Fort William campsites

Known as the "Outdoor capital of the UK" and set between towering mountains and the clear waters of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is one of Scotland's most popular Highland towns. With the A82 running right through the town, it's a top choice for a stopover as part of a Highland road trip, or on the way to the Isle of Skye. This bustling town is surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning scenery and is the perfect place for an adventure! 

Towering above Fort William in the valley of Glen Nevis is the famous Ben Nevis. At 4,412 ft tall, this is not a climb for beginners, although you’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the Highlands once you reach the summit, so don't forget those hiking boots! Experienced climbers can also try rock climbing and scrambling on the north face of the mountain. What's more, Glen Nevis is home to a variety of walking and cycling trails, and is the perfect place to spot a Highland cow or two in their natural habitat. Don't miss a trip across the rope-bridge to the stunning Steall Waterfall, the second-highest waterfall in the UK.  

Of course, there are plenty more adventures to discover here, Fort William is the outdoor capital of the UK after all! Take a trip to Glencoe, famous for hiking trails including the Hidden/ Lost Valley and Devil's Staircase, as well as walks near the iconic Three Sisters mountains. You'll also find mountain biking and rock climbing at the Glencoe Mountain Resort, as well as skiing in winter. Or if watersports are more your thing, both Loch Linnhe and Loch Eli have paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing on their calm waters, with guided tours available for beginners. If the weather isn't on your side, Three Wise Monkeys Climbing Centre is perfect for indoor thrills too!

For those preferring a slightly slower pace, there are plenty of other ways to explore the area. A gentle walk along the Great Glen Way on the Caledonian Canal takes you to Neptune's Staircase, the longest staircase lock in the UK and an impressive feat of engineering! Or take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola up the north face of Aonach Mòr mountain and enjoy stunning views, viewpoint walks and a restaurant for a bite to eat at the top. Back on the ground, take a cruise on Loch Linnhe for a relaxing way to experience the Scottish scenery from the water. You'll be able to spot local wildlife, including seals, otters and eagles!

Harry Potter fans won't want to miss a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical journey on the Hogwarts Express. You'll cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic Harry Potter filming location, as well as stunning scenery, passing Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and the Atlantic coast. You can also drive the scenic "Road to the Isles" from here along the A830 to the coastal port of Mallaig, passing similar landmarks, you might even spot the train on your journey! This drive is known for stunning views and takes an hour without stopping, but there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way, so make sure to leave lots of time for your adventure!

For more family-friendly fun, don't miss Treasures of the Earth, a collection of gems, crystals and fossils set in a cave, a must for young geologists! The Nevis Centre is also a top family choice if the unpredictable Scottish weather turns, with a soft play and bowling alley to keep little ones entertained. For a different way to explore the area, why not try the Fort William Mystery Treasure Trail and solve the clues hidden around the town centre.

For a glimpse into the past, the West Highland Museum explores the history of the Highlands through engaging exhibits and a collection of local artefacts, plus admission is free! Don't miss a trip to Old Inverlochy Castle to see one of Scotland's most complete 13th-century castle ruins. Based on the River Lochy, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery and take in the impressive remains of this former battle site. The shipwreck at Corpach is also a great spot to visit the remains of the MV Dayspring, located on a pebble beach overlooking Loch Linnhe.

After all that adventure, you'll be deserving of a local tipple or two, and Ben Nevis Distillery is top of the list for whisky fans! Enjoy immersive tours and learn about the history of whisky making, don't worry, tasting is encouraged too! The area is also famed for its gin, with Fassfern Highland Gins locally produced, as well as local craft beers, available in many pubs in the area. Unsurprisingly, given its location, Fort William is known for both fresh seafood and Highland game, with many restaurants and pubs featuring daily specials. Of course, no visit to Scotland would be complete without sampling traditional delicacies, including haggis and cullen skink, a local soup made from smoked haddock and vegetables.

Whether you're visiting for Highland hospitality, stunning scenery, outdoor thrills, family fun or a quiet break on your way to more adventures, Fort William provides the perfect escape!