15 Incredible Things You Must Do In Fort William | From A Local
Looking for things to do in Fort William, how to visit, where to stay - or wondering if you should visit on your Scottish Highlands road trip? I recently moved to Fort William and my locals guide has everything you need to plan the perfect Fort William trip.
If you’re looking for an adventure getaway, the bustling town of Fort William is the perfect choice.
Fort William offers a unique experience that’s often hard to find in Scotland’s remote highland towns - surrounded by stunning scenery, there’s also plenty of independent restaurants, hotels, and shops in the town centre. Plus, there’s heaps to do in Fort William, from fun boat trips to waterfall walks.
Of course, Fort William is famed for its mountains and climbing its best known peak, Ben Nevis, is a bucket list moment for many travellers visiting Scotland.
Considered by many as the outdoors capital of the UK, it’s the wild and mountainous landscape that makes Fort William such a special place. Despite how sprawling the town has become, the postcard-perfect rolling hills, sparkling loch, and woodland trails remain tranquil and untouched.
And the Fort William skyline, dominated by the soaring Nevis mountain range, is genuinely breathtaking.
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This year, I moved to the Highland town - and I’ve spent the majority of my time exploring all the best things to do in Fort William. What I’ve found is a lively town full of warm people, a booming food scene, and, as you might expect, plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.
And I can honestly say there’s something to do, or see, to suit everyone.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Fort William, here’s all the best things to do whilst you’re here. Plus, practical tips from a local and helpful things to know.
Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Planning a trip to Fort William? Here’s my top hotel picks:
The Garrison: for the best small hotel stay in the centre of town.
Nevis Bank Inn: for the best small hotel near Ben Nevis.
Lime Tree: for the best boutique stay overlooking Loch Linnhe.
Locheil Villa Guest House: best boutique guest house near the centre.
Why visit Fort William?
The biggest reason to visit Fort William is easily to get outdoors. In an area as beautiful as the Scottish Highlands, Fort William is particularly incredible for an adventure.
At any time of year the town is full of people wearing rucksacks and walking boots, experiencing the countless trails in the surrounding mountains and glens.
Though on a more practical note, the sheer number of amenities in Fort William is especially helpful for travellers. Unlike many of the villages around the largely rural Highlands, Fort William is teeming with restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, and all sorts of useful shops.
And if you’re looking for history, Old Inverlochy Castle and the remains of the ancient fort are both worth a visit.
This makes Fort William a good base for visiting the surrounding area, including Glencoe, Loch Ness, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Fort William high street on an early morning walk.
Fort William map
The very Best Things to do in Fort William
There’s a high chance you’re visiting Fort William on a road trip, so your time in the town might be limited. Or you might be planning a longer getaway and you’re looking for more things to do.
Either way, you’ll love exploring Fort William. Here are my personal favourite things to do in Fort William:
1. Hike Ben Nevis
The most iconic mountain and Britain’s highest summit, hiking Ben Nevis is one of the best things to do in Fort William.
Thousands of people climb the trail every year and for good reason; it’s a challenging hike but also a straight-forward one. Despite being incredibly rocky underfoot, the trail is easy to follow and in spring through early autumn you won’t need any special equipment.
However, be warned: at 1,345m in height, climbing to the summit and back down takes around 8-hours and a decent level of fitness. As Ben Nevis is one of the most popular things to do in Fort William, the trail gets VERY busy, especially at the weekend and in summer months. So I’d strongly advise you start your hike early to avoid the crowds.
2. Loch Linnhe boat trip
If you like getting out on the water, then a cruise on Loch Linnhe should be top of your things to do in Fort William. Head to Fort William pier and you’ll find small cruise boats that take regular trips across the loch.
You can choose from various boat trips, but my favourite is the sunset option in summer, or the heated cabin cruise in winter.
Book your ticket here for a 90-minute cruise to learn more about the area and hopefully spot wildlife like dolphins and seals. It’s also perfect for photographers, especially with Ben Nevis turning dusky pink in the evening light.
3. Visit Corpach marina
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town, one of the best things to do in Fort William is visit the marina at Corpach. Built in the 19th-century, it was originally used by boats transporting goods from Inverness. Nowadays, the renovated marina still welcomes leisure tracks, but it’s also a welcome escape from town.
The views from the marina are glorious! Once here walk some of the Caledonian Canal path, visit the Caol shipwreck, and enjoy a delicious lunch or coffee at the An Cafaidh Mara cafe.
4. Walk to Steall Waterfall
If you’re looking for a short walk with gorgeous views, the trail to Harry Potter famous Steall Waterfall is incredible.
It’s on every list of the best things to do in Fort William and rightfully so - it’s a stunning place. The walk itself takes around 45-minutes from Glen Nevis, and though there’s rocky ground, it’s an easy trail. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
5. Visit Neptune’s Staircase
Built between 1808 and 1822, Neptune’s Staircase is a feat of engineering. It was designed by Thomas Telford, who was tasked with transforming the future of this area.
The staircase is a series of 8 canal locks, each at vastly different heights, that fill and empty to create a passage for boats - leading them out to Loch Linnhe and eventually the sea. To this day the staircase transports all kinds of boats along the Caledonian Canal and watching ships navigate the locks is pretty fascinating. It’s also a lovely area for a walk and there’s an easy path all along the canal.
After, pop into Candz Boutique for a coffee, ice cream, or very delicious waffle. Find it here.
6. Visit the Caol shipwreck
Another of the best things to do in Fort William is visit the Old Boat of Caol shipwreck. This abandoned boat, near Corpach, ran aground after a storm in 2011.
Today is has become a popular photography spot and for good reason - the storm damaged vessel against a backdrop of mountains is spectacular. This is also one of the best places to photograph Ben Nevis. Find it here.
7. Spot the Hogwarts Express
Whilst the best place to see the Jacobite Steam Train (aka Hogwarts Express) is undoubtedly the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the next best place is Corpach marina. The train passes by the marina twice a day, on its way in and out of Fort William. Corpach Marina is another perfect vantage point to photograph the steam train, where it passes super close.
You’ll want to have your camera ready around 10.30am or 15.45pm.
8. Walk the Caledonian Canal
If you’re looking for an easy walk or cycle then the towpath beside the Caledonia Canal is the perfect option. Walk as far as you like (the canal is 60-miles long) but the best section in Fort William links Neptune’s Staircase with Corpach Marina. Be sure to take a short detour and visit the Caol Shipwreck at Corpach Beach along the way.
9. Cycle the Great Glen / Canal circuit
Another wonderful cycle or walk is an easy but long circuit, beginning on the Great Glen Way in Fort William and returning along the Caledonian Canal.
To start, follow the blue thistle marker signs for the Great Glen Way from Fort William centre. This part of the route is on a fantastic cycle and walking path. Follow the route as it runs alongside Loch Linnhe, past Caol Beach, the shipwreck, before joining the Caledonian Canal towards Corpach Marina.
If you time your visit, you might even see the Hogwarts Express steam train as it passes by.
On the return journey, stay on the canal towpath towards Neptune’s Staircase, before re-joining the route back to Fort William. This walk, or cycle, is one of my favourite things to do in Fort William.
10. Explore on a Hi-Bike
It’s a short drive or bus journey from Fort William to nearby Corpach, but I think the best way to get there is along the Great Glen Way cycle path.
If you don’t have your own bike, then hire an electric bike from Fort William centre. The Hi-Bikes are dotted at 35 stations around town, including the high street and train station. Once you’ve hired your book follow the Great Glen Way circuit mentioned above.
11. Camp in Glen Nevis
If you like the outdoors, camping needs to be top of your list of things to do in Fort William. There’re a handful of excellent campsites around the town, but my favourite is Glen Nevis Campsite in the heart of the great glen.
The views are epic, plus you can walk to Ben Nevis and final stage of the West Highland Way directly from the site.
Alternatively, wild camping in Glen Nevis is an incredible experience. The best spot, I think, is overlooking Steall Waterfall or Halfway Lochan on Ben Nevis.
12. Highland Cinema
Perhaps a wet weather activity, but a trip to The Highland Cinema is a must. You’ll find this independent cinema just off the high street - home to 2 screens, the latest movies, a bar, and restaurant. One of the most unique experiences is the projector screening of early Highland life, which shows daily in the restaurant.
This is also one of Fort William’s best places to eat and drink with sharing platters, pizzas, and cocktails.
13. Sample Local Drinks
There’s a thriving drinks scene around the western highlands, and you’ll find heaps of lively pubs in Fort William serving locally produced craft beers, gin, and other premium spirits.
You can find my favourite pubs in this post, but the best places for local drinks in Fort William are: Black Isle Bar, Highland Cinema, Grog & Gruel, Ben Nevis Inn, and Ben Nevis Bar.
14. Fort William Distillery
Whisky lover’s looking for a Fort William distillery should take a tour of Ben Nevis Distillery.
One of the oldest distillers in Scotland, founded by John “Long John” MacDonald in 1825, here they make Ben Nevis whisky - named after the mountain that towers over distillery. The water used to create this incredible whisky comes from mountain itself; at over 4,000ft, its the highest water source in Scotland.
Book a guided tour from a small but expert team and learn about the history of this iconic Fort William whisky. Then, alongside your guide, enjoy a whisky tasting in the newly renovated bar.
Onsite there’s a cafe serving refreshments and light bites, plus the Ben Nevis Distillery shop for those looking to take home a bottle of this unique malt.
Situated on the edge of Fort William, it’s an easy walk or taxi journey to the distillery from the town centre.
15. High Street, Coffee, Harbour and Loch Linnhe Walk
One of my favourite things to do in Fort William is take a walk along the high street on my way to Loch Linnhe. In the centre of town you’ll find plenty of outdoor stores and independent shops like Highland Soap Company and The Highland Bookshop.
It’s also the perfect place to stop for a coffee - Wildcat, Rain, and Kilted Camel are the best cafes. Afterwards, wander out on the pier which has amazing views over Loch Linnhe. It’s the perfect way to spend a morning in Fort William.
16. Take a day trip
If you’re staying in town for a few days, then one of best things to do from Fort William are day trips.
Fort William makes an incredible base for exploring other areas of the Highlands and nearby you’ll find the Glenfinnan Viaduct and steam train, breathtaking landscapes at Highland village Glencoe, and gorgeous sandy beaches at Arisaig.
Where to Stay in Fort William
The Garrison
The Garrison is one of Fort William’s most modern hotels. Spacious rooms are bright and airy, with mod-cons - some even have a kitchenette equipped with a fridge. There’s quirky options too, with remnants of the old jail that once stood on this spot. Rooms and apartments vary in size, from standard doubles to more deluxe options like suites with lounge areas.
Probably the best thing about this Fort William hotel is its location. Just a few minutes’ walk and you’re in the centre of town.
Nevis Bank Inn
This stylish Fort William hotel is situated at the entrance to Glen Nevis, which makes it the perfect stopover for climbing Ben Nevis or visiting Steall Falls. There’re 30 classically designed rooms, some with separate areas for lounging. The restaurant is one of the best reviewed in Fort William, whilst the bar is a whisky lover’s dream.
Lime Tree An Ealdhain
One of my favourite Fort William hotels, the Lime Tree is a boutique, small hotel overlooking Loch Linnhe. Cosy rooms are individually decorated and vary in size, some with four poster beds. The location is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. The Lime Tree is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring.
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