Top Things to do in Fort William
- 1. Ben NevisVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
- 2. Steall WaterfallVisitScotland Tourism Organisation7 not-to-be-missed gems in Fort William and Lochaber
- 3. West Highland MuseumVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
- 4. Nevis Range Mountain ExperienceVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
- 5. Neptune's StaircaseVisitScotland Tourism Organisation7 not-to-be-missed gems in Fort William and Lochaber
- 6. Jacobite Steam TrainVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
- 7. Treasures of the Earth
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What to do and see in Fort William, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William is at the heart of a wide range of exciting activity centres. Visitors enjoy easy access to exhilarating hillwalking, mountain climbing, snow sports and water sports — as well as the gentler pleasures of a refreshing day spent fishing, walking in the country or cycling. Capture the spirit of the Scottish Highlands by taking in its stunning landscapes, tasting the area’s authentic whiskies and ales, and exploring its fascinating museums.
Restaurants in Fort William
1. Ben NevisVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Fondly called "Ben" by the locals, Britain's highest mountain towers 4,406 feet above the town of Fort William.
Reviewed By Prashant S - Mumbai
I have had the pleasure or luxury of climbing/walking up this mountain multiple times - most of them successful and a while not. Yet, it remains one of the best Mountains that I love climbing.
Why again? Well, there are many routes out there to climb and I have not tried them on :)
The first time I climbed was in 2013 June like any amateur tourist trying to claim the highest peak for myself - a moment to gloat and beat chest about the conquest.
From there, as I climbed more I have mellowed into a wee but humbler just walker seeking out experience and merriment than any glory :)
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This mountain sits on the same Latitude as the Viking lands with the north open to the frigid Arctic ocean. The summit is often covered with fog/mist and temperatures plummet with unforgiving winds/gusts. Point being, the weather is an essential element that most folks don't appreciate climbing up this 1345m-ish peak. Snow around the summit exists even into June.
The easiest climb up the mountain is via the Pony trail which one can start either from the Ben Nevis Inn or across the river near the SYCHA hostel. This is the route that most amateurs and hill walkers prefer to take to the summit.
The North face (Torlundy) brings us up to the Amphitheatre Carn Mor Dearg - Ben Nevis with the north face of the mountain being a climber paradise. The routes normally picked up by scramblers include CMD Arete, Ledge route, Tower Ridge etc. as also some magical climbing and snow climbing routes. These details can be looked up in UKC site ;)
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Walking up the mountain via the normal Pony trail during winter usually needs crampons, winter boots and winter walking experience. A guide should be enlisted if you are searching here for information regarding winter walking up the mountain. For the summer months, this mountain offers some sunny clear days irrespective of which, one does find a lot of walkers and runners esp. during the 3 peak challenge period.
Around 700m up the mountain, one reaches a saddle with a small beautiful loch. It is around 700m more of walking left up the main mountain starting with the Red burn, the multiple zig-zags. It is important to read compass and maps as visibility could be low and many people get stuck/fall off near to the 5 finger gully. On the summit, there is a massive plateau with ruins of a shelter. Avoid the North face edges as it could be corniced.
Always ensure, you give your contact number, emergency contact numbers of friends/relatives and when do you expect to come back details at nearby hotel/lodges before going up the mountain. ensure you read the daily forecast and avalanche warning advisories before going up the mountain.
Last but not the least, enjoy your climb!
2. Steall WaterfallVisitScotland Tourism Organisation7 not-to-be-missed gems in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Peter A - Ripley, United Kingdom
We have been visiting this part of Scotland on a regular basis for over 20 years and the waterfall has changed considerably over this time. Every year there seems to be less and less water coming down it. Is it a "sign of the times"!
3. West Highland MuseumVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 802 reviews
We are a museum set in Cameron Square which is just off of the centre of Fort William High Street. We have eight rooms packed with fascinating objects, from treasure from a shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon to the bagpipes played at Bannockburn in 1314. Whether its archaeology, natural history, Commando training and weaponry, Highland crofting life, costumes and charms, Victorian times, silver, coins and medals, or even the history of mountain rescue, it can all be found at the West Highland Museum.
Reviewed By Spikenboris - Wallasey, England, United Kingdom
Great little museum with helpful staff and volunteers. Probably the highlight of Fort William itself, which is not terribly interesting. Whether social history, military history or ancient history is your preference, there are plenty of exhibits. Most of them demonstrate the hard lives, on way...MoreThank you for your kind review, I am glad you enjoyed your visit.
4. Nevis Range Mountain ExperienceVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
NEVIS RANGE Mountain Experience is in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland, 7 miles north of Fort William. The mountain gondola will transport you to 650m on Aonach Mor where you'll find the Snowgoose restaurant & bar with awesome views, mountain trails, kids play area, and the Mountain discovery Centre (summer only). In the winter, we're open for sledging, skiing and boarding. There's biking for all in Leanachan forest, plus bike wash, bike hire and a skills park. The NEVIS downhill track (with gondola uplift) hosts the Mountian Bike World Cup each year and there's the new red Route opening in summer 2009. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Reviewed By Cora B - Scherpenzeel, The Netherlands
Went to the visitor centre. Gondola starts from here and takes you up the mountain. Pien Marten café is graat to have a coffee or even a meal. Always a favourite for mountain bikers. Various walks start from here taking you up or along the glen. Climbing centre for children in the woods as well.
5. Neptune's StaircaseVisitScotland Tourism Organisation7 not-to-be-missed gems in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 908 reviews
Reviewed By myislandhideaway - Fort William, United Kingdom
Amazing to see.... a good walk on a crisp day. It's a mile between each lock and especially beautiful if the sun is rising or setting. You can stop off at the Lochy for a drink on your way back up from Corpach and have a seat outside. Fascinating to watch the boats going through too
6. Jacobite Steam TrainVisitScotland Tourism Organisation9 incredible bucket list experiences in Fort William and Lochaber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain’s most westerly Mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest Freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
Reviewed By Gamal H - London, United Kingdom
The Jacobite, often referred to as the "Hogwarts Express", is an aged beauty from the era of Steam. Scarlet and black, belching steam, it's screeching whistle heralding it's approach, the train works the line from Fort William to Mallaig. The service runs from April to October (plus 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year) and offers the traveller the experience of Steam, and the chance to cross the Glenfinnan viaduct - now made famous by the Harry Potter films. Having done the journey in both directions, it is a fantastic experience and one I would recommend to everybody. However points to note:
1) It books up fast, 1st class offers the best views and it is expensive.
2) Added to the expense is travelling to and staying in Fort William as you cannot get up from the Lowlands in time to Catch the Jacobite. However there are packages available
3) The train itself is obviously quite primitive, likewise the snacks etc available on board.
4) Mallaig is a beautiful little fishing village, the train stops there for a few hours. Be aware there is very little in Mallaig except some very expensive tourist eateries and gift shops. However the views are spectacular and a walk down the street brings you to a fabulous little coffee shop over looking the bay.
All that said I loved the whole experience, thoroughly enjoyed myself and would happily do it again.
7. Treasures of the Earth
Overall Ratings
4 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Annette J - United Kingdom
I am a Crystal Therapist and gem collector, and so was enchanted by the diverse array of stones on display.
It is fascinating to see the stones in their often rather unremarkable natural form, alongside cut and polished specimens. Stunning!
Highlights include the very dark zone in which stones are shown briefly under ultraviolet light, demonstrating their remarkable glow.
Do linger here a while to watch the changing sequence of darkness, ultraviolet light then standard light.
Make sure you don't miss this zone altogether... If you stroll by while it's in darkness (as my companions did initially) you may think there's nothing in there!
Also, take a trip up the stairs. It's worth it simply to marvel at the astonishing sci-fi appearance of the Bismuth collection. It is truly remarkable.
Inevitably, we 'Exit via the Gift Shop'. This is pleasant to wander even if only to gawp at the enormous, weighty specimens and their price tags. Eeeeek....
Happily, there is an impressive range of affordable trinkets and gemstone jewellery items to buy too. No flatbed truck required...
A final thought - it is rather chilly in the display areas, so you will need to wrap up.
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