The West Highland Museum sits right in the centre of Fort William, a volunteer-run space filled with local history. If you are searching for Fort William things to do that show the town's real character, start there. The town lies at the foot of the Nevis Range and along the shore of Loch Linnhe, surrounded by some of the best scenery in the Scottish Highlands. It is more than a practical stopover, once you scratch below the surface you will find a place with plenty to offer all year round.
- Best time
- May to September for the best weather, but Fort William is active all year round. Winter brings snow to the mountains and quieter streets.
- Where to stay
- Achintore Road (A82) is lined with B&Bs and hotels. For something quieter, try Spean Bridge or Glencoe, just 30 minutes away.
- Perfect for
- Hikers and mountain bikers, history fans, Harry Potter enthusiasts, and anyone who loves dramatic Highland scenery.
- Don't miss
- The view of Ben Nevis from the Nevis Range gondola or from the shores of Loch Linnhe.
Things I'd tell a friend
Three bits of advice I share with anyone heading to Fort William, based on my own trips there.
Book early for summer
Between May and September, accommodation fills up fast. I have struggled to find a room because I left it too late. Reserve your B&B or hotel weeks in advance, especially if you want a view of the loch.
Source · Checked this myself
Try the regular train
The Jacobite Steam Train is popular and expensive. The ordinary Scotrail service uses the same track and the same scenery for a fraction of the price. You still cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Source · A local tip I picked up
Pack for all weather
Even in July, the summit of Ben Nevis can have snow. A warm layer and a waterproof jacket should be in your bag every day. The weather changes fast in the Highlands.
Source · Learned the hard way
West Highland Museum
A small, volunteer-run museum in the town centre that tells the story of Fort William and the Lochaber region.
- Free entry, donations welcome
- Jacobite exhibits including Bonnie Prince Charlie's waistcoat
- World War II Commando training displays
- Contains the Fairy Pipes of Moidart, said to be the oldest bagpipes in the world
The West Highland Museum is right on Cameron Square and easy to find. It is run by friendly volunteers and admission is free, though donations are appreciated. The collection covers local history from archaeological finds to Victorian times. A major section focuses on the Jacobite cause, with items like Bonnie Prince Charlie's embroidered silk waistcoat, his death mask, and even a lock of his hair. Military history fans will like the gallery about the British Commandos who trained in the area since World War II. You can also see the Fairy Pipes of Moidart, a set of ancient bagpipes. The museum is small, but it packs in a lot. Allow about an hour to look around carefully.
Free entry, just donate
Admission is free, but donations help the volunteers keep the museum going. There is no pressure to give a set amount.
Small space, big stories
The museum is compact, so it can feel crowded when a tour group arrives. Check the opening hours online before visiting during winter.
Right on the High Street
The museum is in Cameron Square, a short walk from the bus station and the main shopping area.
Go on a rainy afternoon when the town is quiet, that is when you can really take your time.
Staying in the town centre puts the museum and other High Street spots within easy walking distance.
Cruachan Hotel
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Nevis Bank Inn
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Bar
- Good breakfast
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Nevis Range Mountain Gondola
The UK's only mountain gondola takes you up the north face of Aonach Mòr for panoramic views of the Highlands.
- 15-minute ride to 650 metres up Aonach Mòr
- Two easy viewpoint walks from the top station
- Restaurant serving Scottish classics at the summit
- Open year-round, popular with skiers in winter and hikers in summer
The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola does not go up Ben Nevis itself, but up Aonach Mòr, the eighth highest mountain in Scotland. The ride takes about 15 minutes each way. At the top, two short walks lead to viewpoints where you can see mountains, lochs, and glens. On a clear day you can just make out the summit of Ben Nevis. There is a restaurant at the top station that serves Scottish dishes. The whole trip, including the walks, takes around three to four hours. A one-day gondola pass costs £23.50 per adult and £13 per child, with advance booking recommended. Check the website for opening times and weather updates.
Tickets and opening times
A 1-day gondola pass is £23.50 for adults, £13 for children. Book online in advance. Opening hours vary by season; check the Nevis Range website before you go.
Combine with a short hike
From the top, follow the path to the Sgurr Finnisg-aig viewpoint. It is a gentle walk with incredible views and takes about half an hour each way.
Driving from Fort William
The Nevis Range is about 6 miles north of Fort William on the A82. Parking is available on site.
Get there just before opening to beat the queue, especially on weekends.
Lodges and guesthouses in the Spean Bridge area put you close to the Nevis Range and an easy drive from town.
The Garrison
- Private parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
Muthu Fort William Hotel
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Good breakfast
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Climb Ben Nevis
At 1,345 metres, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the UK and a challenging but rewarding hike.
- UK's highest mountain at 4,413 feet (1,345 m)
- Mountain (Tourist) Track is the most popular route
- 5 to 7 hours round trip
- Car park at the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre costs £8 per day
Ben Nevis draws around 150,000 people each year. The most straightforward route is the Mountain Track, also called the Tourist Route, which starts from the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre about 2 miles south of Fort William. The walk is strenuous - you begin at sea level and climb all the way to the summit. On a clear day the views are spectacular, but even in summer you can expect snow at the top. Wear sturdy boots and bring warm layers, waterproofs, food, and plenty of water. The weather changes quickly. For less experienced hikers, a guided trip with a company like Kirkhope Mountaineering or Girls on Hills is a good idea. After the climb, the Ben Nevis Inn at the foot of the mountain is a great place for a drink and a meal.
Strenuous hike, prepare well
The hike takes 5 to 7 hours and requires good fitness. Always check the mountain weather forecast before setting off. The top can be cold and windy even in July.
Free climb, paid parking
There is no fee to climb the mountain, but the car park at the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre costs £8 per day. No booking needed for the trail itself.
Start from the Visitor Centre
The trailhead is at the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre, postcode PH33 6ST, a 5-minute drive from Fort William town centre.
Start early, before 8am, to avoid the worst of the crowds and get better weather odds.
The Glen Nevis Youth Hostel and the Ben Nevis Inn bunkhouse are both within walking distance of the start of the path.
Clan Macduff Hotel
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Superb breakfast
Campfield House
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
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Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument
A 21-arch concrete viaduct and a historic Jacobite monument, both set on the northern shore of Loch Shiel.
- 1000-foot-long, 100-foot-high viaduct with 21 arches
- Jacobite Steam Train crosses the viaduct from April to October
- Glenfinnan Monument marks where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his army
- Climb the monument tower for views of Loch Shiel and the viaduct
About 17 miles west of Fort William, the scattered village of Glenfinnan is home to two major landmarks. The Glenfinnan Monument was built by Alexander Macdonald of Glenaladale to commemorate the Jacobite rising of 1745. You can climb the tower for views across Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains. Behind the monument, the Glenfinnan Viaduct stretches across the valley. With 21 towering concrete arches, it is a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering. Harry Potter fans will recognise it as the route of the Hogwarts Express. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the viaduct up to twice a day between April and October. The best views are from the top of the monument or from the path that climbs the hill behind it. There is also a café in an old train carriage at Glenfinnan station.
Best spot for train photos
To watch the train on the viaduct, walk up the hill path behind the monument. The view is much better than from the car park, and you can see the whole curve of the viaduct.
Parking gets busy early
The car park at Glenfinnan can fill up quickly, especially in summer. Allow at least half an hour to find a space and walk to a good viewpoint before the train arrives.
Drive or take the train
Glenfinnan is a 30-minute drive from Fort William on the A830. You can also take the bus (number 500) or the train from Fort William station.
Time your visit for the mid-morning crossing around 11am to see the train with the best light.
A stay in a Glenfinnan B&B gives you a quieter base than Fort William, with the viaduct right on your doorstep.
Stage House Bed & Breakfast
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Exceptional breakfast
Glenfinnan House Hotel
- Free parking
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Bar
- Fabulous breakfast
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Steall Falls
The second highest waterfall in Britain, 120 metres high, reached by a short walk through the Nevis Gorge.
- 120 metres of free-falling water
- 2 mile round trip walk from Upper Glen Nevis car park
- Takes about 2 hours there and back
- Wire rope bridge at the foot of the falls for the adventurous
Steall Falls is tucked away at the top of Glen Nevis. From the Upper Glen Nevis car park, a well-marked trail follows the river through the Nevis Gorge. The path is rocky and can be slippery, but it is easy to follow. As the gorge opens out, the waterfall comes into view. It drops 120 metres from the slopes of the An Gearanach ridge. If you want to get right up to the base, you have to cross a wire rope bridge - a single wire for your feet with two upper wires to hold. Not everyone does it, and there is a good view even if you stay on the near side. The walk is popular, so expect to see other hikers. You can drive to the car park or, as I did, hire a bike from town and cycle there.
Watch your footing
The path is rocky and can be slippery after rain. There are steep drop-offs in places. Take care, especially with children.
Drive or cycle to the car park
The walk starts from the Upper Glen Nevis car park (postcode PH33 6SY), about 7 miles south-east of Fort William. You can drive or hire an e-bike from town.
Free walk, free parking
No ticket or entry fee required. The car park is open daylight hours. No booking needed.
Bring a picnic and eat it by the river before the crowds arrive.
Neptune's Staircase
A staircase of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, designed by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century.
- Longest staircase lock in the UK
- Raises boats 19.5 metres over 450 metres
- Takes about 90 minutes for boats to pass through
- Café at The Moorings Hotel beside the locks
Neptune's Staircase is on the Caledonian Canal in Banavie, about 3.5 miles north of Fort William. Scottish engineer Thomas Telford designed these eight connected locks to lift boats up or down 19.5 metres within a short distance. The locks used to be hand-operated; now they work on hydraulics. You can watch the whole process from the towpath. It takes about 90 minutes for a boat to travel through all eight locks. From the same spot you get a great view of Ben Nevis. There is a café at The Moorings Hotel where you can grab a drink. If you walk further along the canal you will reach Corpach, where the wreck of a 1975 shipping vessel sits on the shore. That is a popular photo stop with Ben Nevis in the background.
Free attraction, café on site
The locks are free to watch. There is no admission charge. The café at The Moorings Hotel is open daily for tea, coffee, and light meals.
Open all day, no ticket
The canal is open 24 hours. The locks operate during daylight hours. No tickets needed.
Short drive or train ride
Neptune's Staircase is in the village of Banavie, a 5-minute drive from Fort William on the A830. You can also take the train from Fort William to Banavie station.
Come in the late afternoon when the sun lights up Ben Nevis behind the locks.
The Moorings Hotel is right next to the locks, giving you front-row seats to the canal action.
Inverlochy Villas (Adults Only)
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Airport shuttle
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Fabulous breakfast
Braemar House
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
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What is the number one thing to do in Fort William?
For most visitors, climbing Ben Nevis is the top attraction. It is the highest peak in the UK and a challenging hike, but plenty of people also enjoy the West Highland Museum or the gondola for easier access to mountain views.
How many days do you need for Fort William?
A minimum of two to three nights gives you enough time to see the main attractions like the museum, the gondola, and Steall Falls, and to take a day trip to Glenfinnan or up Ben Nevis.
What are the best free things to do in Fort William?
The West Highland Museum is free (donations welcome). Walking to Steall Falls costs nothing except fuel. Watching the boats at Neptune's Staircase is also free.
Is the Jacobite Steam Train worth the money?
The Jacobite Steam Train is expensive, but the journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct and along the coast to Mallaig is very scenic. Alternatively, take the regular Scotrail service on the same route for a lower price.
When is the best time to visit Fort William?
May to September offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. Winter is quieter and the mountains look dramatic with snow, but some attractions have reduced hours.
What can you do in Fort William without a car?
Fort William has good public transport. The West Highland Museum and the High Street are walkable from anywhere in town. Trains and buses connect to Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and the Nevis Range.
Which Fort William attraction is best for families?
The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is great for families because the ride is easy and there are short walks at the top. The West Highland Museum is also child-friendly with its varied displays.
