7 Reasons to Visit Fort William

As Scotland’s highest mountain, attracting many visitors every year, Ben Nevis is by no means an off-the-beaten track place! However, there is a reason it’s so popular and which is why I’ve included it on here! For those of us in Scotland it gives us a chance to climb our highest peak – which is certainly an achievement that many people would like to make in their lifetimes. If you want to give it a try though, I’d urge you to make sure you go prepared! Every year there are people who get stuck on Ben Nevis and have to get air lifted down. Making sure you have the right clothing, equipment and supplies is paramount before any ascent and I’d always recommend you try a few smaller hills first to get used to ascending hills of this magnitude first. Also, please be aware – even if it’s warm down in Fort William, this does not mean there won’t be bad weather conditions up on Ben Nevis. Again, please do prepare properly for such an ascent! Provided you do though, it will be well worth the journey!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more relaxed to do in Fort William and whiskey’s your drink of choice, Ben Nevis Distillery is nearby! Established in 1825, it’s one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. It’s also nestled at the bottom of Ben Nevis itself so you have an impressive backdrop to your tasting sessions!

Possibly one of the best short walks in Scotland, this particular route heads through some dramatic and beautiful scenery, ultimately leading you to the stunning Steall Falls. This is definitely not a walk I’d miss out on if you’re up in Fort William!

If you’re looking for something historic to entice you to Fort William, then look no further than Old Inverlochy Castle! The castle was built in the 1200s and apparently it was built on the remains of a fort dating back a further 500 years! It was also the backdrop to the first and second battles of Inverlochy. Why not take a visit and find out more!

Raising the canal by 19m (62ft) over a quarter of a mile and taking around 90 minutes for a boat to travel up or down the locks, this amazing feet of engineering built by Thomas Telford is the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. The West Highland trainline also crosses the canal at the bottom of Neptune’s Staircase. The Caledonian Canal itself is also used by everybody from muti-million-pound yachts to wee fishing trawlers as well as the occasional old Viking longboat! It’s a nice wee place to go for a walk whilst marvelling at the boats!