Sitting at the head of Loch Linnhe, a sea loch, and at the foot of Ben Nevis, '''Fort William''' is the major town of the South Western Scottish Highlands, Scotland. The High Street is the heart of the town - here one will find most of the shops, pubs and restaurants and at its northern end, beyond the bypass, the bus and railway stations.
Get in
By bus
Several coaches a day run to and from Glasgow, Oban, Kyle of Lochalsh, the Isle of Skye and Inverness. One a day runs to Mallaig and in summer a couple also go to Kingussie and Aviemore.
Local buses run to Kinlochleven via Glencoe.
By train
Several trains a day run to and from Glasgow via Crianlarich and Loch Lomond on the spectacular '''West Highland Railway''' and continue on the even more scenic route to Mallaig.
Get around
The centre of Fort William is small enough to get around on foot.
In summer local buses run to Glen Nevis Youth Hostel.
'''Scottish Highland Tours''',Telephone (+44) (0)1397 704901, offers tours from Fort William in luxury buses [http://www.scottishhighlandtours.co.uk] and also offers taxis and cars from Fort William.
See
Soak in the views along the Loch-side
Greyhound Taxis. 31 Blar Mhor Rd Caol. 1397703389. ww.greyhound-taxis.co.uk. Family run Taxi company we cater for bikers hillwalkers or day trippers who dont no there way around we have bike racks ski racks and a secure luggage trailer can be provided we operate 6 seater cabs
Do
Climb '''Ben Nevis''' - the highest mountain in Britain. The summit is 4406 feet high with some dangerous sections very near the path to the summit. It is essential that a map and compass are carried as well as warm clothing and waterproofs. A leaflet, "Navigation on Ben Nevis", is available free in Fort William. [http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/nevis.html]
Explore '''the Mamores''' if you like your mountains less populated than Ben Nevis. This is a beautiful range between Glen Nevis to the north and Kinlochleven to the south. They include a number of Munroes so you may well meet people but you may well not want to do the Ben Nevis tourist route more than once.
In winter, '''skiing and snowboarding''' at the nearby '''Nevis Range''' [http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter/], with a gondola and chairlifts up the hill.
In summer, there are cross country and downhill '''mountain bike courses''' at Nevis Range. The UCI mountain bike World Cup has been hosted here several times. [http://www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk/]
From March to October one can start the '''Great Glen Way''' walk to Inverness from Fort William.
'''Steam train from Fort William to Mallaig''' Operates from 17th June to 4th October. The train leaves Fort William at 10:20am and returns to Fort William at 4:00pm with an hour and a half in Mallaig. It crosses the famous 21 arch Glenfinnan viaduct and stops at the village of Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. Fare: __27 standard and __40 first class. Telephone +44 (0) 1524 737751 /737753.[http://www.steamtrain.info/]
Buy
Shops on the High Street offer a wide choice of Scottish dresses, woollenware, mementoes and of course Scotch Whisky. Each clan has a particular design and colour, and the wide variety is generally on display. Many of the tour operators bringing in tourists provide a lunch break at Fort William, long enough for more than just a look at the variety.
Eat
The local meat and fish has a good reputation and when in Scotland trying haggis is a must.Vegetarian options are almost always available and for those that like a little less lung in their meals vegetarian haggis is delicious.
Drink
It is Scotland and so one need not worry about availability of drinks. The in-thing is single malt whisky but tourists also have a wide choice of popular branded blends. Note that, as in many other Scottish towns, it is illegal to drink in public places like the High Street.
Sleep
Budget
'''Chase The Wild Goose Hostel''' [http://www.great-glen-hostel.com]. Located on the Great Glen Way just 2? miles from Fort William and the West Highland Way, and within the village of Banavie, is Scotland_fs newest Backpackers_f Hostel, providing accommodation for Walkers, Cyclists, individuals on Activity Holidays, Families and Groups. Enjoy a relaxing break to the Scottish Highlands. __9.50-__16.50/night. Private Rooms available. Be inspired...!
'''Bank Street Lodge''' [http://www.bankstreetlodge.co.uk/] good quality hostel accommodation in the town centre. Dorm beds from __14/night
'''Glen Nevis Youth Hostel''' [http://www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/web/site/Hostels/GlenNevis.asp]. Several kilometres from town, but convenient for Ben Nevis and the West Highland Way.
'''Farr Cottage'''[http://www.farrcottage.com/] - Dorm beds between __12-__15 a night. Private/group rooms also available
'''MacBackPackers''' [http://www.scotlandstophostels.com/scotlandstophostels1/hostels/fortwilliam.htm]. 5 minute walk from town. Standard backpacker hostel, __12-__13/night, smaller rooms available. Staff are friendly and there is standard breakfast for a small fee in the self-service kitchen.
Bed & Breakfast
'''Aros Ard 4 star Bed & Breakfast''', Seafield Gardens, Fort William. Tel: +44 1397 704142.
We offer 4 star quality accommodation the ideal base for touring the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Aros Ard is situated in a stunning elevated position in Seafield Gardens. In a peaceful cul-de-sac with private parking, about 10 minutes walk from Fort William Town Centre. We enjoy excellent views across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour Hills.
Rates from __30.00 per person per night (based on 2 people sharing) [http://www.arosard.com]
email arosard83@yahoo.co.uk
'''Best Western Imperial Hotel''' [http://www.bestwestern.co.uk/Hotels/Best-Western-Imperial-Hotel-83483/Hotel-Info/Default.aspx] - B&B from __40 per night. Restaurant & bar. Friendly staff.
'''The Corran Inn''' [http://www.corraninn.co.uk/] Situated half way between Fort William and Glencoe, 10 minutes drive from the town, this comfortable loch-side Inn specialises in providing everything needed to explore this beautiful part of Scotland.
'''Huntingtower Lodge''', Druimarbin, Fort William, PH33 6RP, Telephone +44(0)1397 700079 Email:info.wiki@huntingtowerlodge.com. Prices start at __4 per person and go up to __75 per night for a double occupancy room. It is only room rent. Breakfast extra. [http://www.huntingtowerlodge.com/]
''' St Anthonys''', Argyll Road, Fort William, PH33 6LF, Telephone: +44 (0)1397 708496, Email welcome@stanthonysfortwilliam.co.uk, B&B tariffs start at __25 per person per night with discounts for children aged under 15. There is no charge for children aged under 5. [http://www.stanthonysfortwilliam.co.uk/]
''' Rhanna''', Albyn Drive, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7LT, Telephone +44 (0) 1397 772127. Email rhannab&b@gilmore4444.fsworld.co.uk. B&B cost per person per night from __25.
'''Burntree House''', Lochview Drive, Lochview Estate, Fort William PH33 6UP, Telephone/ Fax: +44 (0) 1397 701735 Mobile +44 (0) 7833586323. Single Room: __30.00 - __39.00, Double Room: __45.00- __60.00, Family Room: __60.00 - __79.00. [http://www.stayfortwilliam.co.uk/]
'''Mansefield House''', Corpach, Fort William PH33 7LT, Telephone: +44 (0)1397 772262, E-mail: mansefield@btinternet.com Rates: __ 24-30 per person per night. [http://www.scotland-info.co.uk/mansefield/]
'''The Moorings Hotel''', Banavie, Fort William PH33 7LY, Telephone: +44 (0) 1397 772 797, Fax: +44 (0) 1397 772 441, E-mail - reservations@moorings-fortwilliam.co.uk. Bed & Breakfast Rate: from __ 39-__ 67 per person per night. [http://www.moorings-fortwilliam.co.uk/]
'''Achintee Farm''', Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6TE, Telephone: +44 (0) 1397 702 240, , E-mail - info@achinteefarm.com. Bed & Breakfast Rate: __34 per person per night; Cottage Self-Catering Weekly - __295 to __395; Hostel Twin/Triple Room __14 per person per night; Hostel Dormitory (sleeps 5) __12.50 per person per night [http://www.achinteefarm.com]
'''B&B Mrs P Paterson''', 13 Seafield Gardens. Fort William. Tel: +44 1397 703158. Clean, modern and good value B&B about 10mins walking distance from the town centre.
'''Aros Ard 4 star Bed & Breakfast''', Seafield Gardens, Fort William. Tel: +44 1397 704142.
We offer 4 star quality accommodation the ideal base for touring the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Aros Ard is situated in a stunning elevated position in Seafield Gardens. In a peaceful cul-de-sac with private parking, about 10 minutes walk from Fort William Town Centre. We enjoy excellent views across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour Hills.
Rates from __30.00 per person per night (based on 2 people sharing) [http://www.arosard.com]
email arosard83@yahoo.co.uk
Splurge
'''Inverlochy Castle hotel''' [http://www.inverlochycastlehotel.com/] Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN Tel: 01397 702177 Fax: 01397 702953 Email: info@inverlochycastlehotel.com .
Camp
'''Glen Nevis campsite''' [http://www.glen-nevis.co.uk/touring/index.htm] Maybe not the cheapest, but good facilities in very nice scenery. Be warned that it can have a lot of midgies!
Get out
Fort William is at the end (for most people) of the West Highland Way long-distance footpath from Glasgow.
The scenic [http://www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/ Road to the Isles] links Fort William with Mallaig passing '''Glenfinnan Viaduct'''.
Loch Ness is a popular tourist site on the A82 road to Inverness.
Glencoe ? stunning views, among the best in the Highlands.
Contact
There is an Internet cafe in the High Street, also free Internet access in the library[http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/].