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. It's 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!
It should take about 50-60 min. to walk the 3 miles (5 km) from Banavie (mooring) to Fort William town centre. There is a path alongside the main road or walk via the village of Caol, crossing the river Lochy beside the railway bridge (part of the Great Glen Way). There is also a bus service via Banavie to Fort William town centre (transport information further below).
Restaurants, Bars, Cafés & Takeaways
Crannog Restaurant - Specialising in seafood and other produce from Scotland’s natural larder. Located at Fort William’s town pier with views across Loch Linnhe. 3 miles (ca 1 hr walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 705 589
The Lime Tree – Award winning restaurant & in-house art gallery. Booking recommended. 3.3 miles (ca 65 min. walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 701 806
DeliCraft – Independent, family-run local Deli and Sandwich shop that also delivers to Banavie. Eat-in or take-away. High Street Fort William. 3 miles (ca 1 hr walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 698 100
The Stables Restaurant & Grill – Popular local restaurant in Dudley Road, Fort William. 3 miles (ca 1 hr walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 700 730
Shops
Marks & Spencer Food Hall – Unit 3, North Road Retail Park, North Road, Fort William. 2.1 miles (about 40 min. walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 600 208
LIDL – Supermarket. Camanachd Crescent, Fort William. 2.5 miles (about 50 min. walk) from Banavie.
Morrisons – Supermarket. An Aird Road, Fort William. 3 miles (about 60 min. walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 700 333
Tesco Metro – High Street, Fort William. 3 miles (about 60 min. walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 0345 677 9276
Note: Most supermarkets in Fort William are open until 9pm during the week. Opening times at weekends may be different.
Boots Pharmacy – High St, Fort William, Tel: 01397 705 143
Lloyds Pharmacy – 52-56 High Street, Fort William, Tel: 01397 702 031
Sights & Activities
West Highland Museum – Situated in the High Street in the heart of the historic town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, The West Highland Museum’s collections tell the story of the region and its history.
Tel: 01397 702 169
Nevis Range Mountain Experience – Let Britain's only mountain gondola transport you to 650m on the slopes of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest peak in Britain, just 2 peaks from Ben Nevis. Meander along the mountain trails to the panoramic viewpoints, then relax in the restaurant & bar with breathtaking views. Base station located about 5.5 miles from Banavie. You can cycle or walk to the Nevis Range along the pathway which follows the A82, signposted to Inverness. At Torlundy it turns to the right, away from the A82 and goes through Leanachan forest to the Nevis Range. Alternatively catch the number 41 bus service from Stagecoach on the A82 (bus stop about 1 mile from the mooring at Banavie) or call a local taxi company.
Tel: 01397 705 825
The Jacobite Steam Train - This 84 mile round train journey between Fort William (train station) and Mallaig is described as one of the great railway journeys of the world. The service runs from May to October and pre-booking is recommended. FW train station: 2.7 miles (about 1 hr walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 0844 850 4685 or +44-1524 732 100
Ben Nevis Distillery - Established in 1825, it is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. 1.4 miles (about 30 min. walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 700 200 (Visitor Centre) or 702 476
Nevis Cycles Bike Hire - Also selling bikes & cycling clothing and offer bike repairs. 2.5 miles (about 45 min walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 01397 705 555
Rockhopper Sea Kayaking - Offer half, full or multi-day sea kayaking trips through some of the most spectacular coastal, mountain and island scenery in Scotland. Bike & Canoe Hire is also available from their base at Neptune's Staircase in Banavie. Main hub located in Corpach, 2.3 miles (about 45 min walk) from Banavie.
Tel: 07739 837 344
Visit Scotland Fort William iCentre – 15 High Street, Fort William; Tel: 01397 701 801
Search for local walks on the WalkHighlands website or contact the Tourist Information.
Taxis & Bus
Greyhound Taxis – 4- and 6-seaters. 01397 70 50 50
Lochaber Taxis – 8-, 6- and 4 seaters. 01397 70 60 70 or 70 33 34
Note: Most taxi companies also offer bespoke tours.