Fort William

Travel Guide
Fort William which includes railway items and heritage elements as well as an individual female
Hike around this picturesque region for views of the stunning lochs. Study Scottish cultural facets of pubs, haggis and whiskey.

Lochs, hills and Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, surround the quaint town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The settlement, which overlooks the vast Loch Linnhe, has a castle and a bustling central main street. Appreciate the serene countryside setting as you hike past forests and lakes.

Ben Nevis reaches 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level. Learn about the huge rock formation and its history. Use climbing equipment for your ascent up the Pony Track from the Glen Nevis base. At the summit is an abandoned observatory.

The region is known for its lakes. Go to Loch Lochy for excellent views of hilly woodland. Learn about the Battle of the Shirts in 1544. At lake’s southern end is the Caledonian Canal, which contains Neptune’s Staircase. Watch the 90-minute mechanical process that lifts boats. Learn the origins of this staircase lock, which is among the longest in Britain and dates back to 1803.

Pay tribute to fallen officers of World War II at the Commando Memorial. The statue of British Commandos has a stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis.

In the town, visit the 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle, where tremendous battles occurred. A short distance away is Ben Nevis Distillery, which has been making whiskey since 1825. Enjoy a tasting and learn about whiskey distilling. Wander through the nearby Leanachan Forest.

Browse shops and dine at restaurants in the small town center. Eat at a typical Scottish pub serving the national dish of haggis, containing sheep parts with onions and spices.

The region has freezing winters. Snow adds a postcard-pretty element to the mountainous backdrop. Pleasant summers provide ideal picnic conditions.

The town is in the southwestern part of the Highlands of Scotland in the northwestern region of the country. Regular buses and trains depart from Glasgow. The Caledonian Sleeper train runs overnight from London. Drive from Edinburgh in about 3 hours.

Fort William is a loch town concealed in the Highlands by Britain’s second Big Ben.

Where to stay in Fort William

Fort William showing railway items and heritage elements

Fort William City Centre

4/5(18 area reviews)

Fort William City Centre is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Great Glen Way and West Highland Museum while you're in town.

Fort William City Centre
The Caledonian Hotel
The Caledonian Hotel
3 out of 5
Achintoe Road, Fort William, Scotland
The price is €96 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€96
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
7.2/10 Good! (632 reviews)
"Great service, enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

The Caledonian Hotel
The Garrison
The Garrison
4 out of 5
High Street, Fort William, Scotland
The price is €199 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€199
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (572 reviews)
Live it
"One of the best hotels I have stayed. Clean , friendly staff and very central . Defo coming back to this place ."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

The Garrison
Muthu Fort William Hotel
Muthu Fort William Hotel
3 out of 5
Achintore Road, Fort William, Scotland
The price is €123 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€123
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (321 reviews)
Fort William Retreat
"Wonderful hotel on the Loch. Just a short stroll to all restaurants bars if you don't use the hotels amenities (which are top notch ) Large carpark (free) Staff are very friendly, helpful and polite. My room was spacious clean, with free tea & coffee."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Muthu Fort William Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Shack and Pods at Inchree
The Shack and Pods at Inchree
3.5 out of 5
The Shack at Inchree, Inchree, Fort William, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
100% would stay again
"Great location, really comfy and great price!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

The Shack and Pods at Inchree
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Caol
Stay at this apartment in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Ben Nevis and Cape Wrath Trail are located ...
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Ardgour, Nr Fort William
Stay at this ski cottage in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Spectacular!
"If you have an opportunity to stay at this property you will be fortunate indeed. Everything about it is even better than described, the home is at the same time stunning and welcoming. Perfectly appointed for comfort it has everything required to stay in and cook while enjoying the amazing landscapes ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2023

Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort William

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
49
" "5 - Excellent 40.833333333333336%
4 - Good
55
" "4 - Good 45.833333333333336%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 12.5%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.8333333333333334%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Roddy
16 Mar 2020

Fort William is a poor shadow of its former self. The main street is run down and has too many empty properties.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019

Great base for Highland sightseeing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Nov 2019

Take the train to mallaig. Sit on the left. You will not be disappointed

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
19 Oct 2019

local food in Geography bistro excellent. Fort William is suffering from the recession, quite a lot of empty shops on the main street

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
16 Oct 2019

Fort William is a nice place but lacks atmosphere

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
3 Oct 2019

We were in fort William to catch the Jacobite train to mallaig which had the most incredible views. We didn’t venture out much around fort William however as on arrival back from mallaig we headed straight for Glasgow. What we did see was pleasant