Fort William is a pretty town in the Scottish Highlands. It lies on Loch Linnhe, close to Glen Coe, and has a population of more than 10,000. The town is celebrated for its beautiful mountain scenery, and various outdoor activities including wildlife safaris, gorge walking and white water rafting. It has an oceanic climate, with moderate weather throughout the year.
The town dates back to 1654, when a wooden fort was built to bring together English troops and Clan Cameron after the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The fort was named after William of Orange, a former King of England at the time who commissioned its build.
These days, Fort William is a major tourist centre, popular for climbing and hillwalking. The town has a large mountain bike track, and is also a hub for motorcycling. Bev Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, is located close to Fort William, and is regularly frequented by mountaineers.
The town’s main focus point is its high street, which has been pedestrianized since the 1990s. There you’ll find various shops, cafes and squares, as well as popular landmarks. Notable attractions range from museums and parks to monuments and statues. Sites worth seeing include Saint Andrew’s Church and West Highland Museum. Plans are currently underway to open a new waterfront development in Fort William that will feature various new homes and shops.
Fort William’s main transport links are buses and trains. From Fort William Railway Station, you can catch a train to Glasgow and various local ports. There’s also an overnight train which runs through Fort William called the Caledonian Sleeper. For buses, head to MarcFarlane Way, which is located directly opposite the main railway station.
Complete your trip to Fort William with a stay in a SilverDoor serviced apartment, perfect for business or leisure travel.
