking and taking photographs in Glencoe, we umm-ed and ahh-ed about whether we should be based there after summiting Ben Nevis.
Alas, with our rental car and the availability of accommodation being much better for our budget, we decided that we'd be quite content to drive between the two a few times rather than pack up again.
There's no right or wrong decision here as, if you're based in Glencoe, access to Ben Nevis and a few other popular places on this list will involve driving to / via Fort William.
Either way, if you're heading to Fort William, then you absolutely need to spend a day exploring Glencoe too.
Plan / 11 Best Things To Do in Glencoe - A Highlands Masterpiece
Browse In The Highland Bookshop
Stumbling across a fantastic independent bookshop is always a real treat, and we could have spent hours and hours (and too much of our travel budget) at The Highland Bookshop.
We managed to limit ourselves to just couple of books and a map, but came away so impressed at the fantastic curation and care on display.
With loads of titles on climbing, travel, and walking which we hadn't laid eyes on before - and a range of second-hand books up on the second-floor - you're certain to find a gem. On a practical level, they've also OS maps and loads Scottish travel books if you need some more inspiration or detail whilst you're in the Highlands.
Where + When | Find it at Number 60 on the High Street (Google Maps), it's open Monday to Saturday 9.30 am to 6 pm, and 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays.
Travel Tip // If you've left some key items of clothing at home, or the weather conditions have changed dramatically, then you will find a handful of outdoors clothing shops on and around Fort William High Street to get you sorted for your hike. Ellis Brigham, which is by the train station, is the most specialist and rents out winter climbing gear. There's also Cotswold Outdoor, Craghoppers, Mountain Warehouse, and Trespass.
Remember, hillwalking and climbing conditions can vary dramatically (especially if you're going to suummit somthing 800 ft higher than Fort William), so preparing for the worst and checking the weather reports in advance is essential. For corbetts, munros and general hiking forecasts in the region, we recommend taking a look at the Mountain Weather Information Service.
Catch The Jacobite Steam Train to Hogwarts
Fort William is the start point for travellers looking to hop aboard one of the 'greatest rail journeys in the world'.
However, over the last decade, this steam train travelling from the Highlands toward the Islands has become synonymous with a certain wizard's journey toward his school...
Whether you know it as the Jacobite or the Harry Potter train, its 84-mile round trip route from Fort William to Mallaig is a delight and brings you across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and deep into wondrous and wild Scottish landscapes.
Due to train's fame and popularity, as well as its limited schedule (April to October) and departures, booking and planning ahead is however essential.
We've shared everything you need to know about tickets and timetables in this post: How To Ride The Harry Potter Train in Scotland.
Visit Glenfinnan and experience the viaduct
In recent times, Glenfinnan has fallen victim to / benefitted from (pick your preference) the starring role of its viaduct in the Harry Potter film franchise.
However, well before the Hogwarts Express crossed over those arches in several of the movies, the 1,000 ft long concrete bridge across the glen was an established Scottish icon.
The wider area of Glenfinnan has also always been popular with visitors due to its beautiful setting (with stupendous views over Loch Shiel) and its position in the origins of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, which is commemorated with a towering monument topped by a solitary clansman. The new visitor centre has an interesting and informative exhibit all about this and Bonnie Prince Charlie's failed efforts to take the throne.
However, the primary reason that hundreds now flock to Glenfinnan each day is for the chance to watch and photograph that Jacobite Steam Train as it slowly passes over the 21 arches; there are only four opportunities a day to do this in summer, so you need to plan ahead of time.
Where + When | Glenfinnan (Google Maps) is an easy 25-minute drive from Fort William depending on traffic. Park up in the brand new, expanded visitor centre (£3.50) from which you can go to the Viaduct (free) , the Visitor Centre (free), and up the Monument (£5).
Plan | We've shared more advice on train crossing times, the best viewpoints, plus tips other things you can do in / around Glenfinnan - including a lesser-known Harry Potter filming location - in How To Visit The Glenfinnan Viaduct.
A Dram At The Ben Nevis Distillery
There are more things to do in the Highlands than walking and drinking, we promise.
However, it would be remiss not to let you know about a lovely little Fort William distillery you can pop into if the weather has taken a turn (or you simply wish to indulge in the liquid fruits one of Scotland's finest pursuits).
Sitting in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the distillery which bears the name of Britain's highest mountain is also one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland (in operation since 1825!)
You can drop in at the shop to buy a bottle of single malt, or join one of the well-priced daily guided tours leaving from its visitor centre.
Where + When | The Ben Nevis Distillery is a 10-15 minute walk from the town centre, and easily accessible by car on the way in / out of Fort William. Find it here on Google Maps.
Tours | The main guided tour price is £5 for adults, which includes a tasting. You can however go on the 'Tasting Tour' (£18), which includes tastings of three Ben Nevis malts. The Executive Tour is £30 and requires reservations at least 24 hours in advance (we're not too sure what it includes, but we'd bank on more whiskies).
Book your tour, or find out more information, via their website here.
Travel Tip // Whilst you're here, you should drop in at Old Inverlochy Castle nearby (Google Maps) The photogenic 13th century ruin is on the banks of the river Lochy is free to enter and walk around, and there's a great steam train viewpoint across the water too.
Real Whisky Lover? // Consider joining an all-day, private Speyside whisky tour which visits the most famous distilleries in the region including Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, or Aberlour. It’s a pricy experience so best done with a group of friends, but the reviews are excellent.
Coffee At The Wildcat
The majority of Fort William's bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes are found on the narrow High Street, and you'll naturally gravitate toward it whenever something needs to be sated.
The pick of the bunch for us is The Wildcat.
Serving up homemade sandwiches, wraps, soups, and sourdough plates as well as good coffee and cakes, we loved the menu and their approach. There's an emphasis on local suppliers and producers where possible, with the sourdough is produced at a micro-bakery just down the road.
It's also got great values to try and cut down waste and impact on the planet, and doesn't shy away from promoting them. There are lots of plastic free products in its small health food shop at the back, and they permanently banned single-used cups in 2018. If you're hoping for a takeaway coffee, then you do need to bring your own (we use a KeepCup), or you can buy one there and get a free hot drink!
It’s a vegan & veggie-friendly menu, but please don't let that deter you if you're carnivore-inclined.
Where + When | Find it here on Google Maps, and it's open Wednesday to Saturday from 8am to 5:30pm
Hungry? // We've shared more recommendations on where to eat & drink in Fort William at the end of this post.
Confusion At Neptune’s Staircase
We moved to Shropshire in England a couple of years ago, a place where it seems all the bridges and roads were built or designed by a man called Thomas Telford (as well as large town being named after him here). A little bit of local history research on a rainy afternoon led to a period of amazement at just how influential this remarkable Scottish engineer was throughout the UK in the 19th century.
In the Highlands & Islands, he was responsible for the building of 32 ‘Parliamentary Churches’ (also called Telford Churches), each comprising a standardardised economical design of T-shaped church and accompanying manse. He also oversaw the construction of a thousand miles of road throughout the region (many of which you’ll drive on or follow), including that magnificent stretch through Glencoe
However, one of his most known and important works is the Caledonian Canal, which runs coast to coast from Fort William to Inverness and was a tremendous feat at the time. Although it may not be of interest to everyone, a quick visit to Neptune’s Staircase in the small village of Banavie (four miles north of town) will bring you to the most impressive section, where the canal is raised by 19 metres for over a quarter of a mile by the ‘longest staircase lock in Scotland’.
We still don’t understand how it works to be honest.
Where + When | Thomas Telford’s Neptune’s Staircase is here, four miles from Fort William. No entrance fee or tickets required to visit.
The West Highland Museum
Even if the sun is blazing, you should make time to have a wee wander in the West Highland Museum.
Free to enter, it focuses on sharing the lives and times of the region and its peoples, with a particular emphasis on the failed Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. There are various curious artefacts across the eight rooms, including Rob Roy's sporran, bagpipes played at Bannockburn in 1314, and the deceiving secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
There's also a small gift shop and, it's said, that the ghost of a former caretaker can still be heard typing on occasion...
Where + When | The museum and shop are open 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday (April-October), and 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday (March, November, And December). It's situated here, just off the High Street.
Find out more on their website.
A Walk in Glen Nevis
From Fort William (or ending there) you can take on a section or the full monty of two of Scotland's best long-distance walking routes, and we've included useful links on those below.
However, if you wish for a shorter scenic stroll, then your best option is to head to Glen Nevis and choose from two manageable routes:
Cow Hill | A 4 mile / 6.5 km loop, which you can brand off from to head to the top of the hill for views of Ben Nevis and the Mamores.
Dun Deardail trail | A 6 ¼ miles / 10 km forest walk which brings you to an iron age hill fort with views.
Find out more on both walks here - the start point is the free Braveheart car park (Google Maps).
The West Highland Way + The Great Glen Way
We didn't do either of these multiday walking trails (already on the list for a future adventure), but thought it worth mentioning them here in case you're looking for a challenge.
The 79 mile / 127 km Great Glen Way runs from Fort William to Inverness, and 4-7 days is recommended for walkers but it can also be done by bicycle - find out more here.
The West Highland Way goes from Milngavie to Fort William, and from our table at Black Isle Bar we saw dozens of walkers complete their 96 mile / 154 km walk with the obligatory photo with the bronze walker statue in Gordon Square (they looked exhausted, we felt guilty). Find out more here.
Kayaks, Ice, Rocks & Iron
If a walk in the hills, a boat trip, or wandering around the town isn't quite scratching the itch, then you can easily have a bit more of an adventure in the Highlands from Fort William.
Here's a few ideas for some more action:
Rockhopper Scotland offer half, full or multi-day sea kayaking trips - find out more here.
Three Wise Monkeys is a cool climbing centre in town, so you can drop in for a few hours or book an introductory session if you've always want to have a go. They also run the Fort Coffee Collective cafe, which you can pop in to whether you're climbing or not.
A wee bit of a drive away in Kinlochleven (45 minutes), you can learn how to ice climb (seriously) on the biggest ice climbing wall in the world (seriously) or take on Scotland's only Via Ferrata (a super fun climbing experience we've done in Italy). Find out more on Vertical Descents.
Where To Stay in Fort William
The town has a great number of accommodation options on offer, and all travel styles and budgets will find something perfect for them. It can however be a bit difficult to find good value in the summer season due to its popularity and location, so book early and in advance when you know your travel dates.
If you are travelling with a car, then don’t feel that you should stay in the town centre - you can get something at the foothills of Ben Nevis or on the outskirts of town; you don’t want to be based more than a 15-minute walk from the town centre though if you’re picking Fort William for its facilities.
We’ve done the hard work for you and shared our pick of the best locally-run guest-houses and B&Bs, self-catering holiday homes, Airbnbs and hotels in Fort William.
Hotels
Cruachan Hotel | Our pick for those that prefer a hotel experience (rather than an apartment or small guest house), the Cruachan is wonderfully located, finished to a high standard and has a bar & restaurant. Find out more here.
Alternatively, you could check out the similarly highly rated Nevis Bank Inn.
Garrison Cells | Built on the site of the Old Police Station, if you’re looking for a quirkier stay definitely consider the Garrison Cells. They offer 6 bunk ‘cell’ rooms as well as small but well-designed doubles. Find out more here. Find out more here.
Guesthouses
Buccleuch Guest House | A lovely little family run guest house just half a mile from the centre of town. Super comfortable room, a good breakfast and excellent hosts. Find out more here.
Victoria House B&B | A clean and comfortable B&B in the very heart of Fort Willam with excellent ratings. Find out more here.
Westcourt B&B | A genuinely lovely bed and breakfast in Fort William with views out over the loch. Rooms and spacious and decorated to a high standard. Highly recommend. Find out more here.
Blue House | Whilst the decor isn’t quite for us, this B&B is very highly rated, previous guests speak very well of the host and its location in the centre of Fort William makes it ideal for those travelling without a vehicle. It’s also a bit cheaper than several others on this list. Find out more here.
Apartments, Airbnbs and Holiday Homes
Wilderness Apartments | Modern, clean and full of light, these stylish apartments come with private beach access, their own terrace and loch or garden views. Located a little out of Fort William but remain easily accessible. Find out more here.
Crannoch Apartments | This is the Airbnb we stayed at. Modern and comfortable with everything we needed for our Fort William visit. There’s free parking on site and the Ben Nevis startpoint is just a three-minute drive away. It’s ideal for couples - find out more here.
What To Eat & Drink In Fort William
In addition to The Wildcat and Black Isle Bar, the following caught our eye:
The Lime Tree Restaurant & Gallery | If you didn’t know about it, you may never find it…however the Lime Tree is a wee gem with a menu focussed on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. This is the go-to option in Fort William if you’re looking for a fancier, more foodie dining experience in the evening, and booking ahead is advised - find it here. They also have a small hotel attached, and you can check prices and availability here.
The Geographer | it could do with some better vegetarian options, but this independent, cosy restaurant on the High Street is a great option for dinner out for your first or only night in Fort William.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant | If you prefer local seafood specials and your budget is a little bigger, then make a beeline down to Crannog Seafood Restaurant - it's red and white Wes Anderson style quite a unique building and setting on the loch, but the reviews are very very good.
Rain Bakery | A few doors down from The Wildcat, this cafe is a fantastic new addition to Fort William's High Street. The aesthetic is stylish and modern, whilst the menu has good coffee, pastries, and soup/sandwich lunches.
The Volunteer Arms | A historic and traditional pub for a pint, a wee dram, or a blether on the High Street.
If you’re cooking at home for a few meals, or making packed lunches for hikes, then there’s the big Morrisons supermarket (Google Maps) by the train station, a Tesco Metro on the High Street, and an M&S and an Aldi in the retail park on the outskirts (Google Maps).
However, it’s vitally important to support local independents and restaurants / cafes in the Highlands to encourage a positive tourism dynamic and keep money within the community, so please do try not to only eat at home.
How To Get To Fort William
As we mentioned, Fort William's train station and accessibility by road underpins its status as a magnet for visitors to the western Highlands (the city of Inverness provides a similar gateway to the eastern Highlands).
From the train station (Google Maps), you’re only a few minutes walk from the town centre.
If arriving by car, then your accommodation should provide parking or advise on the best options nearby; the West End Car Park (Google Maps) is a good option by the town centre if required or you’re only passing through (£2 for 2hours, £5 for 24, campervans and motorhomes welcome but overnights stays are not permitted).
A good alternative is the Viewforth car park - find it here.
Inverness to Fort William | 2+ hours
It's best to take the lovely scenic route along Loch Ness, but your GPS will give you two or three options.
Going along the A82 will take you along the north bank via Drumnadrochit, giving you the chance to stop at Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. This is what we recommend if you have the time. It's 66 miles, and direct A to B travel time will take you a bit over 2 hours.
There's no train from Inverness, so if you don’t have a car, going by bus is the best option. Scottish Citylink offers daily services from Inverness bus station (Google Maps), with travel time just over 2 hours and tickets costing £12.
From Glasgow | 3 hours
The most scenic ways to arrive in town are undoubtedly from Glasgow.
Whether you arrive by car or bus, you'll be driving through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Glencoe, so it's a journey you want to stay wide awake for.
There are daily direct Scottish Citylink buses, with travel time just over 3 hours and advance tickets costing £20. Note that some services may require you to transfer at the Tyndrum Layby.
If travelling by car from Glasgow, note that the route and roads will be slow-moving if you travel at peak 'tourist convoy' times. However, the drive up is so stunning in parts, you should savour it rather than rush.
However, you can also jump on on the famous West Highland Railway Line. Departing from Glasgow Queen Street, this Scotrail train services snakes its way to the western Highlands before splitting at Crianlarich, and taking passengers onward to Oban, or through remote wilderness and on to Fort William and Mallaig.
The Fort William to Mallaig section, as mentioned above, involves the Glenfinnan Viaduct and is the section of track also covered by the Harry Potter train! However, if simply using the train as a mean to travel from Glasgow to Fort William, you'll have to save that section for another day.
The West Highland Railway Line from Glasgow to Fort William has daily departures, and takes just under 4 hours. Tickets cost £20-35. Find out more about the route and book here on the Scotrail website.
Skye to Fort William | 2+ hours
This is a realistic and popular option for many visitors to the Highlands & Islands, with the Isle of Skye 2+ hour / 85 miles drive north of Fort William.
You can go via the Mallaig ferry or the Skye bridge.
From Aberdeen | 4 hours
By car, it's around 4 hours, regardless of which route you take (some are more scenic circuitous than others).
There's no direct train, and taking it with connections doesn't make any sense given it would take about 7+ hours.
There's also no direct bus unfortunately, so going via a connection in Inverness or Perth is the most feasible (that takes 6-8 hours though).
From Edinburgh | 4-5 hours
If travelling by bus or train, it going to take around 5 hours and involve a change in Glasgow.
By car, it's going to be about an hour quicker.
Alternatively, you can take this day tour from Edinburgh, which brings you to several highlights of the western Highlands as well as a ride on the Harry Potter train.
