Fort William

Overview

Lying in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is the capital of Lochaber and one of the major resorts of the Highlands.

'Fort Bill' lies at the heart of Lochaber and is the area's natural capital. In addition, the town commands an important position - being easily accessible from Glasgow and the central belt, and in turn providing good access to the Highland and Islands. Indeed, the town's importance - both to local people and the visitor - is underlined by the wide range of accommodation, shops, restaurants, essential services and recreational facilities.

Fort William's setting is dramatic, on the shore of Loch Linnhe, and under the mighty hulk of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. There is a footpath to the top of the mountain starting close to the town. The Nevis Range ski, snowboard and mountain biking centre on Aonach Mor is one of the town's major attractions. A gondola takes you 2000 feet up the mountain for top views and access to the ski slopes.

Attractions within the town itself include the West Highland Museum, which houses a large collection of Jacobite memorabilia; and the visitor centre at Ben Nevis Distillery, which tells the story of how the giant 'Hector MacDram' discovered the 'Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis'.