Fort William holiday guide: Ben Nevis, Glencoe, the Jacobite steam train and where to stay

E By Emma · Updated 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

Airports

Glasgow (GLA), Inverness (INV)

Best time to go

May-September

Type

City

Fort William sits at the head of Loch Linnhe, at the foot of Ben Nevis, and calls itself the outdoor capital of the UK. The town itself is small and practical, but the landscape around it is extraordinary: Glen Nevis with its waterfalls and gorges, the mountains of Glencoe, and the road west to Glenfinnan and the white beaches near Arisaig and Mallaig. It is also the finishing point of the West Highland Way and the start of the Great Glen Way.

Whether you want to climb, cycle, ride a steam train or simply look at the scenery, it makes an excellent Highland base. For the rest of the country, see our Scotland guide and the Scottish Highlands.

Where to stay

• Town centre – close to the station, shops and restaurants on the High Street, and handy if you arrive by train.
• Glen Nevis – hostels, campsites, lodges and B&Bs at the foot of Ben Nevis, ideal for walkers.
• Banavie and Corpach – by the Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase, with views of Ben Nevis.
• Glencoe and Ballachulish – about 30 minutes south, surrounded by mountains.
• Arisaig and Mallaig – on the coast to the west, for beaches and the ferry to Skye.

Things to do

1. Ben Nevis – climb the Mountain Track to the summit at 1,345 m, a hike of about seven to nine hours return. Only attempt it with proper kit and a good forecast.
2. Glen Nevis – walk to Steall Falls through a dramatic gorge, a much easier outing.
3. The Jacobite steam train – ride from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. It runs from spring to autumn.
4. Glenfinnan – visit the monument at the head of Loch Shiel and walk to the viewpoint over the viaduct.
5. Nevis Range – ride the mountain gondola on Aonach Mòr for views, mountain biking and winter skiing.
6. Glencoe – a short drive to one of Scotland's most dramatic and historic glens.
7. Neptune's Staircase – a flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal at Banavie.
8. The West Highland Museum – a free museum in town on Jacobite and Highland history.

Best time to visit

May to September is best for hiking, with long daylight hours and the Jacobite train running. Fort William is one of the wettest towns in Britain, so pack waterproofs whatever the season. Midges are at their worst in July and August. Winter brings snow to the mountains and skiing at Nevis Range, but Ben Nevis becomes a serious winter mountaineering challenge.

Getting there

The Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston arrives in Fort William most mornings except Sunday. ScotRail trains on the West Highland Line run from Glasgow Queen Street in about three and three-quarter hours, past Loch Lomond and across Rannoch Moor. Citylink coaches run from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. The nearest airports are Glasgow and Inverness, both about two to two and a half hours' drive away.

Getting around

The town is walkable, and local buses run to Glen Nevis and Nevis Range. ScotRail trains continue west to Glenfinnan, Arisaig and Mallaig, where CalMac ferries sail to the Isle of Skye. Citylink coaches go to Glencoe, Inverness and Skye. A car gives the most freedom for Glencoe and the coast, and there are rental options in town.

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