Fort William
Western Europe · United Kingdom
Did you know?
- The West Highland Way reaches its northern end here.
- Single malt whisky tours feature at the Ben Nevis Distillery.
- Ben Nevis is Britain's highest mountain, reached by the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis.
See also
Overview
Fort William sits at the foot of the Great Glen, with Ben Nevis and the Caledonian Canal close at hand. It makes a practical base for exploring the western Highlands.
Languages: English
Why go?
Fort William is a town at the foot of the Great Glen, on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. It is the main transport, commercial and visitor hub for the area, with attractions including Ben Nevis, Nevis Range ski resort, the Caledonian Canal, and 'The Jacobite' steam train. The town in 2021 had a population of 5630.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The centre of Fort William is small enough to get around on foot. Shiel Bus N41 runs between Fort William and Roy Bridge via Torlundy and Nevis Range, and extends to Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. Bus N42 supplements in summer. Bikes are ideal for exploring the glens and Caledonian Canal, available from Off Beat Bikes on High Street. Numerous taxi firms operate.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Outdoor activities abound: climb Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, via the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis. Ski or snowboard at Nevis Range on Aonach Mor, with a gondola operating year-round (£13). The Mamores ridge offers fewer crowds and great views. Walk sections of the West Highland Way or Great Glen Way. Indoor options include Highland Cinema and the Three Wise Monkeys Climbing Wall.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
The main supermarket is Morrisons next to the railway station, with Lidl just east and a Tesco Metro on High Street. Lots of touristy shops along High Street selling Scottish dresses, knitwear, souvenirs and whisky in various clan tartans.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
High Street has cheap and cheerful eateries open daily. The Bistro at Alexandra Hotel serves noon-21:00. The Great Glen is a Wetherspoon pub open late. Lime Tree on Achintore Rd offers good dining. For drinks, Ben Nevis Distillery offers single malt whisky tours, Glen Spean Brewery offers tours, and pubs like Grog & Gruel and Volunteer Arms serve real ales.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
As of July 2023, Fort William and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers; 5G has not reached the area. There is free internet access in the library on High Street.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Fort William is the northern end of the West Highland Way. The scenic Road to the Isles (A830) runs west to Glenfinnan, Arisaig and Mallaig for ferries to Skye. Follow A82 north along Loch Ness to Fort Augustus and Inverness, or south through Glencoe to Glasgow.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Achintee Farm
B&B open all year plus self-catering rooms, friendly knowledgeable host, great location at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Recorded price: B&B double £150
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bank Street Lodge
This is now a small hotel and no longer run as a hostel.
Recorded price: Double (room only) £80
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ben Nevis Inn
A great base camp for climbing Ben Nevis. No dorm, the former bunkhouse has been converted into separate rooms. Breakfast is self-catering, the restaurant is open daily Apr-Oct, Th-Su Nov-Mar.
Recorded price: Double (room only) £140
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chase the Wild Goose Hostel
Backpackers’ hostel, providing accommodation for walkers, cyclists, people on activity holidays, families and groups, but no hen or stag parties. Dorms are only available for exclusive hire.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park
Open mid-Mar to Oct, this has caravan pitches, static caravans, pods, campsite, and sometimes a lot of midges. Restaurant on site is open May-Oct.
Recorded price: Camping £12 ppn, car £3, hook-up £5
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Two miles from town, but convenient for Ben Nevis and the West Highland Way. Clean friendly place.
Recorded price: Dorm £22-31.50 ppn, rooms from £64
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Imperial Hotel
Creaky old rooms but bright helpful staff. No lift, no pets. With restaurant, pizzeria & public bar.
Recorded price: B&B double £85
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Inverlochy Castle hotel
Luxury country house hotel in a Baronial mansion built in 1863. A big splurge but most guests rate it well worth the money, some found the service and dining below par.
Recorded price: B&B double £450
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G coverage from all UK carriers; 5G not reached. Free Wi-Fi at the library on High Street.
Etiquette
Drinking alcohol on the street is not allowed.
Transport
Centre is walkable; buses to Nevis Range, Glen Nevis; bike hire available.
Weather
Highly variable; check ahead for ski conditions at Nevis Range.