Fort William holiday ideas

[Riverlee]

We’re going to Fort William and need some ideas of what’s good to do in the area.

The steam train is booked up sadly.

Any suggestions?

Have you looked at Tripadvisor? Always lots of ideas there. Depends what you’re interested in of course. But you can find ideas for castle trails, ideas for Outlander fans etc.

We joined the National Trust for Scotland on holiday last year and found that good value.

Boat trip on the loch, wildlife safari, take cable car up Ben Nevis, walk along the canal, walk along the loch, Inchree for red squirrels, do a bit of the West Highland Way, drive to Kinlochleven and do the Ice Factor, drive to Glencoe....
Walk, walk and walk a bit more!

Can I come with you? I love that area.

The Walk to Steall falls is magical.
gondola up the mountain at nevis range.
cycle up the Caledonian canal.
drive to Glenfinnan viaduct to see the steam train go past - the walk there is lovely.
be sure to visit Glencoe on your way up or down.

The steam train, the tourist special, may be fully booked but the normal diesel train probably isn’t.
Same beautiful route on the same tracks to Mallaig.
Enquire when you get to FW. We did & did it just the same but not with steam.
It was lovely albeit Mallaig was disappointing.

Take the ferry across the Loch at Corran, drive up to Lochaline and across to Mull (ferry terminal is Fishnish). Drive up to Tobermory and have a look around or go go down the south of the island and cross to Iona and visit the abbey.

That’s for all your ideas, especially the Diesal train suggestion. I was disappointed at not being able to do the steam train, but can still get the experience (at a lot cheaper price).

love the trip to Ballamory, sorry, I mean Tobermory.

I think if you time it right you can use the “normal” Scotrail service, hop off at Glenfinnian and walk down to the viaduct to watch the steam train going over. Times and tickets should be on the Scotrail website.

The “old” coast road between Airsaig and Mallaig is stunning, white sandy beaches and views across to the islands.
the walk highlands website is good for walking routes

We booked the steam train but it ran with a diesel engine because it was too hot! We had the Pullman carriages but tbh I wish we'd just gone on the standard train.

Gondola by Ben Nevis

Stairway canal was a great way to spend a morning

Trip on the Loch

I completely agree with this, the Jacobite steam train was good but ScotRail will still get you the views. I’d also recommend a day at the Nevis Range, mountain biking or a trip on the gondola and do the walks from the top station. We’ve just been to FW and in the (various) evenings had beer and pizzas at the Black Isle brewery in town, and a meal at Crannog restaurant on the loch, both were lovely.

Agree with PPs about the diesel train to Mallaig. Same stunning views. From Mallaig you can do trips on the ferry, across to Skye or to the three isles. You don’t need to get off if short of time, just treat it like a boat trip.

Also agree with the Ben Nevis range cable car/gondola thing. You can get a bus to the visitor centre from Fort William. There’s a cafe at the top, and lovely walks/views. You’ll need your midge spray (Avon skin so soft is my recommendation).

Back from a wonderful holiday in Scotland. We used some of the ideas mentioned.

we went to Inchree, didn’t see any squirrels and had first encounter with midges.

Glencoe and Glen Etive (Skyfall) were beautiful - lots of Wow moments.

We didn’t do the train ride, steam or Scotsrail but we did walk up to the viaduct and see the train. I;agree, the walk up is lovely. Also went to the nearby monument and the beautiful loch.

Didn’t get to Tobermory - next time!

We went on the “Alternative coastal route” to Mallaig which I presume is the old road. Definantly worthwhile.

Didn’t do:the gondola trip but did have a two hour ramble up and down Ben Nevis.

Walked along lake to Inchree castle. Wandered around Fort William including the museum. Ate lots. Marvelled how quickly the weather can change (and missed the heatwave).

Overall a lovely holiday, with some of the loveliest scenery I have seen.

Didn’t get to Tobermory - next time!

Mull is a whole holiday, not a day trip!

Thanks for reporting back, Riverlee. Glad you had a good time- despite lack of heatwave! (Sorry about the midgies)

Yes, @ErrolTheDragon Mull is a sensational island and you really do need loads of time to do it justice.

take cable car up Ben Nevis

There is no cable car on Ben Nevis. The Nevis range gondola will take you to halfway up Aonach Mor - a different mountain.

Agree with this!