The 8 Best Things To Do in Fort William Scotland – “Outdoor Capital of the UK”

Fort William is a big draw for people who love the Scottish Highlands, especially those who like to do things outside. The town and the area around it are known as the “outdoor capital of the UK” because there are so many things to do outside. Here is our list of the very best.

Table of Contents

Ben Nevis

Natural Feature

The 8 Best Things To Do in Fort William Scotland - "Outdoor Capital of the UK" — © Westend61 GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

The most popular thing to do in Fort William is also the largest thing to do there. This huge mountain is the highest in the UK. It is 1,345m (4,412ft) tall, and 125,000 people visit its slopes every year. A pony track built in 1883 is now the most common way to get to the top, so you don’t have to be an experienced mountain climber. For the impressive North Face and its 700m (2,300ft) cliffs, advanced climbers will need to be ready with the right shoes and a good level of fitness. Check the weather forecast, too, because conditions can change quickly and snow can fall at any time of year. The helpful visitor center in Glen Nevis is a good place to start. It has information about the mountain and the area around it, as well as toilets, a shop, picnic benches, and a parking lot.

Ben Nevis Distillery

Bridge, Distillery

Scotland is known for its whisky, and there are more than 130 whisky distilleries to choose from. Each area makes a different flavor and style of whisky. The Ben Nevis Distillery opened in 1825 and is in Lochy Bridge, which is north of Fort William. There is a helpful visitor center and three levels of tours, all of which include tastings. It’s best to book ahead because this can be a popular activity. You might also want to book a ride home.

West Highland Museum

Museum

This museum in Fort William is a must-see because it has so many interesting things to see. When it opened in 1922, the West Highland Museum didn’t have a building or a collection. Now, it has both, and it shows things about life in the Highlands, like archaeology and Victoriana. There is also a great collection of Jacobite items. The museum is in the middle of Fort William and used to be a bank. It is free to get in and there is free wifi.

Neptune’s Staircase

Architectural Landmark

The design of Neptune’s Staircase is amazing. The Caledonian Canal has the longest “staircase lock” in Scotland. It is made up of eight gates that raise the waterway 19m (62ft) over a quarter mile to move boats from the sea to the canal. Still, it takes about 90 minutes for ships to get through the hydraulic gates. This is much better than when they took a half day to get through when they had to be moved by hand. The Great Glen Way is a charming long-distance hike that takes you past some of Fort William’s best sights. It was designed by Thomas Telford.

The Limes Tree

In the middle of Fort William, you can visit this hotel, which is also a restaurant and an art gallery. The Lime Tree An Ealdhain, whose name comes from the Gaelic for “place for creativity,” has a couple of interesting traveling exhibits every year and has won awards for its culture and food. The boutique hotel and its restaurant have gotten great reviews, and the menu is full of fresh, seasonal dishes made with the best ingredients from the area. The hotel is a great place to start for all the outdoor things to do in Fort William, or you can just relax on the hotel grounds for the afternoon.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Architectural Landmark

The Hogwarts Express steam train, also called the Jacobite, runs on the West Highland Railway Line from May to October. The route from Fort William to Mallaig and back is beautiful no matter what the weather is like. It has been called the most beautiful railway in the world many times. With this special steam train, it is an experience not to be missed. The view of Loch Shiel from the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is also called the “Harry Potter bridge,” is breathtaking.

Nevis Range Mountain Experience

Natural Feature

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience has the only Mountain Gondola in the UK. It’s like a ski lift on steroids, and the views are amazing. At the top of the ride is the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar, which is next to a large, beautiful hilltop with many trails and vantage points. In the winter, when it is covered in snow, this is a magical place that draws people who like to do snow sports. Stop at the Pinemarten cafe for a hot chocolate before hitting the slopes to burn it off. Or, come in June to watch the Mountain Bike World Cup and be amazed by the brave bikers.

Getting out in nature

Some of the most beautiful and wild scenery in the UK can be found in Fort William. It has mountains, amazing waterfalls, and beautiful views everywhere you look. There are outdoor activities for people of all fitness levels, so don’t miss out on the chance to try something new. There is a lot of knowledge available, and instructors will be happy to help you reach your climbing or skiing goal. Get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and have fun, whether you came to Fort William for a specific activity or to be spontaneous.

Topic: The 8 Best Things To Do in Fort William Scotland – “Outdoor Capital of the UK”

Join the “I Left My Heart in Scotland” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Scotland together.