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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 - visit Glen Nevis
Glen Nevis is the most beautiful glen in the Highlands
Fort William 365 - Whisky Tasting
A visit to Fort William's longest established business - Ben Nevis Distillery.

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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Ambrose Gillham
This is a large and comfortable apartment with great views in a very convenient quiet  location close to the town centre. It is ideal for a family group or group of friends for a relaxed break or to explore the Highlands of Scotland.The beautiful Cow Hill Circuit which gives access directly to Glen Nevis is a ten minute walk away. Fort William is a popular centre for climbing, walking, scrambling, canoeing, mountain-biking, skiing, orienteering and other outdoor activities. There is also easy access to beautiful walking and cycling opportunities.This beautiful and historic apartment is ideally located within five minutes’ walk of the high street and is less than fifteen minutes’ walk from the railway station. The apartment offers a lovely view over Loch Linnhe, enjoying a peaceful, elevated position.The apartment is split over levels 2 and 3 of a three story C 19 terraced building. It has its own private entrance with a flight of  stairs.The accommodation comprises two or three double bedrooms one of which can also function as a second sitting room/ study. The kitchen is spacious and well equipped.Visitors will love the original oak panelling of this railway engineer’s house built in the 1890s. The large, comfortable main sitting room is equipped with a television. The apartment can accommodate up to 6 person. The minimum let is six days in the high season and four days at other times.   We all had a wonderful time in Fort William, in no small part as a result of the really good accommodation we found ourselves in. If we return to Fort William in the near future, we shall certainly try and book Seaview Terrace again.— SM, 05 Sep 2016  Excellent location. Lovely apartment for our family to have a great week in Scotland with everything you could need.— Amanda M, 12 Aug 2016
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The Waterfront
This luxury self catering apartment in Fort William is new to the market and is a delight. Located by the shore of Loch Linnhe, and a short walk into town, our "just for two" self catering accommodation makes a wonderful place to stay during a visit to Fort William. Partially open-plan the holiday accommodation comprises an airy sitting room with leather settees and maple flooring. There's a breakfast bar and the stylish kitchen is fully equipped including a washer dryer, dishwasher, filter Coffee Machine, fridge and microwave. There's a large Smart TV, DVD and Free Wireless internet access. Original pictures decorate the walls. The beautifully appointed, spacious bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and shower. Just check out the solid brass large king-size bed! Everything you might need has been thought of, bedding, fluffy towelling robes, luxury toiletries and a TV. The Apartment has a small garden which looks out across the loch to the surrounding hills, and is a sheltered spot to relax outside. There is private parking and plenty of internal storage. If you are looking for somewhere "special" then you've found it! We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to Fort William. To check availability please phone 07850 205300 or 07710 973826 or complete the form below. 2019 weekly lets start from £560 Low Season to £735 High Season  all inclusive, including free unlimited wi-fi, nothing else to pay.  Our Winter Breaks are for a minimum stay of 3/4 nights. Prices are from £85.00, £95.00 or £105.00 per night depending upon month chosen.
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