Fort William LochaberDramatically set in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, and with good reason. It’s an excellent base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands, and a footpath near the town centre leads hikers to the top of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.
Fort William sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It’s just a short drive to one of the Highlands’ most spectacular glens, Glen Nevis. Skiing, snowboarding and hiking are popular in the glen and transport to a variety of outdoor pursuits is available from Fort William. From the town, some of the Highland’s best attractions are accessible, whether you want to explore the lochs by boat, take a ride on a steam train or sample the region’s favourite drink, single malt whisky.
Mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding and other hair-raising activities are on offer in Glen Nevis. Nevis Range provides access to many of the area’s most thrilling sports, as well as a Mountain Gondola which takes visitors on a 2,150ft ride to the top of Aonach Mor, the UK’s eighth highest mountain. The Glens most famous attraction is Ben Nevis. Walkers from around the world travel here to trek to the 4,408ft summit. Those with the stamina to make it to the top will be greeted by breathtaking views of the Highlands, and the ruins of an old observatory which closed in 1904.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
At the foot of Ben Nevis, you’ll find the Ben Nevis Distillery, where water, barley and yeast is turned into single malt whisky. To learn more about the production process and sample Scotland’s most celebrated export, you can take a leisurely tour of one of the Highland’s most dramatically located distilleries.
Why not enjoy the Highlands’ majestic scenery from the comfort of a traditional steam train carriage? The Jacobite Steam Train takes you on an 84-mile round trip from Fort William to the busy fishing port of Mallaig, and back again. As the train rumbles through some of Scotland’s most impressive countryside, you’ll see sweeping white-sand beaches, misty lochs and the pretty villages of Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar.
“Dramatically set in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, and with good reason.”
Fort William has a bustling town centre with a good choice of pubs, cafes and restaurant. On the town pier, Crannog Seafood Restaurant serves fresh, locally caught fish in what used to be a fisherman’s bait shed. Another popular place to grab a bite to eat is the Grog and Gruel, which offers hearty pub meals as well as a wide selection of local ales and whiskies.