Explore Fort William

Explore Fort William

Fort William is the major town in the area and the commercial centre of Lochaber. The town marks the end of the West Highland Way (93 miles from Milngavie) and the start of the Great Glen Way to Inverness (73 miles). The Great Glen cycle and long distance walking route begins at the Old Fort in Fort William and takes between five to six days to complete. 

The town is known as the outdoor capital of the UK as a result of the wide range of outdoor activities on offer. The town supports a museum, numerous shops (including the ubiquitous Edinburgh Woollen Mill), restaurants, bars and a swimming pool. The West Highland Museum, is the oldest museum in Scotland and is famous for its Jacobite collections. There is also an opportunity to indulge in a wee dram, by visiting the Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Centre, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. 

Old Inverlochy Castle is within a short distance of Fort William. The 13th century castle was built to serve as a feudal stronghold for the Lords of Badenoch and Lochaber. There are interpretation boards in the grounds, providing an interesting insight into the construction and facilities of the castle and on key events in the history of the castle. You can take a circular walk from the Old Fort in Fort William along the banks of the River Lochy or drive to the castle directly. 

Take time to admire Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the Britain (1, 345m). Ben Nevis has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation based on geology, natural history and culture. The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre provides information on walks in Glen Nevis and on the ascent of Ben Nevis, as well as on local and safety advice for those interested in climbing the Ben. There are also some interesting exhibits on the geological origins of the Ben and Glen, local nature, and social and cultural history. 

Nearby in Torlundy, the mountain gondola goes up the slopes of Aonach Mor (The Nevis Range). The top station at 650m affords fabulous views of hills and lochs of Lochaber, as well as a taste for the high life. At the Gondola Top Station there is a two person chair lift for skiers, the Snowgoose Restaurant and bar, a gift shop, a Snow Sports School and a Mountain Discovery Centre. At the base there is a High Wire Adventure Ropes Course, walks and cycle route. 

Fort William is close to Neptune’s Staircase, at Corpach, a series of eight locks that allow boats to navigate through a steep section (70 feet) of the Caledonia Canal. The Canal runs between eastern and western Scotland and includes parts of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. Towpath walks and boat trips are available (the latter from Fort Augustus, Inverness and Drumadrochit). 

The Treasures of the Earth is also located in Corpach. The museum contains one of the largest private collections of crystals and gemstones in Europe, as well as a fine collection of marine fossils. This is an interesting collection, with particular appeal to those interested in minerals, crystals and gemstones, as well as marine and terrestrial fossils.