Town centre
First-timersThe high street by Loch Linnhe.
Fort William town guide
Things To Do In Fort William
A small town under Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, at the end of the West Highland Way and the start of the steam railway over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The outdoor capital of the UK.
8
Hostels in the city
8.5
Average, from 8,192 reviews
1,345 m
Ben Nevis
96 miles
The West Highland Way ends here
21
Arches on the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The outdoor capital
Fort William sits at the head of Loch Linnhe, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain at 1,345 metres. It calls itself the outdoor capital of the UK, and with good reason.
The West Highland Way ends here after 96 miles from Glasgow, and the Great Glen Way begins. Glen Nevis, Glencoe and the mountain bike trails at Nevis Range are all close by, and the West Highland Line runs from here to Mallaig, over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
The town itself is practical rather than pretty. Three days is right: one for Ben Nevis, one for Glencoe and one for the railway.
Where to stay
The town is small. Stay in the centre or in Glen Nevis for the mountain.
Glen Nevis
MountainsThe glen at the foot of Ben Nevis.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 6 top-rated hostels. Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Fort William
Climb Ben Nevis by the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis, about seven to nine hours return. It is a real mountain, and the summit is often in cloud with snow into summer; go prepared.
Walk up Glen Nevis to Steall Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Scotland, across a wire bridge.
Ride the West Highland Line to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Jacobite steam train runs from spring to autumn and is expensive; the regular ScotRail train uses the same track for much less.
Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, a flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, is a short walk away. The Nevis Range gondola climbs Aonach Mòr for views and mountain biking.
Free things
Free things to do in Fort William
Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis and Steall Falls are free.
Neptune's Staircase and the canal towpath are free.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Fort William
Fort William has pubs and cafés serving hearty food for walkers, and fresh seafood from Loch Linnhe.
A pub meal is £12 to £18.
Nightlife
Going out in Fort William
The nightlife is a few pubs, full of walkers celebrating the end of the West Highland Way.
A pint is £5 to £6.
Getting around
Getting around Fort William
The town is walkable. Trains on the West Highland Line reach Glasgow in about three and three-quarter hours, and the Caledonian Sleeper runs from London.
Buses reach Glencoe, Inverness and Skye. A car helps for the glens.
Costs
What Fort William costs
Fort William is mid-priced, and beds book out in summer. Dorms start around £22. A careful day is £45 to £60.
The costs that add up are the Jacobite steam train and the gondola.
The currency is the pound sterling, and Scottish banknotes are legal tender. Cards work almost everywhere, including contactless on buses.
Safety
Staying safe in Fort William
Ben Nevis is a serious mountain. The weather changes fast, the summit is often in cloud, and navigation off the top is dangerous. Take a map and compass, warm layers and waterproofs, and turn back if conditions worsen.
From late May to September, midges swarm in still, damp weather; bring repellent and a head net.
Emergency number is 999 or 112; for mountain rescue, call 999 and ask for police, then mountain rescue.
Day trips from Fort William
Mountains, glens and the railway to the sea.
Glencoe
The most dramatic glen in Scotland.
Glenfinnan
The viaduct and the Jacobite monument.
Mallaig
The end of the line, and ferries to Skye.
Nevis Range
The gondola up Aonach Mòr.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The Ben Nevis Race runs to the summit and back in September.
17 October
Mànran & Beluga Lagoon
Mànran returns to the Nevis Centre with their energetic live show and distinctive sound, making it a special occasion for the local area. Beluga…
14 November
Mini Blazers 2026
Mini Blazers 2026 invites young riders aged 4 to 7 to enjoy a fun and supportive mini enduro race at Nevis Range. The event…
14 November
Day & Night Enduro
The Day & Night Enduro at Nevis Range challenges you to race three stages by day and then again by torchlight. You’ll experience a…
14 November
Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers 2026 is a mountain biking enduro event designed for young riders aged 8 to 16. You will race across three timed trails…
21 November
No more dreams
NO MORE DRAMS LIVE is a live event taking place at The Malt Man Traditional bar and restaurant in Fort William. It invites you…
28 November
Xmas Party: Tribute to Rod Stewart
Looking to celebrate the holiday season with some classic rock vibes? Book your Christmas night out with the UK's number one Rod Stewart tribute…
Hostels
Where to stay in Fort William
The top-rated places to stay in Fort William right now, live from Hostelworld.
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Dorms from £28 a night
See dates and book
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Dorms from £29 a night
See dates and book
Chase The Wild Goose Hostel
Dorms from £40 a night
See dates and book
Ossians
See dates and book
Fort William Backpackers
Dorms from £18 a night
See dates and book
Grey Corrie Lodge Bunkhouse
See dates and bookWhen to go
May to September for walking. Ben Nevis holds snow well into spring.
Jan
Snow on the Ben
Feb
Mountain festival
Mar
Snow
Apr
Spring
May
Good walking
Jun
Midges start
Jul
Busy
Aug
Busy
Sep
Ben Nevis Race
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Dark
Dec
Winter
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs in town. The summit is far colder.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in pounds.
Excludes the Jacobite steam train.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Fort William travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis?
About seven to nine hours return on the Mountain Track.
Is the Jacobite steam train worth it?
It is expensive; the regular ScotRail train crosses the same viaduct for far less.
How do I get to Fort William?
By train from Glasgow on the West Highland Line, or the sleeper from London.
Is Ben Nevis dangerous?
It is a serious mountain. Go prepared, with a map and compass.
How far is Glencoe?
About thirty minutes.
How many days do you need?
Three.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September.
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