Highland Attractions Near Fort William
Fort William's position in the heart of the Scottish Highlands makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Scotland's most spectacular attractions. With your own vehicle from Fort William Car Hire, these stunning locations are all within easy reach for day trips or longer excursions.
Glencoe: Scotland's Most Famous Glen
Just 20 minutes south of Fort William, Glencoe is arguably Scotland's most dramatic and historically significant glen. The narrow valley, carved by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, is surrounded by towering mountains that create a landscape of breathtaking grandeur. The A82 road through Glencoe offers one of Britain's most scenic drives, with stunning vistas around every corner.
Glencoe's beauty is tinged with tragedy. In 1692, the glen was the site of the Massacre of Glencoe, when government forces killed members of the MacDonald clan in one of Scottish history's most notorious events. The Glencoe Visitor Centre, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, provides comprehensive information about the glen's geology, wildlife, and troubled history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Glencoe offers world-class mountaineering, rock climbing, and hillwalking. The Three Sisters, three distinctive ridge lines visible from the main road, are iconic Highland peaks. Lower-level walks include the beautiful path through the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail), a hidden glen where legend says the MacDonalds hid stolen cattle.
Film buffs will recognize Glencoe from numerous movies including Skyfall, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Braveheart. The dramatic scenery has made it a favorite filming location for productions seeking authentic Highland atmosphere.
Glenfinnan: Viaduct and Monument
Located 30 minutes west of Fort William on the Road to the Isles, Glenfinnan is home to two iconic Scottish landmarks. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, a magnificent curved railway bridge with 21 arches, has become world-famous as the location where the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the viaduct daily during summer, creating a magical sight especially popular with photographers.
Several viewpoints allow visitors to watch and photograph trains crossing the viaduct. The walk to the best viewpoint takes about 15 minutes from the car park. Timing your visit to coincide with the steam train's scheduled crossing makes for an unforgettable experience, though even without the train, the engineering achievement of this 1901 concrete structure is impressive.
The Glenfinnan Monument, standing at the head of Loch Shiel, commemorates the Jacobite uprising of 1745. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard and began the ultimately unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the British throne. Visitors can climb the monument for panoramic views, and the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre provides excellent historical context. The location's beauty, surrounded by mountains reflected in the loch's still waters, makes it a favorite stop for visitors.
The Isle of Skye
While requiring a full day or overnight trip, the Isle of Skye is within reach from Fort William and ranks among Scotland's most spectacular destinations. The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via the Skye Bridge near Kyle of Lochalsh, following scenic routes along lochs and through mountain passes.
Skye offers otherworldly landscapes unlike anywhere else in Britain. The Old Man of Storr, a dramatic rock pinnacle, provides a challenging but rewarding hike. The Quiraing features a landscape of bizarre rock formations and hidden plateaus that feel almost alien. The Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, are perfect for a refreshing dip for the brave.
Portree, Skye's main town, offers colorful harbourside houses, excellent restaurants, and convenient amenities. Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod for 800 years, provides insights into Highland clan history. The Talisker Distillery gives visitors the chance to tour Scotland's only island distillery (Skye being officially connected to the mainland by bridge).
Many visitors choose to spend at least one night on Skye to fully appreciate the island. However, an early start from Fort William allows you to see major highlights in a long day trip, though this means limited time at each location.
Loch Ness and the Great Glen
Loch Ness, famous worldwide for its legendary monster "Nessie," lies about 1.5 hours northeast of Fort William via the A82. This massive freshwater loch is Britain's largest by volume, containing more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its depth (up to 230 meters) and dark, peat-stained waters create perfect conditions for monster legends and mysteries.
The ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on a promontory jutting into the loch, provide one of Scotland's most photographed castle settings. The castle has a turbulent history, changing hands numerous times during Highland conflicts. Today, the ruins and accompanying visitor centre offer fascinating historical insights and spectacular loch views.
Fort Augustus, at Loch Ness's southern end, is a charming village where you can watch boats navigate the Caledonian Canal's series of locks. This 60-mile canal connects Scotland's east and west coasts through the Great Glen, and walking alongside the locks as they fill or empty is fascinating.
The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit provides an entertaining and informative look at monster sightings, investigations, and the loch's natural history. Boat tours of various lengths allow you to experience the loch from the water, though whether you'll spot Nessie remains a matter of luck and belief.
The Road to the Isles
The A830 from Fort William to Mallaig, known as the Road to the Isles, is one of Scotland's most scenic coastal drives. The 45-mile route passes through diverse landscapes including mountains, moorland, forests, and eventually reaches the Atlantic coast.
Beyond Glenfinnan, the road continues to Lochailort, where numerous sea lochs create a complex coastline. The beaches at Morar are among Scotland's finest, with white sand and turquoise waters that could almost pass for Caribbean shores (though water temperature reveals you're still in Scotland). Loch Morar itself is Britain's deepest freshwater body and home to Morag, Loch Ness's lesser-known monster cousin.
Mallaig, the road's endpoint, is a working fishing port with a real sense of Highland community. It serves as the departure point for ferries to the Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna) and Skye. The fresh seafood restaurants here serve some of the Highlands' best fish and chips, with langoustines caught that morning.
The Road to the Isles can be driven in about 90 minutes each way without stops, but allow much longer to properly appreciate the stunning scenery and various stopping points along the route.
Commando Memorial and Spean Bridge
Ten miles north of Fort William, the Commando Memorial stands overlooking the Nevis Range and the Great Glen. This powerful sculpture commemorates the British Commandos who trained in this area during World War II. The remote Highland terrain provided perfect conditions for preparing troops for operations in difficult environments.
The memorial's location offers spectacular views across classic Highland scenery. It's become a place of pilgrimage for military veterans and those honoring the Commandos' legacy. The nearby village of Spean Bridge makes a pleasant stop, with good facilities and the Spean Bridge Mill featuring a traditional Scottish wool shop and cafe.
Ardnamurchan Peninsula
For those seeking true remoteness, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula extends west from Fort William toward Britain's most westerly point on the mainland. This is wild, beautiful Highland country with small communities, stunning beaches, and very little development.
The drive to Ardnamurchan Point and its lighthouse takes about 2.5 hours from Fort William along single-track roads. The journey passes through oak woods, along lochs, and past mountains, with regular opportunities to see Highland wildlife including eagles, otters, and red deer. The lighthouse, now a visitor attraction, offers tours and information about the area's maritime history.
Ardnamurchan feels genuinely remote and unspoiled. The beaches at Sanna Bay present perfect white sand and views to the Small Isles. This trip requires a full day and suits those wanting to escape tourist crowds and experience the Highlands at their wildest.
Cairngorm National Park
While the western edge of Cairngorm National Park lies about 1.5 hours from Fort William, day trips to this spectacular area are worthwhile for those with time. The park encompasses Britain's largest area of Arctic mountain landscape, ancient Caledonian pine forests, and significant wildlife populations.
Aviemore serves as the park's main visitor hub, offering outdoor activities year-round. In winter, the Cairngorm Mountain resort provides skiing and snowboarding. Summer brings hillwalking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. The funicular railway carries visitors to high altitude even without hiking.
The park is home to rare wildlife including Scottish wildcats, pine martens, red squirrels, and golden eagles. The ancient Caledonian pinewoods represent remnants of forests that once covered much of Scotland, providing habitat for unique flora and fauna.
Planning Your Highland Exploration
With so many attractions within reach of Fort William, planning your itinerary can be challenging. Consider your interests – outdoor activities, history, photography, or simply soaking in scenery – and allow more time than you think you'll need. Highland driving takes longer than distances suggest due to single-track roads, photo stops, and the temptation to explore unexpected discoveries.
Weather significantly affects Highland experiences. Some attractions are best on clear days for views, while others like castles and museums make perfect rainy day alternatives. Always have backup plans and check weather forecasts before setting out.
Having your own vehicle provides the flexibility to create your perfect Highland adventure, stopping when and where you want, and discovering the Scotland that makes this region so magical. From Fort William's central location, extraordinary experiences in every direction await your exploration.