Things To Do In Fort William

With so many great things to do in Fort William, we have put together the top 4 you should consider when visiting the area.

Things to do in Fort William: Climb Ben Nevis

The highest mountain in the UK

For many visitors to Fort William climbing iconic Ben Nevis is their sole purpose of the trip to the area. The Mountain Track route starts from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis. The walk itself can be tough and you need to have a good level of general fitness before taking on the challenge.

Be prepared

Make sure you are well equipped with suitable clothing, footwear and waterproofs. Just as important is making sure you have enough food and water as well as a map and compass. When low cloud comes in on the mountain it can get quite disorientating.

Monitor the weather

The weather on Ben Nevis often catches people out as it can change so quickly. The weather at the top of the mountain can be quite different from the weather at the bottom and there can be snow at any time of year. Always plan ahead and check the forecast and mountain conditions before setting off.

Enjoy the view

Once at the top the feeling of euphoria is real! Enjoy the view, take some photos and then prepare for the walk back down – which can be just as much of a challenge.

Our Top Tip

Celebrate your achievement with a drink and something to eat at the Ben Nevis Inn in Achintee by the end of the track. Located at the base of Ben Nevis you will be able to sit and look up in wonder at the mountained you conquered earlier in the day!

Things to do in Fort William: Ride The Nevis Range Gondola

The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is the only Mountain Gondola in Great Britain.

Board the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola and ride 650m up Aonach Mor, Britain’s 8th highest mountain. On arrival at the top gondola station be ready for amazing views of mountains and lochs around Fort William and the surrounding area.

Take a walk up to the view points

On leaving the Gondola you have a range of choices on what to do next. There are two view point walks which take you even higher, giving you even better views of the scenery. After your walk, why not stop off for a coffee or hot meal in the Snowgoose restaurant next to the top gondola station. With a large decked, outside seating area you can really enjoy lunch with a view here.

Take your bike on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

For those who are keen to get down the mountain again just as quickly as they went up, why not take your mountain bike on the back of your gondola and try out Blue Doon, one of the longest blue graded mountain bike trails in the UK and well worth a go. The other mountain bike trails from the Nevis Range gondola are black graded and should only be ridden by experienced riders.

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Things to do in Fort William: Jacobite Steam Train

Start your Jacobite Steam Train Journey in Fort William

Board the magical steam train in Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands and home of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. From Fort William, travel along the side of Loch Eil before heading on to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, possibly the most famous location on the Jacobite steam train route thanks to the Harry Potter films. Passing over the 21 arch viaduct gives the most amazing views of the Glenfinnan Memorial and Loch Shiel. If time allows the train will slow down allowing you extra time to take those precious photos. The train makes its first stop at Glenfinnan station.

Pass through the most westerly train station in Mainland Great Britain

From Glenfinnan the train journey continues on to Araisaig, the most westerly train station in mainland Britain. You can request to alight the train here by speaking to the guard. The journey continues on through Morar before finally arriving in the fishing town of Mallaig. The one-way journey takes about one and a half hours.

Our Top Tip

The Jacobite steam train arrives in Mallaig at 12:25 and departs again at 14:10. If you plan to have lunch in a restaurant or cafe in Mallaig, our top tip is to promptly get off the train as large numbers of other train passengers will also be trying to grab a bite to eat and be back on the train in good time for its departure at 14:10.

Things to do in Fort William: Wildlife cruises

What wildlife will you see?

Choose to take a loch cruise to see if you can spot some of the local wildlife. Seals are a common and popular sighting on the cruises which pass by locally named, ‘Seal Island’. For the lucky ones among us you may also spot porpoise, dolphins and otters on your tour.

Not all the wildlife is in the water

Not all the wildlife you spot will be in the water though. Looking across to the land you may see red deer or search the skies above to try and spot an elusive Sea eagle