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Stob Dearg, the northern summit and highest peak on Buachaille Etive Mor

  1. Home
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  4. Fort William

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 in Glencoe.

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.

  • Great Glen Way
  • West Highland Way
  • Harry Potter Book & Filming Locations in Scotland
  • Fort William by Public Transport with Good Journey
  • Getting around Scotland by train
Find more ideas

See what's on in Fort William & Lochaber

Discover events and festivals across Fort William & Lochaber, from Highland games and outdoor gatherings to music, culture, and family-friendly celebrations throughout the year.

Looking across Loch Eil toward Fort William from Corpach

Glenfinnan Highland Gathering, 15 August 2026 - Marking a vibrant Highland tradition set against a dramatic backdrop of glens and mountains, this gathering features traditional piping, Highland dancing and spirited competitions. Locals and visitors come together for a proud showcase of Scottish culture, heritage and community spirit.

Lochaber Agricultural Show, 22 August 2026 - Celebrate rural life at a traditional Highland show featuring livestock competitions, local produce, crafts and family-friendly entertainment. Bringing together farming communities and visitors, it offers a lively day out showcasing the best of Lochaber’s agricultural heritage.

Fort William Mountain Festival, 11 - 14 February 2027 - Discover a celebration of mountain culture in the heart of the Highlands, featuring inspiring films, talks, photography and storytelling. Bringing together adventurers, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers a vibrant programme set against the dramatic backdrop of Fort William.

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. 

Discover walking in Fort William

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).

Bus and coach

A new Scottish Government / Transport Scotland 12-month initiative to make bus travel more affordable for both visitors and locals is now available. It applies to short and long-distance routes and all main bus operators (Stagecoach, Ember, CityLink), meaning single bus fares are capped at £2 across the Highlands and Islands. The scheme runs until early 2027.

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.

  • Accommodation in Fort William
  • Accommodation in Lochaber and beyond
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

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.

  • Corrour Station House
  • Ben Nevis Distillery
  • Spirit of Lochaber
  • Ardshealach Smokehouse
  • The Whitehouse Restaurant
  • Fine Dining in the Outdoor Capital of the UK
Browse food & drink options

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.

  • Euan's Guide to Fort William
  • Accessibility at Nevis Range
  • Wheelchair accessible vehicle hire in Fort William
More useful information on accessibility in the Highlands

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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