Activities in Fort William
Discover the simple beauty of the Highlands
Fort William is surrounded by beautiful scenery, whatever time of year you visit. You can enjoy the tranquility of Glen Nevis, the magnificence of Ben Nevis, and the beauty Loch Linnhe right on our doorstep or travel further afield to Glencoe, Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, all within 1 or 2 hour's drive.
Local activities:
Golf – Fort William has an 18 hole (Par 72) golf course which, as well as being a challenging course to play, has some of the finest views of the area from its fairways and tees. In addition, there are 9 hole courses at Spean Bridge (8 miles) Fort Augustus (32 miles) and Arisaig (35 miles).
Walking – There are many forest walks and gentle hill walks around the area including walks around the Nevis Range ski area (during the summer), which are reached by taking the Gondola to the top station. The Nevis Range website and the local Tourist Information Centre will provide more detailed information.
Long Distance Walking – Fort William is at the end of the West Highland Way which runs from Milgavie near Glasgow and travels 95 miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland and at the start of the Great Glen Way which is is 73 miles in length and runs from Fort William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all along the way.
Cycling and Mountain Biking –Fort William and the surrounding area has miles of forest tracks offering gentle family cycling as well as the largest downhill mountain bike track in Britain – not for the faint hearted! Cycles can be hired from local outlets such as Off-Beat Bikes
Ski-ing and Snowboarding – when the conditions are right, Nevis Range offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Scotland right on our doorstep. The Gondola runs continuously all day (except when closed for annual maintenance between mid-November and mid-December each year) to whisk you to the top station and the slopes. Visit the Nevis Range website for more detailed information.
Walking and Climbing - Alan Kimber of West Coast Mountain Guides has an extensive website giving information about mountain guiding services and more.
Leisure Activities – full size ten-pin bowling is available at The Nevis Centre just a short walk from the Lodge and Lochaber Leisure Centre has a large heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and steam room and sauna. Perfect activities for a wet day or just to help you relax at the end of a busy day.
Crannog Cruises – take a trip aboard “Souter's Lass” and cruise down Loch Linnhe to Seal Island and beyond.
Loch Shiel Cruises - unique wildlife/historical cruises from Glenfinnan and Acharacle on remote, beautiful and unspoiled Loch Shiel - accessible only by boat. Regular sightings of Red Deer, Golden Eagles and other rare birds.
The Ice Factor - as well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, the Ice Factor features the UK 's largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill
Places to visit in Fort William itself:
- Ben Nevis Distillery, where visitors can see around the distillery, visit the gift shop and have a coffee or a snack in the cafe.
- Treasures of the Earth Exhibition, a truly unique visitor attraction of interest to adults and youngsters alike. Tel 01397 772 283 for details.
- West Highland Museum in the centre of Fort William, which has a fascinating display of Jacobite memorabilia.
- Raceway Karting Centre for go-karting fun at Blar Mhor, en route to Corpach from Fort William, one mile from the town centre.
- Nevis Range Gondola which serves the ski centre during the winter months, but is also a very popular attraction in summer. It takes the visitor 2150 feet (650m) up Aonach Mor from where there are stunning views over Fort William and the surrounding area. Refreshments are available in the cafe.
- Caledonian Canal and Neptune's Staircase, a run of seven lochs linking Loch Linnhe and the freshwater lochs of the Great Glen: Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.
- Bank Street
- Fort William
- Scotland
- PH33 6AY
- Tel: +44 (0) 1397 700070
- Fax: +44 (0) 1397 705569
- Email Us