MapVivid
PROSign in

Fort William

Save

16 hand-picked places in 7 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓
Show on the map
Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Britain's highest mountain, climbed by the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis.

    • Tip: Allow a few hours
    2 tips
    • Summit is often in cloud
    • Carry warm layers even in summer
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  2. 2

    Dramatic glen at the foot of Ben Nevis with river walks and waterfalls.

    3 tips
    • Visitor centre has trail info
    • Midges bite in summer
    • Drive to the road end for Steall
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  3. 3

    Spectacular waterfall reached through a rocky gorge walk in upper Glen Nevis.

    3 tips
    • Path is rough, wear boots
    • Wire bridge is optional
    • Allow 2 hours return
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  4. 4

    Gondola up Aonach Mor with sweeping views over Lochaber.

    3 tips
    • Check wind closures before going
    • Walk to the Pinnacle Ridge viewpoint
    • Cafe at the top station
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  5. 5

    Ladder of eight Caledonian Canal locks with views to Ben Nevis.

    3 tips
    • Watch boats climb the locks
    • Towpath is great for cycling
    • Clear days show Ben Nevis
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  6. 6

    Curving railway viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Check Jacobite train times
    • Car park fills fast in summer
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  7. 7

    Seasonal steam train from Fort William to Mallaig over Glenfinnan.

    • Tip: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Sit on the left for the viaduct
    • Runs roughly April to October
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  8. 8

    Local museum of Jacobite history, clans and Highland life.

    3 tips
    • Free entry, donations welcome
    • See the secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie
    • Allow an hour
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  9. 9

    13th-century castle ruin by the River Lochy, free to explore.

    3 tips
    • Free and open all year
    • Pair with the Soap Company cafe
    • Short walk from the main road
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place
  10. 10

    Sea loch beside the town, lovely at sunset from the waterfront.

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Walk the waterfront at sunset
    • Boat cruises leave from the pier
    • Seals are often spotted
    📷 Photos
    Open in Google MapsMore about this place

Take this map with you

Save Top 10 to Google Maps

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Before you go: Fort William tips

Transportation

  • Ride the West Highland Line: trains from Glasgow to Fort William and on to Mallaig are among the most scenic rail journeys in Britain.
  • Book the Jacobite steam train: the summer steam train from Fort William to Mallaig crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct; book well ahead.
  • Use Citylink coaches: Scottish Citylink buses connect Fort William with Glasgow, Inverness and Skye.

Security

  • Prepare for Ben Nevis: weather on the summit can be severe even in summer; carry map, compass, warm layers and check the mountain forecast.
  • Beware of midges: midges are fierce in summer, especially at dawn and dusk; bring repellent and a head net.
  • Watch for ticks: in grass and bracken around Glen Nevis, check for ticks after walks and remove them properly.

Saving

  • Hike Glen Nevis for free: the walk to Steall Falls through the Nevis Gorge is one of Scotland's finest short walks.
  • Watch the Jacobite for free: see the steam train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the viewpoint instead of riding it.
  • Stay in hostels: Fort William and Glen Nevis have hostels and campsites popular with walkers on a budget.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack serious waterproofs: Fort William is one of the wettest towns in the UK, so a good rain jacket and trousers are essential.
  • Bring warm layers: temperatures are cool all year, and Ben Nevis can have snow well into early summer.
  • Wear proper boots: trails in Glen Nevis and the Great Glen can be wet and rocky, so waterproof hiking boots are a must.

Cultural

  • Join a ceilidh: Highland ceilidhs with traditional music and dancing are welcoming, and callers teach the steps.
  • Taste local whisky: the Ben Nevis Distillery, at the foot of the mountain, offers tours and tastings of its Highland whisky.
  • Try Scottish dishes: try haggis, neeps and tatties or Cullen skink, a smoked haddock soup, in local pubs.

Local Hacks

  • Ride the Nevis Range gondola: the gondola up Aonach Mor gives big views without a full Ben Nevis climb, and mountain biking in summer.
  • See Neptune's Staircase: the series of locks on the Caledonian Canal at Banavie is fun to watch boats climb.
  • Start or finish a long trail: Fort William is the end of the West Highland Way and the start of the Great Glen Way.

1-day itineraries in Fort William

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 1

Glen Nevis and around

🕘 9:30–15:45📍 4 stops

  1. 1Glen Nevis
  2. 2Jacobite Steam Train
  3. 3West Highland Museum
  4. 4Loch Linnhe
See the day →

More cities in United Kingdom