What to See & Do

On this page you will find brief details of some of the places you can visit. Fort William is not all about climbing Ben Nevis or outdoor sporting activities. There are activities for all ages and abilities and all weather conditions. Here are some of them and check our “Links” section to other businesses that can help you:

  • Touring by car / motorcycle – this is the way to see many of the sights and experience the vastness of the area. We have put together suggested sight seeing tours for you to help get the best from your time here.

  • The Jacobite Steam Train – known the world over the West Highland Line has recently been voted one of the best rail journeys in the world. It is also known for it’s use in the Harry Potter movies. Take the trip from Fort William to Mallaig, you get a couple of hours in Mallaig for a walk and snack before returning. You can also do the same trip on the normal “sprinter train”, but without the nostalgia.

  • Walking – easy or difficult walks, hikes too numerous to list here are available in Lochaber, from going up Ben Nevis to a gentle lochside walk. There are plenty of Munros round here to “bag” as well.

  • Mountain bike riding – the UCI World stages and championships are held here, the area being renowned for its diverse cross country tracks and also downhill tracks to take you down Aonach Mor in minutes, and don’t worry you don’t have to cycle up, the gondolas have bike carriers on them.

  • Fishing – sea and fresh water (trout and salmon). Here in Torlundy there is a trout fishery and another a few more miles down the road. In season mackerel are to be caught in Loch Linnhe near Fort William.

  • Diving – the West Coast of Scotland offers some of the best diving, the sea lochs can be sheltered and are teaming with marine life from fish to corals. If you have your own equipment tanks can be filled here in Fort William or down at Oban, and organised dive trips are available at Oban.

  • Horse riding – we have it here at Torlundy and another place near Oban

  • Climbing for the less able – take the enclosed Gondola up Aonach Mor, enjoy short walks to view points and refreshments in the Mountain Cafe along with spectacular views.

  • Climbing for the experienced from rock to ice climbing. There are plenty of guides and instructors for those who need their assistance.

  • Wildlife watching – more than you can “shake a stick at”, eagles, ospreys, raptors, pine martens, otters, seals. Go out and find it yourself or book yourself on an organised tour or “safari”.

  • Adventure activities are available to book including quad bike riding, 4x4 driving, kayaking, canoeing, canyoning are among the long list of activities available for those seeking something different.

  • Winter Sports – in season skiing, snow boarding, ski bikes and tobogganing are available at the Nevis Range which has slopes to cater for all skill levels.

Fort William and the surrounding area is officially designated “The Outdoor Capital of the UK” with good reason, it is the Outdoor Capital of the UK.