Fort William Car Hire

Guide of Fort William

Things To Do in Fort William

Sail down Loch Linnhe on a cruise

Fort William is just on the banks of Loch Linnhe – a large sea loch that connects the central Scottish Highlands to the West Coast of Scotland. From the loch, you can explore the local area by hopping aboard a cruise that allows you to see a lot of the local area otherwise unseen by land. Depending which time of year you go, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Jacobite Steam Train chug down the tracks near Corpach, or see the local sea colony basking – it truly allows you to see some of Scotland you never thought imaginable.

Hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train

Speaking of the Jacobite Steam Train – you could hop aboard it as well as see it from a distance. If you’re in the area between late April and late October you can climb aboard the steam train and cross the infamous Glenfinnan Viaduct. From there, you will continue your journey on until you reach Mallaig for a short break, before continuing back to Fort William. It is such a scenic and authentically Scottish way to see the area – and there are so many photo opportunities too.

Hike or Bike to Steall Falls

Steall Falls is a waterfall at the top of Glen Nevis which is relatively easy to get to from the car park if you follow the trail through the Nevis Gorge. We recommend getting yourself a picnic and sitting near the waterfall – although not too close, as you probably don’t want to get wet! That being said, however, you can also cross the river on a wire bridge if you’re feeling adventurous.

Climb Ben Nevis

The tallest peak in the United Kingdom is situated in Scotland. Ben Nevis is ideal for both the avid climbers, or newbie mountaineers. This popular tourist destination is over 4,400 feet high, and you literally start at sea level at the base of the mountain. Thankfully, there are quite a few options to reach the top of Ben Nevis. The first and most popular among tourists is the Mountain Path. This path is the easiest of the paths to get to the top. However, if you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, then the CMD Arete, which includes a ridge walk, among other things.

We recommend if you’re planning to tackle Ben Nevis that you keep an eye on the weather. In Scotland, the weather can change in a heartbeat – so you are going to want to be prepared. Also wear layers – as it begins to get a little colder the higher you go and don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks and water.

Take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

If a strenuous and long hike isn’t you’re thing, but you still want to witness Ben Nevis in all of its glory, you might want to consider taking the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. Although it doesn’t actually go up Ben Nevis, you’ll be taken up the north face of Aonach Mòr, the 8th highest mountain in Scotland and witness it from a distance.

Once you reach the top of the gondola, there are two walks where you can enjoy incredible views – including seeing the peak of Ben Nevis. The whole trip up the side of the mountain takes around 15 minutes each way and there is a restaurant at the top serving traditional Scottish cuisine.

Eating Out in Fort William

From haggis to pies – Scotland is well known for its delicious cuisines. While visiting Fort William and surrounding areas, you’ll be able to taste some of the best foods in all of Scotland. There are endless (almost) opportunities to choose from when it comes to eating out in Fort William – but which are our favourites?

The Lime Tree

One of Fort William’s Michelin Star restaurants is The Lime Tree. The Lime Tree prides itself in using fresh Scottish produce, such as local Loch oysters and trout, as well as venison from the surrounding woodlands. The restaurant itself is also home to an art gallery, which is perfect for those looking to soak up some of the culture of Scotland during their visit.

The Geographer

If you’re looking for a unique restaurant in Fort William, look no further. The Geographer uses Asian eating habits and takes Scottish ingredients to perfectly create local, yet international dishes all in one. Situated on Fort William’s High Street, The Geographer regularly has a quirky menu for a unique and personal dining experience – there is truly nothing else like it in Scotland.

Glen Nevis Restaurant

This is the perfect choice of restaurant for foodies looking to enjoy the sites of Ben Nevis and the atmosphere that surrounds it. The Glen Nevis Restaurant is just a 40 minutes’ drive from Fort William, and close to the Glen Nevis caravan park. The restaurant is known for using local Scottish ingredients and having a varied menu throughout the day – all including Scottish burgers, pies and other classics.

Transport

Fort William can be accessed by both land and see – either by hiking, biking, kayaking or by car. It is a great place to truly embrace nature and spend some time in it – so we recommend getting yourself a hire bike or try your hand at guided kayaking if you’ve never done it before. As we have previously mentioned, getting around by train is also an easy and scenic way to see the sights – you’ll even get to see the railway that was featured in the Harry Potter films this way too.

Remember, Fort William is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital’ of the United Kingdom, so bear that in mind when you visit. Although it can be enjoyed indoors and by car, we recommend having a certain level of fitness to be able to truly embrace the surrounding areas.