Fort William tourist information

The gateway to the Highlands, many visitors choose Fort William as their base for exploring this most beautiful part of Scotland.

Set on the banks of Loch Linnhe, with the great mountains of Ben Nevis and its neighbours behind, the town is only a short distance from some of the most dramatic scenery the region has to offer.

The town itself is the largest in the area, easily accessible by train and road, with a good range of amenities. It is easy to tell at a glance that it is popular for outdoor enthusiasts by the sheer number of specialist shops aimed at walkers and climbers.

Nearby Glen Nevis is not only the site of the famous 'Ben', but a lovely valley perfect for walking and hiking. The river Nevis rushes through its rocky gorge and over waterfalls such as the impressive Steall Falls. 4000m higher up on the mountain of Aonach Mor, the Nevis Range all-weather site offers skiing, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding - all accessible by cable car.

Fort William also has an interesting history, named after the fortress built by William of Orange in the 17th century. Just West of Fort William is the Glenfinnan Monument, marking the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard and began the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. Other nearby historic sites include the ruined Inverlochy Castle.

Travelling out of Fort William along the unmissable 'Road to the Isles' west to Mallaig takes in some breathtaking scenery. The railway takes the same route, but over the stunning Glenfinnan viaduct. Served by steam locomotive, this is known as The Jacobite, and is truly one of the worlds great rail journeys.