
Shipwreck at Corpach by Fort William
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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Fort William
You might wonder, where is Fort William? 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. Take your time and explore the natural wonders of Lochaber, breathe the fresh mountain air and marvel at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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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.
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).
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.
A tip from your local expert

VisitScotland Information Centre
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Help and advice
You can also get advice from our accredited iKnow partners, with excellent local expertise, travel advice and insider tips about must-see attractions and great accommodation in the local area.
Find our iKnow Partners in this areaFood & Drink in Fort William

Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
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.
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.
Map of Fort William & Lochaber
Explore Fort William
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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!

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.
Events
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 the UCI Downhill Mountain Biking Championships in June and the many Highland Games in the summer.

UCI Cycling World Championships
In the first event of its kind the world’s greatest riders will come together in Glasgow and across Scotland in August 2023.
Other things you might like
The Highlands

Glencoe
Scottish Hills, Tallest Mountains & Highest Peaks

Inverness
Beautiful lochs in Scotland - how many do you recognise?
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