Local Area
Fort William High Street ~ Places to eat ~ Visitor Attractions ~ Weather
Fort William and the local area are a major tourist destination, with Glen Coe to the south, Aonach Mor to the north and Glenfinnan to the west. It is a popular area for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and many other Munro’s. It is also well known for its nearby famous Downhill Mountain Bike Track at Nevis Range and its connection to the West Highland Way from Glasgow and the Great Glen Way to Inverness. The surrounding rugged, yet beautiful landscape has been used as a back drop for many famous movies, including Harry Potter, Braveheart and Rob Roy. Another huge attraction is the very popular Jacobite Steam Train (advanced booking essential).
Historic Scotland
Scotland is steeped in history and enhanced by buildings from prehistoric dwellings and stone circles to abbeys, remote castles and palaces. From Fort William it is possible to visit many historic sites in a pleasant days return drive. Many of these sites are set off by the rugged mountain and sea backdrops and one can only wonder how different were living conditions and transport between each of these magnificent buildings. For more details visit Historic Environment Scotland.
Ben Nevis
Undoubtedly the biggest attraction in the area, both in visitor interest and size, is Ben Nevis. It’s Britain’s highest mountain and is ascended by thousands of people each year. During the summer the ‘Mountain Track’ is very popular and technically easy, but please do not underestimate it. Going down is often harder than going up. For those interested in summiting Ben Nevis, please see our climbing and mountaineering page. One attraction is the Ben Nevis Inn at the end of the day, which is located at the foot of the track. Further details of the mountain can be found on the websites of The Nevis Partnership and the John Muir Trust. Also try the Ben Nevis Webcam for up to date views of the mountain.
Road to the Isles
West of Fort William is the picturesque Road to the Isles. This route is famous for its railway line which was used for filming ‘Harry Potter’ on the Jacobite Steam Train. After passing Corpach and Loch Eil it moves through historical Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s fight for the British throne gathered momentum and he raised the Jacobite standard and rallied his clansmen for battle. On the Road to the Isles, visitors will pass the Caledonian Canal A fine example of Victorian engineering, started by Thomas Telford.
Also in Glenfinnan is the Railway Museum. Further west the road and rail links skirt Loch Ailort and pass through Arisaig and onto Morar with it’s famous white sands and necklace of islets. Destinations end is the busy fishing village of Mallaig, a starting point for ferries to Skye and the Small Isles Island Ferries. Driving to Mallaig from Fort William is a great day out with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. It is a popular evening trip for a meal out and watch the sun set on the western horizon beyond the Outer Hebrides.
Commando Memorial Spean Bridge
A thirty minute drive from Calluna is the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. This monument is set in a very grand and elevated position adjacent to the A82 and overlooks the Great Glen both north and south. The statue pays tribute to the men who trained close by and went off to defend Britain during the Second World War. More details can be found at Commando Memorial, visiting this special viewpoint can easily be combined with a short round-trip to include a stroll alongside of the Caledonian Canal or a meal at the The Moorings Hotel at Banavie.
