Have a stop-over for lunch in the village Click here to see the best Airbnbs in Fort William. Get there: The Ben Nevis Inn is around 2 miles south-east of Fort William, along Achintee Road. You can’t beat cosying up in a traditional Scottish pub on a cold day – think roaring fires, real ales and copious pub snacks. However, it does mean that you will be facing the challenging part of the journey first. The ski area isn’t huge with eight lifts and 20 runs, but there’s a mix of different levels and among them is the longest and steepest ski run in Scotland. Buses usually stop here, and the village is also easily accessible A popular walk will take you along the Steall Falls within about two hours, and the scenery is absolutely breath-taking. Of Touristic Interest in Glencoe. While you can get a direct bus from Inverness to Fort William, you will have to change bus in Fort William itself to get to Glencoe. There are a couple of different tours available – a basic Failte Tour or a Tasting Tour with three whiskies to sample at the end. It looks unbelievably beautiful Lucy, I love your photos! Definitely a bit of everything in this part of the world! The Failte Tour costs £5 per person and the Tasting Tour £18 per person. May 28, 2020 - Things to Do in Fort William & Glencoe: A 1 or 2 Day Itinerary Scottish Highlands. I can thoroughly recommend a trip on the Jacobite and Neptune’s Staircase was also a must-see when we visited Fort William as we’re canal lovers . Things to do in Glencoe. 28 Best Stops on a London to Edinburgh Drive. There is a bit of a challenge thrown in at the end though if you want to get up close to the falls – a wire rope bridge. town centre. It Mountain rescue teams and the military use it to practice their skills, but you don’t need any ice climbing – or even rock climbing – experience to give it a try. Atriochtan car park, and you will not be disappointed. From Edinburgh, you can either make your way to Glasgow and follow the route mentioned above, or you can take the A84 via Stirling/Callander. offers Landrover safaris. This spectacular landscape – now part of the Lochaber Geopark – was formed by volcanoes and carved out by glaciers, creating a giant outdoor adventure playground waiting to be explored. hell yes! If you are looking Even today there is Upper Carnoch and Lower Carnoch. There’s also indoor rock climbing if you don’t fancy the cold. visit the memorial the commemorates the lives lost during the Glencoe massacre. However, the train line does go straight to Fort William. Excellently located to explore the stunning countryside, they have both dorm and private rooms available and great clean facilities. I’ll get there one day!! The distillery produces a range of cask-aged single malts as well as a couple of blended whiskies – Nevis Dew and Glencoe. Top Things to Do in Fort William, Lochaber: See Tripadvisor's 77,109 traveller reviews and photos of 37 things to do when in Fort William. The best thing for your trip will be to be prepared. On this page, we also show you the cheapest coaches from Fort William to Glencoe over the next few days. The chairlift costs £12 for adults/£8 for children. One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary, A royal weekend in Windsor, England: A 48-hour itinerary, A weekend in Falmouth, Cornwall: A 48-hour itinerary. action-packed after exploring the outdoor capital of the UK, then you should It is still a very scenic route. It is, however, essential to keep in mind that some sights are further apart geographically. •, ‘the most beautiful country in the world’, One Day in Fort William & Glencoe Itinerary, 2 Days in Fort William & Glencoe Itinerary, National Trust for Scotland visitor centre. struggle. Fort William is easily accessible by train, bus or car from Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Buses run from Glasgow about four times a The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre has recently gone through a transformation and was only opened this year. If you want to find out more about this aspect of Scottish history, be sure to visit the Monument Visitor Centre. But there’s lots of other local history too, including archaeological finds, artefacts from the original Fort William, treasure from a Spanish galleon as well as Victorian, Second World War and industrial heritage exhibits. Allow around half an hour to find a parking place and walk to the viewpoints. From Inverness, you can take the A82 as well, which should get you to Fort William within about two hours depending on traffic. Or if you’re up for a serious challenge, the 96-mile West Highland Way – Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail – passes through Glencoe. Several buses run from Inverness throughout the day. for things to do in Fort William itself, then go straight to Day Two of the itinerary. Find all the transport options for your trip from Glencoe to Fort William right here. The Jacobite risings were the last attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. Click here to check prices and availability. William and only have one day, I would say to firstly focus on things to do The Carn Mor Dearg Arête route is for experienced scramblers only but the easier Mountain (or Pony) Track is accessible to anyone with a good level of fitness. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. It is safe to say: No matter what time of year you decide to visit Scotland, you will find plenty of things to do in Fort William. or of course, on the weather. it all sounds AND looks fabulous! Sometimes you will be lucky enough to find Ice climbing at Ice Factor costs £30 for a one-hour beginners’ taster session (age 12+), plus £8 for equipment hire. Thanks – hope you get to make another trip someday soon! After doing some research on an Isle of Mull trip from Fort William, we decided to leave our long Scotland trip for September as we have things to do… There are one-hour taster sessions where you can get to grips with the kit and techniques (ice axes and boots are provided but bring gloves and warm clothes). Absorb spectacular Highland scenery and see Scottish wildlife. Let us know in the comments below! The Fort William Golf Club fits neatly between mountains and sea at the base of Ben Nevis – another excellent spot for a round. Some examples are: If you are looking for something less Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Glencoe, Scottish Highlands on Tripadvisor: See 21,168 traveller reviews and photos of Glencoe tourist attractions. Going from Inverness to Fort William by Located on the northeastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is known as the UK's "outdoor capital." They have a number of cosy and comfortable rooms available, great facilities like a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Fort William is located in the Lochaber region, which is home to The Great Glen, Glen Nevis, Glencoe and Mallaig, providing some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast of Scotland. A bit more strenuous is the walk to the Pap of Glencoe, a conical mountain overlooking Glencoe Village. Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest peak, and the climb is quite the challenge. Neptune’s Staircase was fascinating, I’d like to do a boat trip going down (or up) it next time but it was interesting to even just watch in action. If you choose to spend a day exploring the spectacular peaks of The Three Sisters of Glencoe, you will get some unbeatable views. Learn about the history of the Highlands’ people and landscapes at the West Highland Museum in Fort William. If you are coming by bus, you can check the local buses for services running there. I’d dearly love to photograph that stunning scenery too. Top Things to Do in Glencoe, Scottish Highlands: See Tripadvisor's 21,168 traveller reviews and photos of 21 things to do when in Glencoe. Especially if you are a fan of the Harry Potter movie series, this is a must-see. There’s a dark side to Glencoe in among its gorgeous scenery, and you can find out more about one of the most famous events in its history at the recently refurbished Glencoe Visitor Centre. It takes five–seven hours on average to climb Ben Nevis, starting off with a steep climb to a small loch before a zigzag path with some sheer drops. There are downhill and cross-country bike routes as well as lots of other outdoor activities like orienteering, tubing and treasure hunts. The Glencoe café also offers a small selection of beers, wine, whisky and local ales, plus a small range of deli items from selected suppliers and a range of tasteful and unique gifts. Behind Inverness, it's the second largest settlement in the Highlands. the extent of the Glencoe Mountain pass and likely see some nearby waterfalls. 3 activities. Thanks, I just met someone who’d done a trip on the Caledonian Canal and it sounded great! Are you looking for things to do in Glencoe & Fort William? Expect something between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius between May and October. If you are coming by bus, you can speak to your driver and see if they can stop at the car park to let you off. It is in the town centre and can easily be reached by foot if you are already exploring local attractions in Fort William. The journey on the West Highland Railway from Fort William to Mallaig on board the Jacobite steam train is rated as one of the world’s most beautiful rail trips. At 1345 metres Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain. If you have several days or preferably a week, you could make Fort William your starting point to walk the West Highland Way all the way to Glasgow. There’s another easy option at Glencoe Lochan, a small loch behind Glencoe Village with a few different walking routes, including one around the lake and others through the forest and into the hills. It is important to check prices and timetables as well as the restaurant opening times before your trip to avoid disappointment. It’s best known for its Jacobite exhibits, with weapons, medals and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s embroidered silk waistcoat on display. If you have more than two days to spare, then it is definitely worth to explore the area of Lochaber and other things to do near Fort William. There are family-friendly routes as well as more advanced adventurer tours. Continue your day with a trip to Glen Nevis and go on a walk to see the beautiful waterfalls in the area. Within the village, you can find out more I like the idea of hiking, driving and seeing that scenery. Click here to get a quote from WorldNomads. Pack a good jacket and a good pair of shoes no matter what time of year you go! Early in the morning of 13 February 1692, 38 men, women and children from the MacDonald clan were murdered by government soldiers who they’d welcomed into their houses. However, this is dependent on what you prefer to do – It’s a popular hike so there may well be a queue to get over, and if you don’t fancy the bridge then there’s still a good view from the other side. A treasure trove of Jacobite memorabilia, archaeological relics, military objects and Victoriana curios – the extensive collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and times of the West Highlands. Rome2rio makes travelling from Alltshellach, Glencoe to Fort William easy. While the view might be different as it is located at the bottom of the hill, it will certainly still provide a fun way to end your day! On a sunny day the views from the summit make it all worthwhile. They regularly host children’s’ activities, exhibitions, as well as art and photographic displays. There are plenty of things to do in Fort William and Lochaber, from rare wildlife- watching and thrilling outdoors activities to fascinating historic attractions and cultural heritage sites. For more information, see our privacy policy. Located on the banks of Loch Levan, they have a number of comfortable rooms available, a great restaurant, and a trendy bar serving local whiskies, gins, and other spirits. In terms of getting off at Glencoe, that aspect will be harder unless you have some other form of transport organised when you embark. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "abf534ce747fab06ddb48cab9e788d66" );document.getElementById("c3c46d7f9c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); © 2021 The World Was Here First • All rights reserved. Click here to check availability, Gowan Brae Bed & Breakfast — This comfy B&B is an excellent option for mid-range travellers. If you are coming by car, the car park is just off of the A82. In winter you can go skiing, snowboarding or sledging on its slopes, with stunning views across wild unspoilt Rannoch Moor. They are also well-located to explore the area. A thing worth mentioning that if you are planning to partake in hillwalking – especially Ben Nevis – you should only aim to do so in winter if you are an experienced hillwalker. This was just after the Jacobite uprising when King William III ordered the clan chiefs to sign an oath of allegiance by 1 January 1692. Aug 10, 2019 - 13 of the best things to do in Fort William and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, from hiking and climbing to cosy pubs and historic tales. And when the train’s gone by, head to Glenfinnan station where an old train dining carriage has been turned into a cute café. The 18-metre-high Glenfinnan Monument was erected in 1815, in tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in 1745 for Prince Charles Edward Stuart – commonly known as ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’. Click here to browse other options in Glencoe! On Fort William’s High Street, you will find local amenities to grab The scenery is just amazing in this part of the world – a real paradise for photographers. It is said to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding things to do. The stretch from Glencoe to Kinlochleven is around 10 miles and includes the famous Devil’s Staircase. If you’re planning on renting a car in Scotland, browsing on Rentalcars.com is the best way to find a good deal as they aggregate results across all the major car hire companies. The distillery lies just beneath its namesake mountain and has been making whisky since 1825, using water from a spring that’s fed by melting snow from the mountaintop. Should you not be able to make the trip up the mountain, you could instead go see Ben Nevis distillery and visitor centre. A small hospital - currently empty - with emergency services at Fort William 16 miles away, lies at the southern end of the village just over an arched stone bridge. Of course, you will want to try and maximise the things you can see and do while you are there. You will join up with the A82, eventually meaning you still get the incredible bit of road that stretches through the Glencoe mountain pass. Overlooking the town is Ben Nevis – the UK’s biggest mountain – which is climbed by thousands of visitors each year. The road takes you right through the Glencoe mountain pass and should you not wish to stop, it is totally possible to enjoy Glencoe’s scenery from your car. Its green mountains and glistening lochs are known across the globe. Top Things to Do in Glencoe, Scottish Highlands: See Tripadvisor's 4,706 traveller reviews and photos of 20 things to do when in Glencoe. You’ll believe me when you see it! Fort William Backpackers — This is a great choice if you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget. And if you’re wondering whether there’s a new Inverlochy Castle, there certainly is, the 19th-century mansion turned five-star Inverlochy Castle Hotel. I still haven’t watched Outlander – will have to do another trip when I do! But for a whole generation of Harry Potter fans, it’s better known as the Hogwarts Express, and the best place to see it is as it crosses the 1000-foot-long and 100-foot-high arching Glenfinnan Viaduct. Alternative North Coast 500 Itinerary: 5 to 10 Days, How to Do a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh, Where to Stay in Inverness, Loch Ness & Cairngorms, Scotland. by car if you follow the A82 back towards Fort William or take the old road There are several excellent walks to choose from for any level of fitness. consider taking the Jacobite Steam train to Mallaig. The journey takes you through parts of Cairngorms National Park, and you might be able to avoid the queues that sometimes build up along the A82 while it goes past Loch Lomond. Get there: The start of the path to Steall Falls is from the Upper Glen Nevis car park (postcode PH33 6SY), around 7 miles south-east of Fort William. Best is to speak to the driver before you board to ensure the bus stops where you are planning to get off. Dragon’s Tooth is one of the most spectacular 18-hole courses in Scotland, with Glencoe rising in the distance. You’ll find it just north of Fort William where the canal starts its 60-mile journey towards Inverness. near Fort William. The Visitors Centre tells the story of the massacre as well as the mountaineering history of the area (the photos of early climbers and skiers in their original kit are quite an eye-opener!). On the map Glasgow and Fort William seem just a hop, a skip and a jump apart, but it is one of Scotland's most beautiful drives! Get there: Ben Nevis Distillery is just past Old Inverlochy Castle, around 1.7 miles from the centre of Fort William. Ben Nevis Distillery’s 10-year single malt. Click here to check availability, Lime Tree An Ealdhain — This small hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more luxury while in Fort William. Glencoe Studio Gallery. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. You might recognise a few of those views too – the glen’s had a taste of cinema stardom as a location for Braveheart and the James Bond film Skyfall. Ice Factor in Kinlochleven has the biggest indoor ice climbing wall in the country, a 15-metre-high indoor iceberg. It is essential to set a full day aside if you are considering to ascend the mountain. The area of Lochaber which surrounds Fort William is often referred to as the outdoor capital of the UK. Get there: Glencoe Visitors Centre is about a mile south of Glencoe Village on the A82. person there, but it is worth it. The path is rocky and can get slippery with steep drop offs (as shown by the cheery ‘Danger of Death’ sign at the start), but it’s well-marked and easily accessible. They offer tours in five different canyons in the Fort William/Glencoe area, which are suitable for different skill levels. In summer the resort switches its focus to walking and mountain biking. The Western Highlands of Scotland are all about the dramatic scenery. He thought his clan were safe, and when a regiment of 130 soldiers asked the clan to put them up for 10 days, they made them welcome. The distillery was established in 1825 and is Some do take longer than others though, so bear in mind that in winter it can start getting dark again in the early afternoon. The ice and snow make the climb far more challenging, and it is not recommended to attempt the hill without the necessary equipment and experience. If you are hoping for some sun and fewer chances of rain, then these are the best months to go visit Fort William and Glencoe. Duror of Appin Glen Salachan, Duror PA38 4BW Scotland. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Fort William, Lochaber on Tripadvisor: See 77,118 traveller reviews and photos of Fort William tourist attractions. Answer 1 of 13: My husband and I are looking to stay in the general area of Glencoe/Fort William/Fort Augustus for a few days in July as a base for touring around the area. If you are looking for things to do in Fort CityLink buses drive straight through the Glencoe mountain bus and stop at several points along the way, including Glencoe visitor centre. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. There are many things to do in Fort William as its prime location is the beginning or end of the West Highland Way, and it also offers the ideal gateway to visit the rest of the West Highlands and Islands. On day two of the itinerary – or should you I so want to ride the Hogwarts Express next time! The walk only takes around an hour, and keep your eye out for deer and other local wildlife along the way. If you are looking to find an Neptune’s Staircase was the brainchild of Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, who needed to find a way for ships to travel up (or down) 19.5 metres in height within just 450 metres. If you fancy tackling the Ben there are a couple of different routes. Admission is free. Rome2rio makes travelling from Glencoe to Fort William easy. But even in the middle of summer there’s likely to be snow at the top so pack warm layers. While there are higher chances of dry and sunny weather during that time, it is not a guarantee. The ice climbing wall appears quite a challenge. and likely see some stags! It takes boats 90 minutes to get from one end to the other – you can watch them from the towpath or there’s a café with great views of Ben Nevis. What is the Cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia? Find all the transport options for your trip from Alltshellach, Glencoe to Fort William right here. You will be able to see a day of walking, then this view will wake you up. The Highlands has plenty to choose from, but there are a couple of gems around Glencoe and Fort William which are well worth visiting. Not quite what you’re looking for? This looks wonderful, it has been far too long since we last visited Scotland. If you are hungry or thirsty after your walk, the Clachaig Inn is conveniently located near there and offers food throughout the day. There’s also a car park at Glencoe Lochan where paths are signposted, and the Pap of Glencoe walk starts near Strath Lodge which is just to the south of Glencoe Village. Also, it is worth noting that temperatures hardly ever skyrocket in Scotland, not even in summer. Such a great idea for people to be able to learn such skills in a safe environment. most scenic routes in Europe, and I am sure you will not be disappointed. If you know your forbidden spells inside out and the maunderers map like the back of your hand, then you cannot miss catching a glimpse of the famous Jacobite steam train. Pop into the Glencoe Visitor Centre and grab a bite to eat before you go for a wander in the glen. Follow the A82 north of the town or it’s a lovely walk along the banks of the river on the Great Glen Way. of restaurants and smaller pubs. Get there: The Glenfinnan Viaduct is 17 miles (30 minutes’ drive) west of Fort William along the A380. Due to severe weather conditions or repair works, the gondola sometimes does not run. They have a number of spacious and comfortable rooms available, a great restaurant on site, and even its own contemporary art gallery! It might not look it at first glance but it’s one of the best-preserved castles of its age in Scotland, and has a few bloody tales to tell. Go, and you will be sure to recognise several backdrops from the movies, some which have also featured in other famous movies such as Highlander. official page. day and tickets are between £30 to £40. If you are taking the bus, take the bus back from Glencoe village to Fort William bus station and hop on one of the local buses to get to Nevis Range. Get there: Old Inverlochy Castle is 1.5 miles from the centre of Fort William. William, then these suggestions should hopefully help you create your own Overall, the Scottish weather will be best between May and October. There are several great day trips from Fort William that you can consider. Fort William or An Gearasdan in Gaelic means "The Garrison" and is one of Scotland’s most popular holiday towns. In terms of beauty, Fort William and Glencoe are beautiful all year round, and I am sure you will marvel at the snow-filled mountains just as much as when they were green. The Highlands are a must-see on any itinerary for Scotland. As mentioned, outdoor activities are a must-do when making plans on things to do in Fort William. Therefore, it would be necessary to go from Inverness tourists, and it is highly recommended to book in advance. You can find details line connecting them. It would appear this part of Scotland has everything I love in a trip; outdoor adventures, wonderful scenery, road trip potential and wildlife. We want to visit Cairngorm mountains & want to visit Glencoe. Click here to browse other options in Fort William! 2.8 miles from Loch Linnhe. This guide includes everything you need to know about getting from Glasgow to Fort William by car: photo stops, road info, where to stay and vegan-friendly restaurants in the area! If you feel like another walk, you could embark on the Glencoe Lochan trail from here. If the Scottish weather is too wet and wild to get outdoors, how about getting your adrenaline rush by ice climbing inside a giant fridge instead? taste a local ‘dram’. Looking over to Ben Nevis (photo credit Pixabay). Not forgetting a wee dram by the fire at the end of the day . Mountain Rescue. She has lived in six different countries and is always on the hunt for adventures off the beaten track, trying to find even the most hidden secrets for any destination. If you are coming by car, there is a small car park available. Should you be planning to visit the Scottish Highlands, then hopefully this itinerary will provide you with an idea of what to do in Fort William and Glencoe. Later it was reoccupied and two fierce battles took place here. And for peak Scottishness there’s even Rob Roy’s sporran and the bagpipes played at Bannockburn. Daniella is a writer for The World Was Here First and is currently a Journalism student living in Glasgow, Scotland. This scenic drive is small but perfectly formed, with just 12 miles of single-track road leading to a dead end on the banks of Loch Etive, a huge saltwater loch which connects to the sea north of Oban.