Stob Dearg, the northern summit and highest peak on Buachaille Etive Mor
Fort William & Lochaber
Get in touch with your adventurous side in Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, nestled in the heart of Lochaber in Scotland's west Highlands.
Fort William at a glance
- Active & adventure:
Nevis Range Mountain Resort, Glencoe Mountain Resort, Loch Sunart, West Highland Way, Great Glen Way
- History & heritage:
West Highland Museum, Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Caledonian Canal
- Nature & outdoors:
Ben Nevis, Steall Falls, Glencoe National Nature Reserve, West Highlands peninsulas, Run National Nature Reserve
What to expect in Fort William
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.
Fort William
© VisitScotland
Looking across Loch Eil toward Fort William from Corpach
Ben Nevis
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
The Caledonian Canal
Highlights in Fort William
Immerse yourself in the ancient landscapes and scenery of Fort William & Lochaber. Discover a mix of things to see and do in the area, from iconic attractions and outdoor adventures to hidden gems more than worth uncovering.
Rugged landscapes
Our Highland landscapes are home to incredible beaches and bays that are perfect for swimming and kayaking. From Sanna Bay Beach and Kilmory Beach near Ardnamurchan, to Samalaman Beach in Moidart, The Silver Sands of Morar and more, you have plenty of choice.
Discover the glistening night sky over the West Highland Peninsulas with an evening of stargazing. With some of the best conditions in Scotland for seeing the night sky, you're in with a great chance of witnessing over 7,000 stars and planets alongside The Milky Way, all with the naked eye.
Experience the third highest falls in Scotland, Steall Falls, with the surrounding Nevis Gorge offering unmatched scenery and a dramatic atmosphere to enjoy.
Plan an outdoor adventure in Fort William
Looking over Sanna Bay on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Lochaber
Outdoor adventures
With some of the best and most iconic landscapes for outdoor activities in Scotland, you have world of things to do on your doorstep. Head off on one of the many walking and hiking routes in the area that encompasses towering mountains and rolling valleys, including the imposing peak of Ben Nevis. Venture along the Great Glen Way or the West Highland Way to experience two of Scotland's most popular long-distance walking routes.
In winter, don't miss out on the thrilling skiing and snowsports experiences at Glencoe or Nevis Range mountain resorts. Take up lessons on how to surf the slopes safely or try out other family-friendly activities that are available all year round, including Gondola rides, walking, orienteering, biking and more.
Booking with a guide is a great way to explore these new landscapes in a safe way.
Find out about activities in Fort William
Nevis Range Mountain Resort
© Steven McKenna
Family-friendly attractions
If the adventurous outdoors is not quite for you, step into the history and culture of Fort William, with a variety of family-friendly attractions, museums, and monuments to explore. Visit the West Highland Museum to learn all about the region's story, from Bonnie Prince Charlie and seeing what the streets of Fort William looked like 100 years ago, to archaeology collections and the Siege of Fort William.
Find ideas for things to do with kids in Fort William
The West Highland Museum in Fort William
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.
Lochaber Agricultural Show
Celebrate the best of the Highlands at the Lochaber Agricultural Show, with livestock displays, local food, family entertainment and more.
Fort William Mountain Festival
Discover a celebration of mountain culture in the heart of the Highlands, featuring inspiring films, talks, photography and storytelling.
Glenfinnan Highland Gathering
Traditional piping, Highland dancing and spirited competitions against a dramatic backdrop of glens and mountains.
Experience Fort William's incredible landscapes
From geoparks and nature reserves, to incredible untouched peninsulas, Fort William & Lochaber is home to dramatic natural scenery that are true bucket list experiences.
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.
Ben Nevis
The UK’s highest peak towers above glistening lochans and deep glacial valleys, with a wild heart and adventurous spirit waiting to be discovered.
See Fort William through a new lens
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.
Trip ideas in and around Fort William
Find scenic routes, day trip itineraries and Harry Potter-themed adventures. Hike the Lost Valley in Glencoe or follow the Road to the Isles – what will you choose?
Cycle routes
Explore on two wheels with cycling and mountain biking trails for all abilities in Fort William. Enjoy a range of half day routes that take you around all the trails and paths surrounding this quaint Highland town. For the more adventurous folk, take on parts of the Great Glen Way; passing scenic views and iconic attractions en route.
Cycle routes in and around Fort William
Filming locations
Fort William and Lochaber are no strangers to the big screen, with big blockbuster films, including Harry Potter, Braveheart and Skyfall, using these dramatic landscapes as a backdrop. Step into in these Oscar-worthy mountains, glens and scenery and soak up these thought-provoking landscapes that had directors' heads turning.
Outdoor Capital of the UK
Officially recognised at the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William boasts a unique terrain and mountain experience that is perfect for a range of thrilling outdoor pursuits. Previously hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, the annual Ben Nevis Race and The Scottish Six Days Trial, to name a few, Fort William is no stranger to an adrenaline pumping event or experience.
The Ralston Memorial at the Pass of Glencoe
A gondola at the Nevis Range Ski resort, Fort William
© Steven McKenna
Old Inverlochy Castle
Plan your trip
Getting to Fort William
Situated in Lochaber in the West Highlands, Fort William is well connected to the main cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness with regular transport links by train and bus. Bus fares for adults are now capped at no more than £2.
- Book the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William
- Discover Fort William with CityLink
- Take the Ember bus
- Travel with ScotRail
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.
Accessibility
If you're travelling with children, a mobility scooter, or a wheelchair, Fort William & Lochaber offers 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
Explore the dramatic valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe, a place of unrivalled natural beauty and haunting stories.
Loch Ness
Shrouded in mystery and famed for its legendary monster, Loch Ness is an iconic spot in the rugged Scottish Highlands - perfect for your bucket list.
The Scottish Highlands
Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.