THINGS TO DO IN Fort William: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Set at the foot of the UK’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, Fort William has become known as the outdoor capital of the UK, with cycling, hiking and golf all on the agenda for visitors looking to enjoy the fresh Highland air. Our one-day itinerary introduces you to the highlights of the town itself including a boat trip on beautiful Loch Linnhe, the ruins of the Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle, before travelling via the Great Glen Way to nearby Corpach. If you’re deciding where to eat or stay while you’re here, be sure to check out our suggestions for hotels and restaurants along with our recommendations for festivals and the best time to visit Fort William.

Day 1

Morning: Loch Linnhe boat trip

Set out on a tour of scenic Loch Linnhe this morning, giving you a glimpse of the sights you’ll see during the day as well as introducing you to the area’s history and culture. You’re sure to spot a variety of marine birdlife all set against the backdrop of Ben Nevis and the magnificent mountain scenery. For many visitors, the highlight of the trip is the chance to see the colony of seals basking in the sun on Black Rock.

Fort William High Street

Back on dry land, take a stroll along the town’s high street, passing the statue and plaque marking the end of the West Highland Way. Much of the high street is pedestrianised, making it the perfect spot to grab a coffee or stop in at one of the shops selling locally made souvenirs.

West Highland Museum

Partway down the high street you’ll find the West Highland Museum, where you can learn about various facets of local history. From archaeological findings dating back more than 1500 years to a collection devoted to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, there’s plenty to explore and the museum has found itself to be particularly popular with Outlander fans.

Old Fort

Continue along the high street and back towards the shores of Loch Linnhe to visit the ruins of the Old Fort. Named after King William III, the Fort is the western starting point of the Great Glen Way. Despite now being mostly demolished, the fort has featured in significant moments of Highland history including being besieged during the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Afternoon: Old Inverlochy Castle

From the Old Fort, you can walk part of the Great Glen Way crossing the River Nevis and the River Lochy to reach Old Inverlochy Castle. This is one of the most complete 13th century castles in Scotland and the location of the two Battles of Inverlochy in 1431 and 1645 respectively. Visitor access is currentlyrestricted due to ongoing works however you can get a good view from the road outside.

Neptune’s staircase

A short distance away, you’ll find the longest staircase lock in Britain. In a period of around 90 minutes, boats make their way through the eight locks which form Neptune’s Staircase. This innovative piece of engineering conceived by Thomas Telford dates back to the early 19th century and allows boats to descend 19 metres through the Caledonian Canal and out to Loch Linnhe and beyond.

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is a 60 mile stretch of waterway connecting Inverness in the east with Corpach, comprised of manmade sections connecting four of the lochs of the Great Glen. From Neptune’s staircase you can wander along a pretty path on either side of the canal and head towards Corpach Marina.

Caol Shipwreck

Before arriving at the marina, be sure to make a stop at the impressively photogenic Old Boat of Caol. Also referred to as the Corpach Shipwreck, the rusting vessel sits at a slanting angle on the sands of Loch Linnhe with a dramatic mountainous vista as a backdrop. The wreck has been left in place since it came free from its mooring one stormy night in 2011 and was guided to the beach by the local coastguard.

Corpach Marina

Relax as you stroll from the Corpach Shipwreck to the 19th century-built Corpach Marina and enjoy the beautiful views over to the mountains beyond. If you time your stop right, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Jacobite Steam Train as it travels between Moraig and Fort William. Alternatively stop for a coffee at the marina’s café or pay a visit to the nearby Treasures of the Earth Museum for a fascinating look at fossils, gemstones and crystals before heading back towards Fort William for dinner.

Day 1 - Fort william Tour Map

Other things to see in Fort William

• Ben Nevis: Part of the reason Fort William is known for being the outdoor capital of the UK is its proximity to several Munros, the tallest of which is the magnificent Ben Nevis. The well-marked rocky path from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre leads to a summit that stands 1345 metres above sea level. This is a full-day activity with the ascent and descent combined taking around six to eight hours. Make sure to prepare accordingly and check the weather forecast in advance.

• Steall Waterfall: The hike to Scotland’s second highest waterfall boasts beautiful scenery. You’ll make your way through ancient woodland to the dramatic cascading falls tumbling 120 metres down the mountainside. Popular with fans of the Harry Potter films, the route can get busy in summer so an early start is advised. For those looking for an extra challenge, there’s the opportunity to get closer to the waterfall by crossing the Glen Nevis rope bridge, which is made up of three wire cables.

• Nevis Range Snowsports: Just outside Fort William you’ll find Nevis Range, Scotland’s highest snow sports destination. Open only during the winter months to ensure suitable conditions, Nevis Range features numerous routes, from gentler green to advanced black runs and the off-piste Back Corries.
  

• Walking and cycling trails: The area around Fort William is a haven for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Set in the Lochaber Geopark, there are a huge variety of trails to choose from and the breathtaking scenery includes mountains, lochs and ancient woodland. You could pedal all or part of the Great Glen Cycle Route or take a stroll along the Caledonian Canal Towpath. Fort William is also the start or end point for two major trails: the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way.

• Jacobite Steam Train: Take a trip on this iconic steam train, which featured in the Harry Potter films as it travels between Fort William and Mallaig. Once aboard, you’ll pass over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, through charming villages and close to Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain. This is a particularly popular excursion and available tickets may be limited, so advanced booking is advisable.

• Ben Nevis Distillery: Explore one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries on a guided tour of Ben Nevis Distillery and enjoy a dram of local whiskey. Situated just on the edge of the town centre, the distillery dates back to 1825 when it was founded by John MacDonald. There’s also a café and shop onsite.

Day trips from Fort William

• Glencoe: The village of Glencoe is around half an hour’s drive from Fort William and another excellent spot for exploring impressive Highland scenery. You could spend the day walking one of the area’s famous hiking routes such as Devil’s Staircase, the Lost Valley or the Pap of Glencoe. Glencoe and its surroundings also lend themselves to a road trip. You could choose the A82, where you can stop at some of the most iconic nearby viewpoints including the Three Sisters. Alternatively, take a drive out to Loch Etive along the route now known as Skyfall Road after it was featured in the 2012 James Bond film.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct: Whether or not you’re taking the Jacobite Steam Train trip from Fort William to Mallaig, it’s well worth a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct to see the iconic train pass over this glorious feat of engineering. The area gets very popular with Harry Potter enthusiasts so be sure to arrive in good time and plan your viewing spot. Nearby, don’t miss the chance to visit Loch Shiel and explore the nearby trails.

• Fort Augustus and Loch Ness: The town of Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness is the most convenient spot to access one of Scotland’s most famous attractions from Fort William. Boat trips on the loch are a great opportunity to learn more about the area as well as attempt a sighting of the famous Loch Ness Monster. You can also walk part of the Great Glen Way or visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre.

• Oban: With connections onward to many of the Inner Hebrides, Oban is often called the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ but the town itself merits a day trip. Climb up to McCaig’s Tower, an imposing structure inspired by the Colosseum or sample a dram of local whiskey at the 18th century Oban Distillery. If you enjoy seafood, there’s plenty of restaurants to choose from offering delicious, locally sourced produce. You could even finish the day with a wildlife watching boat tour.

Best golf courses in Fort William

The Highlands boasts a selection of scenically situated golf courses. Among them you’ll find Fort William Golf Club, a challenging course overlooked by the magnificently towering Ben Nevis. Further afield, there’s Spean Bridge Golf Club or the Dragon’s Tooth course at Glenachulish. Meanwhile if you fancy playing while enjoying sea views, head west to Traigh Golf Course.

Things to do with kids in Fort William

Fort William is a great place for adventurous children to explore. With numerous cycling and hiking trails, from adventurous mountain biking routes to gentler canal side towpaths, plus opportunities for water and snow sports, there’s plenty to keep kids busy. Boat trips on Loch Linnhe are popular with families and offer a good blend of adventure, wildlife and scenery. In the town itself, the Treasures of the Earth Museum with its magical UV cave is particularly family friendly or head to the Old Fort or Old Inverlochy Castle to take a look at the ruins and learn more about the town’s history. For Harry Potter fans, there’s the Jacobite Steam Train ride or if you don’t fancy the full trip, head to Corpach Marina at the right time to spot the train chugging past.

Where to eat in Fort William

• The Silly Goose: Based in the Lime Tree Hotel, this fine dining restaurant serves up creative, tasty dishes showcasing delicious locally sourced produce. This is just the spot to come for a special occasion as the Silly Goose often tops lists of best restaurants in Fort William.

• The Geographer: The varied menu at this popular establishment on Fort William’s High Street is inspired by the owners’ travels and a love of Scottish produce. In the summer you can also enjoy the daily shellfish specials. You can’t book a table in advance, but any queuing is well worth it to sample the delicious dishes on offer here.

• Crannog at Garrison West: If you’re looking for seafood during your stay in Fort William, Crannog is the place to come. Choose between daily specials, traditional fish dishes and the ultimate option for seafood lovers: the Crannog grand shellfish sharing platter. There is a small selection of non-seafood dishes available and a tasty dessert menu to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• The Stables: This award-winning restaurant just off the High Street is perfect for meat lovers. There’s a wide choice of steaks and burgers accompanied by tasty sides, often served on rustic wooden platters. Make sure you leave room for dessert.

Where to stay in Fort William

• Inverlochy Castle Hotel (5 stars): A stay in this 19th century castle with a traditional country house feel is a chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Fort William. Boasting attentive service and sumptuously decorated bedrooms, this is a hotel with a billiard room and drawing room, a fine dining restaurant and its own lochan in the grounds. Set amongst spectacular scenery, Inverlochy Castle Hotel is an oasis of calm with plenty of luxury touches.

• The Grange (5 stars): The two luxury suites at the Grange boast views over Loch Linnhe, luxury furnishings and a whole host of special touches. Just a short walk from the town centre, a stay at the Grange makes for a unique and friendly experience.

• The Garrison Hotel (4 stars): This modern, spacious hotel used to be a police station until 2014. Situated in the very centre of town, the Garrison Hotel has a variety of room types available from self-catering apartments and stylish doubles to the quirkier ‘cell experience’ options.

• The Nevis Bank Inn (4 stars): Overlooking the River Nevis, this friendly hotel offers thirty comfortable rooms in a highly convenient location. One of the hotel’s most popular features is the onsite Browns Restaurant and Bar, which serves a wide menu created from locally sourced Scottish produce.

• Lime Tree An Ealdhain (3 stars): This charming boutique hotel set in a 19th century house has been carefully renovated to provide comfortable accommodation on the shores of Loch Linnhe. The hotel is also home to one of Fort William’s most popular restaurants, the Silly Goose.

Best time to visit Fort William

Fort William is a year-round destination, however the very best time to visit is usually late spring or early autumn. Some of the area’s attractions are closed in the winter months (usually between November and March) and the weather between April and October is generally warmer and drier. That said, Fort William has a long-standing reputation as one of the wettest places in the UK so it’s wise to expect some showers no matter when you visit. Summer can be very busy with both tourists and midges so May and September tend to be the best time to visit Fort William. Choosing to visit in the winter does bring the option of snow sports as well as better availability and prices for accommodation.

Fort William Festivals

• Fort William Mountain Festival: This annual week-long festival celebrates mountain culture through a series of films, talks and outdoor events.

• Highland Games: Although there are no longer any highland games events taking place in Fort William town centre, there are numerous events nearby each summer including the Glenfinnan Gathering and the Glengarry Highland Games in Invergarry. Admire the competitors’ athletic prowess in traditional events like the caber toss or tug o’ war and experience Highland heritage while watching the Highland dancing and pipe band performances.

• Sporting events: Fort William plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, including the Scottish Six Day Trials, the Lochaber Yacht Club Annual Regatta and the Ben Nevis Race.