Fort William - Discovering United Kingdom

Travelling to Fort William

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Fort William, a pretty good destination in United Kingdom (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Fort William and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Fort William, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through United Kingdom, here's everything to know about Fort William for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Fort William

Fort William is a small town located in the western Scottish Highlands, in the Scottish council area of Highland. Recognized as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK," it is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The town is situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, making it a popular base for mountain hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. It also has several historic sites, including the 17th-century Old Inverlochy Castle ruins, as well as museums and art galleries. Fort William can be accessed by road, rail, or bus, and it's approximately 2.5 hours drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

What to visit in Fort William

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Fort William, United Kingdom: 1. Ben Nevis: The tallest mountain in the UK, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
2. Nevis Range: A ski resort, located adjacent to Ben Nevis, it offers visitors skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
3. Jacobite Steam Train: This historic steam train travels along the renowned 'Harry Potter' viaduct and offers scenic views of Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel.
4. Glen Coe: A picturesque valley with towering mountains, it features many walking, hiking, and climbing routes.
5. Commando Memorial: A memorial honouring the British Commandos who trained in the area during World War II.
6. West Highland Way: A popular long-distance walking trail that runs from Milngavie to Fort William, offering stunning views of the Scottish scenery.
7. Lochaber Geopark: An area of geological significance, it offers visitors an insight into Scotland's geology and natural history.
8. Ben Nevis Distillery: A whisky distillery that dates back to the 19th century and offers tours and tastings.
9. Inverlochy Castle: A ruined castle located near the town, it dates back to the 13th century.
10. Old Fort William: The remains of a 17th century fort, situated near the town centre, and worth a visit to learn more about the area's history and heritage.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in United Kingdom, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Fort William.

When to go on holiday to Fort William

The best time to visit Fort William in the United Kingdom really depends on what you're looking for in your trip. If you're looking for warm weather and sunny skies, the best time to visit would be in the summer months of June, July, and August. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so the area can be quite crowded.
If you're more interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing, the spring and fall months of April-May or September-October can be great times to visit. The weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. Finally, if you're interested in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, then mid-December through early March is the best time to visit. During this time, Fort William serves as a gateway to the mountains for winter sports enthusiasts.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Fort William

There are a few ways to get to Fort William in the United Kingdom. By car: If you are driving, Fort William is about a 2.5 hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. The most direct route is via the A82 road.
By train: The West Highland Line runs from Glasgow to Fort William and is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The journey takes around 4 hours and there are several trains per day.
By bus: Regular bus services connect Fort William with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and other nearby towns.
By plane: The closest airports to Fort William are Glasgow and Edinburgh, both of which have flights from major cities in the UK and Europe. From there, you can take a train or rent a car to get to Fort William.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Fort William, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Fort William

Here is a list of some typical foods you can find in Fort William, United Kingdom, along with a short description of each: 1. Cullen skink - A traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.
2. Haggis - A savory pudding made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with spices, oats, and onions.
3. Cranachan - A dessert made of whipped cream, toasted oats, honey, and raspberries.
4. Scotch broth - A hearty soup made with lamb or beef, mixed vegetables, and barley.
5. Smoked salmon - A popular delicacy in Scotland, generally served cold with bread and butter.
6. Black pudding - A sausage made from pork blood, oatmeal, and spices.
7. Scottish oatcakes - A type of crisp, savory biscuit made with oats.
8. Bannocks - A type of Scottish flatbread made from oats or barley.
9. Tablet - A sugary, crumbly confection made from condensed milk, sugar, and butter.
10. Shortbread - A traditional Scottish biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour. These dishes are delicious and worth a try while visiting Fort William.
You can find general info about typical foods in United Kingdom here.

Is Fort William an expensive destination for tourists?

Fort William, located in the Scottish Highlands, can be considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists. Accommodation prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year, with prices generally being higher during the peak summer months. Additionally, dining and activity costs can also add up quickly, particularly if you plan on partaking in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing or mountain biking. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available such as local hostels and budget hotels and eateries. It's always a good idea to plan and budget accordingly when traveling to any destination to make the most of your trip.

Where to find accomodation in Fort William

In Fort William, the main areas to find accommodation are primarily clustered around the town center, providing easy access to the High Street and the town's numerous amenities.
Other popular areas to consider include the nearby Glencoe, which provides stunning mountain and valley views, and the Nevis Range, which is home to the UK's only mountain gondola and provides excellent access to numerous walking and cycling trails. Additionally, the shore of Loch Linnhe, just west of the town center, provides many impressive views and offers several camping and caravanning sites.
You can check hotel prices at Fort William here:
Booking.com

Is Fort William a safe destination for tourists?

Fort William is generally a safe place for tourists. Like any other city, there may be some instances of pickpocketing or petty theft, but if you take the necessary precautions, you should be fine. It is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded areas. Make sure to keep your valuables secure and within your sight at all times. Also, it is recommended to stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially if you are traveling alone. Overall, Fort William is a great place to visit and explore.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in United Kingdom here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Fort William.

What type of travelers will enjoy Fort William the most?

Fort William is a great destination for all types of travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and Scottish culture. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can enjoy hiking in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, taking a scenic train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, or enjoying a romantic meal in one of the cozy local restaurants.
Young people looking for fun can participate in a variety of outdoor adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and mountain biking. Families can enjoy activities like visiting local castles, taking a boat tour on Loch Ness, exploring the history and culture of Scottish clans in museums and exhibitions, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area while walking or cycling.
In summary, Fort William is a perfect destination for anyone who loves outdoor activities, history, and culture, no matter their age or relationship status.

How to get around Fort William

In Fort William, you can use various modes of transportation to move around, such as: 1. Bus: Local buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel within and around Fort William. The town is served by West Coast Motors and Scottish Citylink.
2. Train: The West Highland Line connects Fort William with Glasgow and Mallaig. It's considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
3. Taxi: Taxis are widely available in the town, and they can be a convenient way to move around for shorter distances.
4. Car rental: Fort William has several car rental companies, including well-known brands like Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. Renting a car can give you flexibility and the freedom to explore the surrounding areas.
5. Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, renting a bike or bringing your own can be a wonderful way to explore Fort William. There are many scenic bike routes, including the Great Glen Way and the Caledonia Cycle Route.

What to see around Fort William

Certainly! Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Fort William: 1. Glenfinnan Viaduct - a beautiful railway bridge with stunning views of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains.
2. Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in Scotland, which offers stunning views from the summit.
3. Glen Coe - a valley famous for its dramatic scenery, which has been featured in many movies.
4. Nevis Range Mountain Gondola - the UK's only mountain gondola, which offers spectacular views of the Lochaber area.
5. Mallaig - a picturesque fishing village with a busy ferry port, which offers ferry connections to the Isle of Skye.
6. Loch Ness - the famous Scottish loch known for its mythical monster, the Loch Ness Monster.
7. Ardnamurchan Lighthouse - the most westerly point on the British mainland, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
8. Eilean Donan Castle - a beautiful castle located on a small island where three sea lochs meet.
9. Glenfinnan Monument - a monument located at the head of Loch Shiel, which commemorates the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
10. Isle of Skye - a scenic island located off the west coast of Scotland, which offers stunning landscapes and interesting historical sites.
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