Fort William sits at the heart of the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by some of Britain's most dramatic mountain scenery. Known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William offers world-class hiking, mountain biking, skiing and water sports, all set against the backdrop of Ben Nevis – Britain's highest mountain. This guide covers the essential attractions, from the iconic Jacobite Steam Train to the historic Commando Memorial, plus day trips to the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness with a private driver-guide.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis stands at 1,345 metres (4,413 feet), making it Britain's highest mountain and one of Scotland's most iconic peaks. The main walking route, known as the Mountain Track or Pony Track, begins at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and takes approximately 8-10 hours for a round trip. The path is well-maintained but challenging, requiring good fitness, proper hiking boots, waterproof clothing and weather awareness – conditions can change rapidly at altitude. The summit offers spectacular views across the Highlands, but cloud cover is common, so check weather forecasts before setting out.
For those who prefer not to climb, there are excellent viewpoints of Ben Nevis throughout Glen Nevis and along the A82 road. The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre provides information about the mountain, local walks and safety advice. The lower glen offers beautiful riverside walks that showcase Ben Nevis from below, while the Steall Falls area provides dramatic views of the mountain's northern face. Many visitors find these viewpoints just as rewarding as the summit, especially when weather conditions make climbing inadvisable.
Jacobite Steam Train & Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Harry Potter train, runs from Fort William to Mallaig through some of Scotland's most spectacular Highland scenery. The journey crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – a 21-arch curved viaduct that featured prominently in the Harry Potter films. The steam train operates from April to October, with two daily services during peak season, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours each way. The route passes through Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, and offers views of lochs, mountains and the Small Isles.
Glenfinnan itself is a must-visit destination, with the Glenfinnan Monument commemorating the 1745 Jacobite Rising and a visitor centre explaining the area's history. The viaduct viewpoint is accessible via a short walk from the Glenfinnan Station Museum, offering the perfect spot to photograph the steam train as it crosses the viaduct. For a more immersive experience, consider our Glenfinnan Viaduct tour, which includes expert commentary and the best viewpoints for photography.
Neptune's Staircase
Neptune's Staircase is a remarkable feat of engineering – a flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal that raises boats 64 feet (19.5 metres) over a distance of 500 yards. Located at Banavie, just north of Fort William, this is the longest staircase lock in Britain and one of the most impressive canal structures in the country. The locks were designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1822 as part of the Caledonian Canal, which connects the east and west coasts of Scotland. Watching boats navigate through the locks is a fascinating experience, and the process can take up to 90 minutes for a single vessel.
The area around Neptune's Staircase offers excellent walking opportunities along the canal towpath, with views across Loch Linnhe and towards Ben Nevis. There's a car park and viewing area, making it easy to watch the lock operations. The nearby Moorings Hotel provides refreshments and accommodation, and the canal path continues north towards Gairlochy and south towards Fort William town centre. This is a peaceful spot that showcases Scotland's industrial heritage while offering beautiful Highland scenery.
Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis is one of Scotland's most beautiful glens, stretching from Fort William into the heart of the Nevis Range. The glen offers a variety of walking routes, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging mountain hikes. The lower glen features the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, which provides information about Ben Nevis, local walks, weather conditions and safety advice. The River Nevis flows through the glen, creating picturesque waterfalls and pools, while the surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop.
One of the glen's highlights is Steall Falls, Scotland's second-highest waterfall at 120 metres, accessible via a 3.5-kilometre walk from the end of the road. The path crosses a wire bridge over the Water of Nevis and offers spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding mountains. Glen Nevis has also served as a filming location for movies including Braveheart and Harry Potter, adding to its appeal. The glen is particularly beautiful in autumn when the bracken turns golden, and in spring when the wildflowers bloom along the riverbanks.
Commando Memorial
The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, just 10 miles north of Fort William, is one of Scotland's most poignant war memorials. The bronze statue of three commandos stands on a granite plinth, commemorating the men of the British Commandos who trained in the surrounding area during World War II. The memorial was unveiled in 1952 and has become a place of pilgrimage for veterans, their families and visitors interested in military history. The location offers exceptional views across the Great Glen towards Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr, making it one of the finest viewpoints in the Highlands.
The memorial sits at the junction of the A82 and A86 roads, making it easily accessible and a popular stop for those travelling through the Highlands. The nearby Commando Museum provides additional context about the commandos' training and operations, while the memorial garden offers a peaceful space for reflection. The views from this elevated position are particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset, when the light transforms the surrounding mountains. This is a moving tribute that honours the courage and sacrifice of those who trained in these challenging Highland conditions.
Nevis Range & Aonach Mòr
Nevis Range is Scotland's premier mountain resort, located on Aonach Mòr (1,221 metres), the UK's eighth-highest mountain. The resort offers year-round activities, with a gondola cable car that operates from March to October, providing access to the mountain's upper slopes and spectacular views across the Highlands. In winter, Nevis Range transforms into Scotland's largest ski area, with 30 kilometres of pistes, snowboarding terrain and off-piste opportunities. The mountain's north-facing slopes often retain snow well into spring, making it one of Scotland's most reliable ski destinations.
During the summer months, Nevis Range becomes a world-class mountain biking destination, hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and offering trails for all abilities. The gondola provides easy access to the mountain's upper trails, while the lower slopes feature cross-country routes and skills areas. The mountain restaurant at the top of the gondola offers refreshments and panoramic views, making it a popular destination even for non-skiers and non-cyclists. Aonach Mòr's combination of accessibility, facilities and stunning scenery makes it one of Fort William's must-visit attractions.
Day trips from Fort William
Fort William is perfectly positioned for exploring the wider Highlands and islands. The most popular day trip destinations include:
- Isle of Skye – dramatic landscapes, fairy pools and the Old Man of Storr (2.5 hours)
- Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle, monster hunting and Highland scenery (1 hour)
- Eilean Donan Castle – one of Scotland's most photographed castles (1.5 hours)
- Isle of Skye tour from Fort William – comprehensive day tour to Skye's highlights
We offer private tours from Fort William with a dedicated driver-guide and luxury vehicle, allowing you to explore these destinations at your own pace with expert local knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days do you need in Fort William?
- Two to three days allows you to experience Ben Nevis, the Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct and the surrounding glens. Fort William is also an excellent base for multi-day tours to the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the wider Highlands.
- What is the best time to visit Fort William?
- May through September offers the best weather for hiking Ben Nevis and exploring the glens. The Jacobite Steam Train runs from April to October. Winter brings skiing at Nevis Range, but mountain conditions can be challenging. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and beautiful landscapes.
- Can you climb Ben Nevis without experience?
- The main path (Mountain Track) to Ben Nevis is accessible to fit walkers, but it's a challenging 8-10 hour round trip requiring proper preparation, weather awareness and appropriate clothing. For non-climbers, excellent viewpoints of Ben Nevis can be found in Glen Nevis and along the A82 road, offering spectacular views without the strenuous ascent.
