
Shipwreck at Corpach by Fort William
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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Fort William
Where is Fort William? Located in Lochaber in the West Highlands, the town is described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK and is a popular base for weekend breaks and holidays in the Highlands. From some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to iconic film locations, sweeping hills, castles, and distilleries, discover the wonder that is Lochaber.
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Ideas for Things to Do in Fort William & Lochaber

Ben Nevis
Discover Ben Nevis, Scotland’s iconic peak, “the mountain with its head in the clouds”.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Fort William
Two of Scotland’s Ski resorts are based in Fort William, so if you are looking for fantastic snowsports you're in the right place!

Lochaber Geopark
See the amazing Parallel Roads in Glen Roy in east Lochaber that so captivated Charles Darwin in the 1830s.
Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
Nevis Range in Fort William is home to the UK’s only Mountain Gondola, transporting visitors to 650m on the mountain of Aonach Mor.

West Highland Peninsulas
Rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, beautiful lochs, historic castles, amazing night skies, ancient woodlands and heather moorland.

Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Dramatic mountains, rare beauty and haunting history in the heart of the Highlands.
Accommodation in Fort William
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
© Hostelling Scotland
Find a place to stay
From luxury spa resorts, cosy B&Bs and unique chalets or lodges to budget friendly hostels, glamping and homely cottages, there are plenty of accommodation options for your holiday in Fort William and the Lochaber area.

Hillwalkers on the West Highland Way passing Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Routes, Tours & Trails
Fort William & Lochaber is an outdoor paradise with mountains, beaches and untouched landscapes just waiting to be explored.

Stargazing at Sailean nan Cuileag (The Bay of Flies)
Unique Experiences
Add something different to your trip to Fort William & Lochaber to make that bit more memorable!
Map of Fort William & Lochaber
Explore Fort William
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Travel to Fort William
Getting to Fort William
Train
Situated in Lochaber in the West Highlands, Fort William is well connected to the main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh with regular transport links by train and bus.
Find out more about public transport for Fort William
ScotRail are offering a 20% discount on off-peak tickets for Caledonian Sleeper customers.
Driving
It is approximately a two to three hour drive from both cities, although it is closer to Glasgow on the west coast.
Getting around Fort William
Walking
The centre of town is small and compact, so it's easy to get around on foot. There are also local buses and taxis to help you get around, too.
Driving
You can travel to the rest of Lochaber by car, by train, bus or ferries. Don't miss the famously scenic train ride along the West Highlands Line which runs between Fort William and Mallaig was voted as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World (as featured in the Harry Potter movies).
What's On in Fort William & Lochaber
Find out about all of the great events happening in Fort William & Lochaber, from the Fort William Mountain Festival in February and the Loch Shiel Spring Festival in May, to many Highland Games in the summer.

Glenfinnan Highland Gathering
Enjoy a traditional Highland games at the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard on 19th August 1745.

Ben Nevis Race
Compete in one of Fort William's oldest outdoor activity events in the area. Runners must race from the Town Park to the summit of Ben Nevis.

Fort William Mountain Festival
Expect a programme of inspiring talks, engaging film events, and a fabulous line-up of guided outdoor events.
Loch Shiel Spring Festival
Experience transformative musical experience in the breathtaking setting of Loch Shiel.

Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Places to Eat
Enjoy a spot of fine dining, try a new dish of fresh seafood, or tuck into good ol' hearty pub grub at eateries across Fort William.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The West Highland Museum has been open for over a century and with free admission it is a must see for anyone with an interest in history. It also has an acclaimed Jacobite collection, which will appeal to all Outlander fans!
Ranald
Area Manager, Fort William
Other things you might like
The Highlands

Glencoe
Scottish Hills, Tallest Mountains & Highest Peaks

Inverness
Lochs
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