Home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, Fort William is nestled within the majestic Scottish Highlands. The city is surrounded by natural wonders, flanked by Loch Linnhe and Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain.
Towering over Fort William at 1,342 metres high, Ben Nevis is impossible to ignore as you stroll around the city. It takes around 7–8 hours to reach the summit, so make sure you’re well prepared if you’re going to ‘tackle the Ben’. Climbing mountains is a popular Scottish pastime referred to as ‘Munro-bagging’, but if Ben Nevis is too tall an order, there are plenty of other hills and glens to conquer. In winter, the nearby Nevis Range offers skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers up plenty of downhill mountain bike courses. For a more tranquil way to explore the scenery, take a cruise along Loch Linnhe or ride the famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig.
Although Fort William is mainly a base for exploring the surrounding highland scenery, the city centre still has a few spots worth discovering. The High Street stores sell products that make for great souvenirs, including Scotch whisky and tartan clothing. At the base of Ben Nevis is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland – the Ben Nevis Distillery. Sign up for a tour to observe the whisky production areas and enjoy a complimentary tasting.