Fort William

Travel Guide
Fort William which includes heritage elements and railway items as well as an individual femail
Hike around this picturesque region for views of the stunning lochs. Study Scottish cultural facets of pubs, haggis and whiskey.

Lochs, hills and Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, surround the quaint town of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The settlement, which overlooks the vast Loch Linnhe, has a castle and a bustling central main street. Appreciate the serene countryside setting as you hike past forests and lakes.

Ben Nevis reaches 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level. Learn about the huge rock formation and its history. Use climbing equipment for your ascent up the Pony Track from the Glen Nevis base. At the summit is an abandoned observatory.

The region is known for its lakes. Go to Loch Lochy for excellent views of hilly woodland. Learn about the Battle of the Shirts in 1544. At lake’s southern end is the Caledonian Canal, which contains Neptune’s Staircase. Watch the 90-minute mechanical process that lifts boats. Learn the origins of this staircase lock, which is among the longest in Britain and dates back to 1803.

Pay tribute to fallen officers of World War II at the Commando Memorial. The statue of British Commandos has a stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis.

In the town, visit the 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle, where tremendous battles occurred. A short distance away is Ben Nevis Distillery, which has been making whiskey since 1825. Enjoy a tasting and learn about whiskey distilling. Wander through the nearby Leanachan Forest.

Browse shops and dine at restaurants in the small town center. Eat at a typical Scottish pub serving the national dish of haggis, containing sheep parts with onions and spices.

The region has freezing winters. Snow adds a postcard-pretty element to the mountainous backdrop. Pleasant summers provide ideal picnic conditions.

The town is in the southwestern part of the Highlands of Scotland in the northwestern region of the country. Regular buses and trains depart from Glasgow. The Caledonian Sleeper train runs overnight from London. Drive from Edinburgh in about 3 hours.

Fort William is a loch town concealed in the Highlands by Britain’s second Big Ben.

Where to stay in Fort William

Fort William featuring railway items and heritage elements

Fort William City Centre

5/5(15 area reviews)

Travelers come to Fort William City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Great Glen Way and West Highland Museum while you're in town.

Fort William City Centre
The Caledonian Hotel
The Caledonian Hotel
3 out of 5
Achintoe Road, Fort William, Scotland
The price is ¥13,879 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥13,879
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
7.2/10 Good! (632 reviews)
"Great service, enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

The Caledonian Hotel
The Garrison
The Garrison
4 out of 5
High Street, Fort William, Scotland
The price is ¥27,050 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥27,050
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (572 reviews)
Live it
"One of the best hotels I have stayed. Clean , friendly staff and very central . Defo coming back to this place ."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

The Garrison
Muthu Fort William Hotel
Muthu Fort William Hotel
3 out of 5
Achintore Road, Fort William, Scotland
The price is ¥16,746 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥16,746
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (321 reviews)
Fort William Retreat
"Wonderful hotel on the Loch. Just a short stroll to all restaurants bars if you don't use the hotels amenities (which are top notch ) Large carpark (free) Staff are very friendly, helpful and polite. My room was spacious clean, with free tea & coffee."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Muthu Fort William Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Shack and Pods at Inchree
The Shack and Pods at Inchree
3.5 out of 5
The Shack at Inchree, Inchree, Fort William, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
100% would stay again
"Great location, really comfy and great price!"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

The Shack and Pods at Inchree
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Caol
Stay at this apartment in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Ben Nevis and Cape Wrath Trail are located ...
Skye’ Place - Cozy 1-bedroom apartment in tranquil Caol near Ben Nevis!
Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Ardgour, Nr Fort William
Stay at this ski cottage in Fort William. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Spectacular!
"If you have an opportunity to stay at this property you will be fortunate indeed. Everything about it is even better than described, the home is at the same time stunning and welcoming. Perfectly appointed for comfort it has everything required to stay in and cook while enjoying the amazing landscapes ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

Stylishly renovated Croft house with uninterrupted views of fields, hills & sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Fort William

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
34
" "5 - Excellent 38.20224719101124%
4 - Good
38
" "4 - Good 42.69662921348315%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 13.48314606741573%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 4.49438202247191%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.1235955056179776%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

More of a place to go and visit the nearby attractions than do much within the city itself. I was only there one night though and the West Highland Museum wasn’t open or I would have visited it!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2019

High street is nice

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 9, 2019

The history of Fort William was fascinating!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Sep 6, 2019

The hotel is between Fort William and Glencoe , and miles from both. The hotel offers an adequate pub/resaturant, but no other walkable options are accessible.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 11, 2019

I will come back and visit!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 30, 2019

Ft William not really a destination. Nothing much there and restaurants not great. Yet it is the areas around Ft William that are beautiful.

Cities near Fort William