Fort William is a practical base for a Scottish Highlands trip when you want more than beautiful roads and vague plans. You can climb Ben Nevis, ride the Jacobite Steam Train, see Glenfinnan Viaduct and spend time driving through Glen Coe and Glen Etive, all without changing accommodation every night.
I first visited Fort William with the sole purpose of climbing Ben Nevis. There wasn’t much room for sightseeing around that, although I still managed to fit in a few highlights. When I returned years later, we flew into Glasgow, hired a car and stayed near the foot of Ben Nevis, giving us more time to explore the area.
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Updated 16 October 2026. My personal experiences and photographs are from visits in 2018 and 2025. Check official websites before travelling, particularly for mountain conditions, attraction opening times and the Jacobite Steam Train timetable.
Is Fort William a Good Base for the Scottish Highlands?
Yes, particularly if you want to see the western Highlands without rushing through them. Fort William itself is a working Highland town. Its appeal is what sits around it: Ben Nevis on one side, Loch Linnhe on the other, Glen Coe to the south and the road to Glenfinnan and Mallaig heading west.
How to Get to Fort William
We flew from Bristol to Glasgow, picked up a hire car and drove north the following morning. The journey takes around three hours without stops. We stopped in Luss on Loch Lomond for coffee and a wander before continuing north through Glen Coe. It breaks up the drive nicely and stops Fort William feeling like a destination you have to endure several hours of motorway to reach.
You can also reach Fort William by train from Glasgow on the West Highland Line, which is a good option if you are planning to stay local or don’t want to drive on Highland roads.
How Many Days Do You Need in Fort William?
I would stay for at least two nights. That gives you one full day for Ben Nevis, the Jacobite Steam Train or a longer drive through Glen Coe. Three nights is better if you want to climb Ben Nevis and also ride the Jacobite. Both need a degree of flexibility for weather, and this is not somewhere I would plan down to the final hour.
Where to Stay in Fort William
We stayed at The Old Byre, a cosy cottage near the foot of Ben Nevis. It had parking, easy access to local shops, Nevis Range and Fort William itself, but still felt properly quiet once we were back for the evening. Little Harry Potter touches and generous welcome gifts made it feel particularly welcoming.
If The Old Byre is unavailable, I would look around Glen Nevis, Inverlochy, Banavie and Corpach as well as Fort William itself.
10 Things to Do in and Around Fort William
1. Climb Ben Nevis
Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, Ben Nevis is Britain’s tallest mountain. Its summit is the collapsed dome of an ancient volcano, and you can still find the ruins of a weather observatory that was staffed between 1883 and 1904. The climb is both mentally and physically demanding, but the views from the top, when the clouds clear, are unforgettable. Temperatures at the summit can plunge even in summer, so it is essential to bring warm clothing, waterproofs, and plenty of water.
If you want something easier, a shorter one-hour route begins at the Ben Nevis Inn, a welcoming spot with hearty food, live music, and sweeping views right at the base of the mountain. Even if you are not climbing, it is worth visiting for lunch or to soak up the atmosphere.
Read my full guide to climbing Ben Nevis before you go.
If you are not confident planning the route and conditions yourself, a guided Ben Nevis hike is a sensible option.
Ben Nevis Summit, Fort William, Scotland
2. Tour Ben Nevis Distillery
Founded in 1825, Ben Nevis Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. Its water source comes directly from the mountain and, while it is now owned by a Japanese company, whisky is still produced in Fort William using traditional methods.
Tours must be booked in advance and finish with a whisky tasting. There are two options: the standard, which includes two whiskies, and the classic, which includes four. If you are driving, miniature bottles are provided to take away.
When we visited, the distillery was celebrating its 200th birthday, and we were given a complimentary whisky glass as a souvenir. The tour involves an outdoor section, so dress accordingly.
You can book directly through the Ben Nevis Distillery visitor centre.
3. Pop into the Highland Soap Company
Just a short drive from the distillery is the Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre. Here you can watch soap being made, browse the shop and enjoy the café. Workshops are also available if you want to make your own soap using natural ingredients. It’s a relaxing stop and a good contrast to the more adventurous activities in the area. It works particularly well after Ben Nevis, when you are still pretending your legs are fine but would rather not commit to another hill.
4. Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Its sweeping arches were made world famous by the Harry Potter films, where it carried the Hogwarts Express across the Highlands. It’s a short drive from Fort William and worth seeing for the view across Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills.
If you want to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct, check the current timetable before you leave. There is a well-marked path to the viewpoint above the viaduct from the main visitor area, so give yourself time to walk up. When we visited, the train passed at around 10.45am and 3pm. The sound of the engine and the sight of the carriages curving over the arches was unforgettable.
When we visited, parking was about £5 and could be paid by card. Check the current Jacobite timetable and Glenfinnan visitor information before travelling, as train times and parking arrangements can change.
5. The Jacobite Steam Train (The Hogwarts Express)
Fort William is the starting point for the Jacobite Steam Train, often called the Hogwarts Express thanks to its role in the Harry Potter films. The journey runs to Mallaig and is considered one of the most scenic railway rides in the world.
We had tickets during our most recent trip, though our first attempt was cancelled because of Storm Amy. Fortunately, we managed to travel the following day, and it was a true highlight.
The Jacobite is seasonal and tickets can sell out well ahead of time. Check the West Coast Railways website before booking, then read my full Jacobite Steam Train guide for what to expect on board, which side to sit on and what happened when we finally made it to Mallaig.
6. Find the Corpach Wreck
The Corpach Wreck, officially named The Golden Harvest and later MV Dayspring, was driven ashore in 2011 during a storm. It remains beached on the shore of Loch Linnhe, slowly decaying, and has become one of the most photographed spots in the area thanks to its dramatic setting with Ben Nevis in the background.
It can be reached from the Corpach Canal car park with a short walk. It’s a quick stop that’s easy to combine with the distillery, Highland Soap Company or Nevis Range.
7. Drive Through Glen Coe and See the Three Sisters
A short drive south of Fort William lies Glen Coe, a valley famous for its history and scenery. The Three Sisters viewpoint is particularly impressive, with three towering ridges rising steeply from the valley floor. Glen Coe also featured in Skyfall, when Bond drives through the glen with M, and several Harry Potter scenes were filmed nearby.
Give yourself time for this drive, as there are plenty of safe viewpoints.
8. Drive into Glen Etive
Branching off the main A82 through Glen Coe is the narrow single track road into Glen Etive, a valley that feels wonderfully untouched.
The road winds for around 12 miles alongside the River Etive before reaching the head of Loch Etive. The drive itself is stunning, with waterfalls, forested slopes and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
It is also famous as the location used in Skyfall. The moody scenes where Bond and M stand beside the Aston Martin DB5 looking down the valley were filmed here, and ever since the spot has been known as the Skyfall Road.
The road is single track with passing places and can be busy in summer, so take your time. At the end there are no facilities, just the still waters of the loch and some of the best wild Highland scenery you will find anywhere.
9. See Eilean na Moine
Further west on the A830 towards Mallaig lies Eilean na Moine, a small wooded island on Loch Eilt. It’s best known to film fans as the location of Dumbledore’s grave in the Harry Potter series. The island can be seen from the Jacobite Steam Train, but you can also stop by car. From Fort William, it is around 30 miles away.
Parking is limited to roadside lay-bys and the ground is often boggy, so boots are advised if you want to walk closer to the water’s edge.
10. Meet the Highland Cows
While exploring the area, you may want to meet Scotland’s most iconic residents, the shaggy Highland cows, or coos.
Glen Nevis, just outside Fort William, is a good place to see them. You can often spot Highland cows in fields along the road into Glen Nevis or near Ben Nevis Distillery, where there is sometimes a small herd. Keep a sensible distance. They are large animals with horns, and they are not as interested in your photograph as you are.
If you’re continuing north towards Loch Ness, Drumbuie Farm in Drumnadrochit offers a Highland Coo Afternoon Tea, combining a meet-and-greet with the animals and a traditional Scottish treat.
Final Thoughts
Between both visits, I have experienced the adventure and the charm of Fort William. From climbing Ben Nevis and walking in Glen Coe to whisky tasting, soap making, shipwreck hunting and following Harry Potter filming locations, there is no shortage of things to do.
Whether you want the challenge of a mountain, the thrill of the Jacobite Steam Train or the comfort of a cosy cottage in the Highlands, Fort William will leave you with memories that last. And do not forget to try the haggis, Irn Bru and tablet while you are there.
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