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Fort William & Lochaber Area Guide

Fort William and Lochaber is a great holiday outdoor activity destination in the west of Scotland. Visit our guide to Fort William B&B, guesthouse, hotel and self catering accommodation. Outdoors sports adventure and of course walking and climbing Ben Nevis

Fort William and Lochaber is a huge rural area in the west Highlands of Scotland with the principal town Fort William lying on the shore of Loch Linnhe below Ben Nevis.

The area features the most westerly point in Britain - Ardnamurchan Point; the second deepest loch - Loch Morar; the highest mountain and the most infamous Highland glen - historic Glencoe with its amazing scenery. Perhaps the most famous glen in Scotland - Glenfinnan - where the Clan Cameron gathered there to meet Bonnie Prince Charlie from France, to lead the historic Jacobite Army. We have the only mountain gondola in Scotland with two superb downhill bike tracks and a full range of summer and winter sports. If that’s not a lot we have the Caledonian Canal, a superb inland waterway joining the Atlantic to the North Sea; the Great Glen and world famous Road to the Isles, with its hugely popular Iron Horse Jacobite train journey. Oh, there’s also a very long maritime coastline perfect for fishing or kayaking - not to mention some of the largest areas of fresh water lochs in Scotland.

Getting here is relatively straight forward, although the journey can seem long. Scottish airports at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness have international and domestic flights landing visitors directly into Scotland where excellent train and bus services will bring you to the Highlands in comfort. There are several local taxi firms who will gladly pick you up from any UK airport pick-up point and give you a guided tour on the way back here! Once you arrive in Fort William there are local car rental businesses who provide an excellent service. You can rent a mountain bike or cycle locally too and so there’s no reason not to stay and explore longer. We often suggest to folk not just to pass through - there is so much to see and experience.

Lochaber’s history has been a long one with many events over the centuries shaping the politics of the United Kingdom - the Celts, the Vikings, the English, the French and Spanish and latterly the British and of course the Highland Jacobites have all shaped who we are today. The site of old Inverlochy Castle in Fort William goes way back in time when there was a fortified building there 800 years ago; and when in 1645 three thousand men engaged in a ferocious battle one cold February day that is said to have left the river red with blood.  Today Fort William, Glencoe, the Great Glen, Ardnamurchan attract people for outdoor activities, its history and of course Ben Nevis and the Jacobite Steam Train.

Almost 10,000 people live and work in and around the town of Fort William, which includes several small villages and communities nearby. The Lochaber area which includes the places mentioned has a population of around 20,000. Many people work to provide tourism services by providing a huge range of holiday accommodation which includes traditional cottages, self catering lodges and homes, guesthouses, some large and small hotels, camping parks  and hostels.

Our Fort William Eating Out Guide will help you locate some really good restaurants, pubs and cafes, including traditional Fish ’n Chip shops. We have some very high quality places to dine set amongst mountains, glens or lochsides and the town centre has a good choice of family restaurants including seafood specialists. 

Through the year, but mostly during the Spring and Summer months, there are lots of events and activities to think about visiting and enjoying the fun and thrills of downhill biking, Highland games, music and art festivals and exhibitions and live entertainment with local musicians. 

Local services include lots of food producers who supply the highest quality seafood and game from the land and seas. Some specialise in smoked produce and other produce bakery specialities. Forestry and timber processing, fish farming, aluminium smelting are our main industries, and these are supported by many local trades and retail outlets. The people of Lochaber are looked after by a very impressive NHS Highland health service, together with the Fire Service and Police Scotland.

View the Ben Nevis webcam

Click to view the latest images from Ben Nevis

Enjoy these videos

Something to do on a wet day
Three Wise Monkeys climbing wall is 5 minutes from our High Street
Fort William 365 - Whisky Tasting
A visit to Fort William's longest established business - Ben Nevis Distillery.
Fort William 365 - visit Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis is the most beautiful glen in the Highlands

Explore these featured listings

Fort William Winter Let
Fort William Spring Let / Serviced monthly let - AVAILABLE APRIL 2018 ! This 2-bedroomed property would suit one or two professional persons working in the Fort William area, and willing to share the facilities. It would equally be a superb place for one professional person to enjoy. Cedar Lodge is 3 miles from Fort William town centre, just off the A82 at Torlundy and enjoys a peaceful countryside setting in front of Ben Nevis. Facilities Cedar Lodge offers two ensuite bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen with laundry facilities, dining area and TV room. We have space for outdoor equipment and secluded private parking. In order for us to maintain this property in a high standard for summer and seasonal weekly lets, we are offering Monthly Serviced Lets which include a full house cleaning service on a Saturday and fresh laundry will be provided. Our views of Ben Nevis and the Nevis Range of mountains is probably the best in the area - it's awesome. There is a cycle path nearby which you can ride or walk into the town centre. Our garden deck is a great place to relax and soak up the scenery. We are 3 miles from the town centre. SERVICED MONTHLY LET £995 - paid in advance. Monthly Let includes: • Electricity and heating • Bed linen • WiFi • Council Tax • Private parking • weekly cleaning The rental of this property will be on a Short Assured Tenancy Agreement. Please phone or email to discuss your requirements. Available from 2 April ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING - and  NON SMOKERS PREFERRED
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Nevis Croft Self Catering Cottages
Self catering accommodation situated at Nevis Bridge, Glen Nevis, Fort William.  Nevis Croft Cottages are situated near Nevis Bridge - just half a mile from Fort William town centre and at the entrance to the stunning Glen Nevis and at the original end of the West Highland Way. Our cottages are finished to a high standard and are fully equipped for a comfortable stay. We have two cottages which each sleep four (1 double and 1 twin in each), and one cottage which sleeps up to seven (2 double, 1 twin and a single). Nevis Croft is perfectly situated for your winter break - skiing, climbing and walking all within easy reach. Nevis Croft is also ideally located for exploring the Highlands and West Coast. Day trips to Oban, Glencoe, Inverness, Aviemore, Loch Ness, Mull  and even Skye are possible. The cottages have full oil central heating and both the heating and electricity are included in the weekly rental as are all linen and towels. The cottages also have free wifi. Bookings are generally Saturday-Saturday, but other short breaks (minimum stay 2 nights) are often available, especially in winter. Please enquire. The best of furnishings and fittings - including large TV, Freeview and DVD players, modern kitchen appliances, tasteful shower rooms all add to the very comfortable ambiance of these cottages. There is ample off-road parking available at the cottages. Travel cots and high chairs available on request. The cottages are non-smoking and we regret that pets are not permitted. On parle francais - wir sprechen Deutsch Tariff 2 Bedroom Cottages from £350 - £750 4 Bedroom Cottage from £495 - £995 Bars and restaurants are within walking distance as is beautiful Glen Nevis, where you could easily spend two whole days exploring this wonderful Glen. The whole area of Lochaber provides a playground for walking, climbing, skiing, kayaking and cycling with dozens of other sports to try in what is now known as The Outdoor Capital of the UK.
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Rose Cottage
This little flat, which is part of the owners home, is perfect for a couple. The flat is self contained. All the accommodation is at ground level with access to a small private garden. Seats and table, herbs and cottage garden plants. Enjoy this sheltered spot with views of Ben Nevis. On a clear night sit out and take in the night sky. Main access to flat from the garden by the French doors. It provides one double bedroom, living room/kitchen with French doors. The shower-room, small and tall with power-shower and a pulley for drying clothes. The kitchen is well equipped. Has a gas hob, electric oven and grill. Fridge with ice box. Lots of lovely crockery and utensils. All linen, including towels, is included. Also all heating, underfloor, works like a big storage heater. Washing machine. Off road parking for 2 cars A welcome pack of fresh flowers, tea, coffee etc and home baking. Have a cuppa before you unpack. There are maps and guides, natural history books and novels. Games and puzzles. D.V.D's and C.D's Near town and trails.Easy walking or cycling from the front door. Ben Nevis and Nevis Range for climbing and skiing are both nearby. Cycle the World Cup Downhill course and the Witches Trail. Take the service or steam train to Mallaig, hire canoes on the Canal, drive off to Ardnamurchan or Glencoe; visit the West Highland Museum; go horse riding and fly fishing 5 minutes walk. Ben Nevis is waiting to be climbed - or just relax and read your book. We are happy to help you plan outings, find a nice cup of coffee or a secluded beach. The accommodation is smart and practical with exposed stone, wooden beams, blue kitchen, painted floors. Dogs are welcome but please discuss with owners when booking. No Smoking and No Fireworks or Chinese lanterns please. Please telephone or email to check availability
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Minard Cottage
We have 2 holiday cottages in iconic Glencoe: ​ Minard Cottage. Sleeps 6-8 Adults and 1-3 Juniors.  The Bunkie Chalet. Sleeps 2 Adults and 1-2 Juniors.  ​ Based in stunning Glencoe, our holiday cottages are in Scotland's most iconic glen and the perfect base for exploring the West Highlands of Scotland.    Minard cottage is the perfect holiday home in the Highlands of Scotland. Located in Tigh Phuirt, Glencoe the cottage is an ideal base for a self catering break in Scotland. Few locations rival the West Highlands of Scotland for scenery, history and culture and Glencoe is perhaps the most beautiful and iconic glen of them all.  ​ The original cottage dates back to the 18th century and sits above the old ferry crossing point for the MacDonald burial islands in Loch Leven. The cottage gets its name from the village of Minard on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll.  ​ Glencoe is the perfect base to explore the Highlands of Scotland. Oban (the seafood capital of Scotland is about 45 mins to the south). From Oban, day trips can be made to the Isle of Mull, Iona, Lismore and beyond. Fort William (the outdoor capital of the UK is about 30 mins to the north) and a continued drive to Mallaig, on the world famous Road to the Isles, takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in the world.  ​ Glencoe Ski Centre is about 15mins drive away and it is easy to be first on the slopes. The world famous mountains of Glencoe are all within walking distance of the front door. Cycle paths surround the area giving challenging downhill mountain biking through to tarmac cycle lanes on the Atlantic Coast Trail.  ​ The immediate area is well served with convenience stores, banking facilities, garage, hardware, gift shops, bars and restaurants.  ​
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