Fort William
Fort William is the largest town in the western Highlands of Scotland and is the commercial centre of Lochaber, an area renowned for magnificent scenery with an important history. Its here you will find the highest mountain in the UK – Ben Nevis. Fort William is also known as the outdoor capital of the UK due to its vast selection of outdoor activities on offer. Fort William also has a wide selection of shops and restaurants.
For the energetic there is Ben Nevis to climb, and for those who are not, a cable car will take you to the top of Aonach Mor ski range. Ride the mountain gondola and enjoy a meal in the Snowgoose Mountain Restaurant at 2150ft!
Fort William is around 2 ½ miles from Banavie and can be reached by taxi or by foot.
The Fort William Tourist Information Centre is located in Cameron Square in the centre of Fort William. They will help you out with any area enquiries you might have.
Tel: 08452 255121
Sights & Walks
Steall Waterfall and the Nevis Gorge – This walk takes you from the Braveheart Car Park (located a short bus or taxi ride from Fort William) into the Glen Nevis Gorge to see Britain’s second highest waterfall with a sheer drop of 120 metres. It is well signposted from the car park. This walk is approx 4.5 km (2.75 miles), so allow 1.5 hours.
West Highland Museum – The West Highland Museum holds fascinating collections of pictures, photographs, archives and artefacts. The items on display offer an intriguing insight into a unique way of life. From soldiers to crofters, princes to clergymen - all the people of the West Highlands are represented. Along with geological and archaeological exhibits they present a vivid depiction of life in the West Highlands. Adult admission price approx £3.
Tel: 01397 702169
Ben Nevis - Ben Nevis attracts a huge number of visitors each year and at 1,344 metres, Britain’s highest mountain is an impressive presence that towers over Fort William. Every year around 400,000 people visit Glen Nevis and around 110,000 people walk to the summit of Ben Nevis. The challenge of reaching the summit of Ben Nevis is what draws many people to the area.
The Ben Nevis Mountain Path is around 16KM (start to finish) and rises 1,300m, followed by the same height in descent. It is a full mountain walking experience.
If you’re keen to walk up Ben Nevis please make sure you are properly prepared.
Activities
The Jacobite Steam Train - Regarded as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World, this 84 mile round trip will take you past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station.
The train runs from Monday – Friday from May to October and also runs on Saturdays and Sundays during July and August. Adult return ticket approx £30. Pre-booking is recommended.
Tel: 08454 153131
Nevis Range - For those of you who would like to experience Ben Nevis but not endure the walk then let Britain's only mountain gondola transport you effortlessly to 650m to the Nevis Range. Meander along the mountain trails to the panoramic viewpoints, then relax in the restaurant and bar or explore the Mountain Discovery Centre. The Nevis Range also offers a wide range of walking and biking activities and other facilities.
Tel: 01397 705825
Ben Nevis Distillery– Ben Nevis Distillery established in 1825, is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. As well as offering great guided tours they also have a visitor centre and shop where you can purchase some whisky themed souvenirs to take home! The distillery is located at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Tel: 01397 702476
Rockhopper Sea Kayaking – This company based in Corpach, near Fort William, offer a wide range of sea kayaking trips with one starting right in Fort William at Loch Linnhe giving you unparallelled views of Ben Nevis. Booking in advance is required.
Tel: 07739 837344
Fired Art – Fired Art is a warm quirky cafe with an atmosphere to match, a pottery painting studio for kids and big kids, an art gallery, an outdoor activity booking office and a ticket office for music events, at the west end of Fort William high street.
Tel: 01397 705005
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Crannog Seafood Restaurant - Situated in the heart of Fort William, Crannog is a seafood restaurant like no other – in a quiet loch-side location on the Town Pier, the distinctive red roofs have been synonymous with fantastic West Highland seafood and relaxed fine dining for almost 20 years. Using the freshest fish and seafood from their own smokehouse, a meal at Crannog is a must on any visit to the area.
Town Pier, Fort William, PH33 6DB
Tel: 01397 705589
No. 4 Restaurant – Situated just off Fort William's High Street, this is a quiet oasis, which has a touch of old fashioned colonial style. When the weather permits guests can dine 'al fresco' in the secluded garden. At lunchtime the restaurant offers light lunches and wholesome snacks and in the evening offers elegant dinners.
Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ
Tel: 01397 704222
The Lime Tree – This small hotel, restaurant and high quality art gallery is award winning and has a very unique style. The food style is contemporary Scottish made using fresh, local ingredients. The menu is changed daily. Booking in advance is advisable.
The Old Manse, Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ
Tel: 01397 701806
The Grog and Gruel – This traditional alehouse and restaurant on Fort William’s High Street have a menu to cater for all tastes and an extensive selection of real ales and beers to wash it down with!
66 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6AE
Tel: 01397 705078
The Tradewinds - This bistro and bar is located near to the quayside at Corpach, a small picturesque village close to Fort William and serves good food combined with traditional Scottish hospitality.
Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7JG
Tel: 01397 772100
Taxis & Transport
Clansman Taxis – 01397 703334
Greyhound Taxis – 01397 703389 or 07944 036689
Fort William Taxis – 01397 700000
Shops
Tesco – Supermarket located on the High Street in Fort William.
High Street, Fort William, PH33 6AU
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-17:00