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Stob Dearg, the northern summit and highest peak on Buachaille Etive Mor
Fort William & Lochaber
Nestled in the heart of Lochaber in Scotland’s West Highlands, Fort William is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. It’s a favourite base for short breaks or longer holidays, and the perfect starting point for exploring beaches, film locations, castles, distilleries, and sweeping Highland landscapes.
Great things to do in Fort William & Lochaber
Discover a mix of things to see and do in Fort William & Lochaber, from iconic attractions and outdoor adventures to hidden gems worth uncovering.
12 Things to do in Fort William and Lochaber
See unmissable sights in Fort William and Lochaber, including Ben Nevis, the West Highland Museum, and more.
Ben Nevis
Discover Ben Nevis, Scotland’s iconic peak and the highest mountain in the UK, known as “the mountain with its head in the clouds”.
Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
Home to the UK’s only mountain gondola, transporting visitors to 650m on the mountain of Aonach Mòr.
Lochaber Geopark
Outdoor enthusiasts visiting Lochaber Geopark will find more than enough to keep them entertained.
Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Dramatic mountains, rare beauty, and haunting history in the heart of the Highlands.
West Highland Peninsulas
Discover rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, beautiful lochs, historic castles and much more.
Top days out ideas
Make the most of your time in Fort William & Lochaber with top day-out ideas – from mountain adventures and coastal escapes to family-friendly fun.
Walks and hikes
From gentle loch-side walks to challenging mountain ascents, Fort William and Lochaber are a top spot for hiking enthusiasts.
Cycling and mountain biking
Fort William offers fun on two wheels for riders of all levels, with epic trails, forest routes, and adrenaline-pumping downhill runs.
Stunning beaches in Lochaber
Explore beaches and bays across Lochaber – perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Skiing and snowboarding near Fort William
Lochaber is home to two of Scotland’s top ski resorts – perfect for fantastic snowsports!
The Caledonian Canal
Explore the majestic 60-mile Caledonian Canal, cutting through the spectacular Great Glen.
Ben Nevis Distillery
Discover Scotland's national drink and rich whisky heritage at Ben Nevis Distillery.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct was featured in the Harry Potter films.
Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument is a moving tribute to those who died for the Jacobite cause.
Old Inverlochy Castle
Get a glimpse into medieval history just minutes from Fort William at Old Inverlochy Castle.
West Highland Museum
Visit the West Highland Museum and discover enthralling stories from the past.
Dark Skies on the West Highland Peninsula
Explore the night sky over the West Highland Peninsulas.
Highlands Film Map | PDF 3.2MB
Test your knowledge of the Highlands’ cinematic triumphs!
Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries
Find scenic routes and day trip itineraries to the magical Isle of Skye and Harry Potter-themed adventures. Hike the Lost Valley in Glencoe or follow the Road to the Isles – what will you choose?
Hillwalkers take a break on the West Highland Way between Kinlochleven and Altnafeadh.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Follow a route
Fort William and Lochaber are an outdoor paradise waiting to be explored.
See what's on in Fort William & Lochaber
Find out about all of the great events happening in Fort William and Lochaber. From the energy of Lochaber Live to the sounds of pipes at Glenfinnan Gathering, there's something for everyone.
Lochaber Live
© Kevin Kerr
Events
Discover events and festivals across Fort William & Lochaber, from Highland games and outdoor gatherings to music, culture, and family-friendly celebrations throughout the year.
Map of Fort William & Lochaber
Explore Fort William & Lochaber
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How to travel to and around 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.
Book the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William
ScotRail are offering a 20% discount on off-peak tickets for Caledonian Sleeper customers.
Driving
If you're heading to Fort William from Glasgow, it is approximately a three hour drive. From Edinburgh, it takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
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. It was voted as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World (as featured in the Harry Potter movies).
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
© Hostelling Scotland
Places to stay in Fort William & Lochaber
Find great places to stay in Fort William & Lochaber, from welcoming B&Bs and self-catering cottages to hotels, hostels, and unique Highland retreats.
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Places to eat in Fort William & Lochaber
Enjoy a spot of fine dining, try a new dish of fresh seafood, or tuck into good hearty pub grub at eateries across the Fort William and Lochaber area.
A Scottish terrier being walked along a countryside path
© Forestry and Land Scotland
Find information on accessible trips
Travelling with children, a mobility scooter, or a wheelchair? Fort William & Lochaber offer many places thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind.
Explore nearby
From dramatic Highland glens and towering peaks to peaceful lochs and hidden trails, the surrounding regions are packed with unforgettable landscapes and adventures waiting around every corner.
Glencoe
Located within Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the village of Glencoe sits in a deep valley surrounded by towering mountains.
Loch Ness
Discover world-famous Loch Ness with holiday ideas, accommodation, travel and maps, tours, insider tips and fantastic things to see and do.
The Scottish Highlands
Head north for a weekend break or longer holiday in the Highlands, and discover ancient castles, peaceful lochs, and unforgettable views.
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