MY TIME IN FORT WILLIAM
Picture: Fort William from Parade Garden car park was taken by me on the iPhone.
Fort William is probably one of the best-known destinations in the Scottish Highlands, famed as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, the home of Ben Nevis, and my perfect based to explore the Scottish Highlands.
Picture: Here I am standing at the start of the path leading to Ben Nevis
I have passed through Fort William a few times over the years, briefly as I made my way to the Ben Nevis Inn and to climb Ben Nevis itself. I’ve always wanted to return to explore this beautiful town more and early in December 2023 I did just that. While the town centre, from centre angles, is not the most strikingly bonnie sight to behold, I have now developed a real fondness for Fort William.
It is important to take some time, like I did, to scratch below the surface and properly explore, both the town centre and the immediate surroundings. I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic local businesses, and always, the ever-impressive scenery right on the doorstep; you’ll rarely be without a loch or mountain vista.
Fort William is a year-round destination: a place where you’ll find things to see, do, eat and experience 365 days a year, whatever the weather. Here are so of the things I done during my time in Fort William and what I plan to do when I return.
WHY I CHOSE FORT WILLIAM AS MY BASE
Fort William, in my opinion, is an excellent base for a Highland road-trip, sitting on the Great Glen, at the gateway to Road to the Isles, and in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Here are some driving times to other Scottish cities and towns to help you understand why I chose Fort William as my base.
Edinburgh – 4 hours
Glasgow – 3 hours 20 minutes
Inverness – 1 hour 40 minutes
Oban – 1 hour 10 minutes
Glencoe – 30 minutes
Glenfinnan Viaduct – 25 minutes
If, unlike me, you don’t have a car then Fort William is a breeze to get to thanks to its excellent public transport connections and position on the West Highland Line.
Voted as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, the West Highland Line continues north from Fort William all the way to Mallaig which means you can easily extend your adventure.
From Fort William Bus Station, there are direct bus links to and from Oban, Inverness, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. So, where will your adventure take you?
Picture: West Highland Museum, Fort William, Scotland
1) VISIT WEST HIGHLAND MUSEUM
Discover a gem of a museum, right in the town centre, and it’s entirely free to visit. It’s run by friendly volunteers, and as I’ve mentioned, the West Highland Museum is free to enter but donations are very welcome. The various displays tell the story of the Fort William area and its rich history; the elite World War II Commandos who trained nearby, the natural world, and most notably The Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Look out for the Fairy Pipes of Moidart – said to be the oldest bagpipes in the world – and the handwriting of Ernie Brooks in his notepad; he was a Commando in training when he used it. I was very impressed by the displays and the rich history of the area.
2) THE COMMANDO MONUMENT, SPEAN BRIDGE
Just outside of Fort William (10 miles) is The Commando Memorial which is a Category A listed monument dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. It overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle.
Photo: Commando Memorial just outside Spean Bridge, Scotland
3) The Corpach Shipwreck
Just outside of Fort William, lying amongst shingle and sand is the Corpach shipwreck. This great fishing vessel rests on Caol Beach, overlooked by Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.
When you see photographs of the wreck online it is easy to see why this is such a popular spot for photographers from all over the world. It is simply stunning.
After seeing images surface on social media of this wreck a couple of years ago I knew that I just had to visit it. Not only is the rusting old vessel located in the perfect spot for a beautiful photograph, but I have an awestruck fascination with abandoned things, be it houses or ships. So when I booked to visit Fort William this was high on my list of places to visit and photograph and I was not disappointed.
In December 2011 a huge storm came in and the chain which kept the vessel moored in Camusnagaul Bay failed. The ship was torn from its mooring and the local coastguard helped to control the landing of the vessel on the beach, between the villages of Corpach and Caol. The ship has lain there since, now an iconic landmark on the beach.
The Corpach shipwreck can be found on a stretch of beach between the villages of Corpach and Caol, only a 5-minute drive northwest from the town of Fort William.
The beach is a public beach meaning anyone can access it. There are no barriers to enter and no fees to pay for visiting.
The shipwreck is known interchangeably as the Corpach wreck and the Old Boat of Caol (the latter being the name used to locate it on Google Maps). Both names give reference to the villages which are close by.
Picture: Framed print of the Corpach Shipwreck just outside Fort William
4) TREASURES OF THE EARTH
Just up the road from the Corpach shipwreck, you will find the Treasures of The Earth museum. The Treasures of The Earth Museum is a private collection of Crystals, Gemstones and Fossils. It was founded over 20 years ago by a father and son team following their keen interest in all things Geology. The building housing the display was previously a Catholic Church, and the building has since been turned into one of Europe’s largest collections of Crystals, Gemstones and fossils.
There are various displays and quite a few fossils. They have a fossil of the head of a T-Rex, a Saber Tooth Tiger head and many species of fish and aquatic life fossils. This is a place for children or people interested in gems. It wasn’t my cup of tea but the look of wonder on my nephew’s face made the entry fee worth it.
5) THE BEN NEVIS INN
If you’re looking for a source of good food you can’t go wrong with the Ben Nevis Inn at the start/finish to the footpath to climb Ben Nevis. You won’t be disappointed. The service is great and the food is unbelievably good. If, like me, you enjoy a good ale then the Ben Nevis Inn has a good selection of local brews. I have been here 3 times now and it never fails to disappoint. I would highly recommend you visiting here if you find yourself in Fort William.
Picture: Ben Nevis Inn
Picture: My burger and chips at the Ben Nevis Inn
WHAT I PLAN ON DOING ON MY NEXT VISIT TO FORT WILLIAM
1) RIDE THE NEVIS RANGE GONDOLA
The Nevis Range is home to the UK’s only mountain gondola, travelling 650 meters up the north face of Aonach Mòr. Originally built to transport skiers and snowboarders to the slopes, it is now a year-round attraction which is just as popular with those looking for a head start on a hike or simply to the opportunity to soak up the views from the café at the top.
2) RIDE THE JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN
Picture: Jacobit steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Photo source
Tour buses and crowds of Harry Potter loving visitors flock to Fort William every year for a journey on the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The Jacobite Steam Train, which is featured in the Harry Potter films, travels from Fort William to Mallaig and back in 84 super-scenic miles through rugged Highland terrain and dreamy coastline.
One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the iconic, multi-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct which Harry Potter fans will immediately recognise from the flying car scene in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The train operates twice a day, 7 days a week, from April to October. I missed the opportunity this time round but I will be sure to take the journey on this train when I return in 2024.
3) ROAM THE RUINS OF OLD INVERLOCHY CASTLE
Not to be confused with the luxury Inverlochy Castle Hotel nearby, this 13th century stronghold is remarkably well intact – particularly given all the wild Scottish weather it has endured! Inverlochy Castle was built by the powerful Comyn family in 1280, and if you allow your imagination to fill in the gaps, you can still picture it in its former glory, complete with a moat on three sides.
WHERE I STAYED IN FORT WILLIAM
Due to Fort William’s popularity, accommodation comes at a premium price during peak season. For the best options make sure you book well in advance or consider travelling in the quieter months.
I hired a Highland Lodge in Glen Nevis Holiday Park.
Picture: The Highland Lodge I hire for the week at the Glen Nevis Holiday Park
Glen Nevis Holiday Park is in the valley of Glen Nevis and at the foot of Ben Nevis, staying here you get to experience the drama and beauty of a Highland glen. There are riverside paths you can explore, and plenty of mountains to climb, and enjoy hearing birdsong every morning and breathing fresh mountain air as you sit on the porch with a nice hot coffee.
Step outside of the lodge and Ben Nevis is towering above you. It was fun to watch the torchlights of intrepid climbers winding their way up the mountain path to Ben Nevis early in the morning or late at night. If you want to climb Ben Nevis yourself then the start of the footpath is not too far from the holiday park.
The accommodation was second to none and I would highly recommend you stay there if you are planning a trip to Fort William. I know I will be booking here again on my return visit.
THANKS FOR READING BLOG ON FORT WILLIAM!
I hope this has given you some inspiration for things to do in Fort William.