Things to See & Do
There is so much to do in, and around, Fort William. Where to begin? We have chosen some of our ‘best bits’, and are always happy to discuss your plans: whatever the weather!
Places to visit
- A spectacular waterfall situated in Glen Nevis, Scotland’s second highest waterfall with a drop of 120 metres Steall Falls
- Ben Nevis (‘The Ben’) is the highest mountain in the British Isles standing 1,344 metres above sea level Ben Nevis
- Find out about the mountainous West Highlands of Scotland and its people West Highland Museum
- Visit Thomas Telford’s staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal Neptune’s Staircase
- If you love Harry Potter you’ll love the Jacobite Express
- Make your way to the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre to see the monument to the Jacobites, discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Jacobite Rising, and walk through the stunning landscape of the famous Glenfinnan viaduct.
- Glencoe Visitor Centre offers an immersive introduction to the area as well as a café and nearby walks
- Take a drive along the road to Mallaig for the opportunity to stop at outstanding beaches such as the Silver Sands of Morar
- Catch the Corran Ferry , turn left towards the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, and enjoy the many wonders of the coastline and Atlantic Forests near Strontian.
Things to see & do
- Walking here is pure joy! Use this website to plan your hiking days Walk Highlands – Fort William & Glen Nevis
- Fort William’s very own mountain resort, whether you want to ski, mountain bike or take a ride in the Gondola Nevis Range
- Board Elsie for a wonderful cruise down Loch Linnhe. With a fascinating and informative skipper’s commentary, you’ll experience some of Scotland’s best wildlife Cruise Loch Linnhe
- Visit our state of the art independent Highland Cinema and café bar, a great indoor venue for inclement days
- Wander down Fort William’s high street to enjoy an independent café experience, browse books in the Highland Bookshop, and buy souvenirs from whiskey to blankets, shortbread to paintings.
- A little out of town, near Old Inverlochy Castle, treat yourself and your loved ones to some truly local bathroom treats at the Highland Soap Company visitor centre, shop and café.
- Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The imposing mountain Ben Nevis provides an impressive background to a traditional Scottish craft Ben Nevis Distillery
Local restaurants
Please book in advance if you would like to eat somewhere special – places book up fast in the busy season.
- A local restaurant in the High Street The Tavern 0.5 miles
- Alehouse and restaurant The Grog and Gruel 0.5 miles
- For superb craft beer, wood-fired pizzas and salads Black Isle Brewery 0.6 miles
- Related to the Crannog try Garrison West 0.7 miles
- A ‘no reservations’, buzzy place on the high street The Geographer 0.6 miles
- Café bar at our local independent Highland Cinema 0.8 miles
- Restaurant and bar Browns restaurant, Nevis Bank Inn 1.5 miles
- The Wee Inn at the foot of the Ben, and full of local character, Ben Nevis Inn 3 miles
- A luxury 19th century Scottish castle restaurant, Inverlochy Castle 4 miles
- A charming hotel and restaurant near Spean Bridge Old Pines hotel 12 miles
- A lovely country house Kilcamb Lodge 24 miles via Corran Ferry
- Take Corran Ferry to the homely Inn at Ardgour
- Head towards Kinlochleven for the fabulous Lochleven Seafood Café 16.5 miles
Local coffee shops
Local car hire companies
- Fort William car hire – 01397 701515
- EasyDrive – 01397 701616 – www.easydrivescotland.co.uk
- Practical Car Hire – 01397 772404 – www.slipwayautos.co.uk
Taxis
- Nevis taxis – 01397 703000
- Speeders taxis – 01397 704000
