Lying in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ and the main town in Lochaber.
As one of the major resorts of the Highlands, the town commands an important position and is easily accessible from Glasgow and the central belt, providing good access to the Highlands and the islands.
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.
Just a few minutes from the town is Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most picturesque Highland glens. The glen is formed from the flank of Ben Nevis and two other mountains and has the River Nevis flowing through it. The movie Braveheart was filmed at the glen and you can find out more at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
The Nevis Range ski, snowboard and mountain biking centre on Aonach Mor is one of the town’s major attractions. A gondola takes visitors 2,000 ft up the mountain for amazing views and access to the ski slopes. The centre hosts the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in June every year.
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’.
Regional Info
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