Fort William
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Fort William And Around
Sights | Accommodation | Eating | Ben Nevis | Transport| Activities
Fort William
Phone code: +44 (0)1397 | Population: 10,774 Fort William is the gateway to the Western Highlands and one of the country's main tourist centres. It stands at the head of Loch Linnhe, with the snow-topped mass of Ben Nevis towering behind. You could be forgiven for assuming that it's quite an attractive place, but you'd be wrong. Despite its magnificent setting, Fort William has all the charm of a motorway service station. A dual carriageway runs along the lochside, over a litter-strewn pedestrian underpass and past dismal 1960s concrete boxes masquerading as hotels.
Most of the good things about Fort William are outside the town. The surrounding mountains and glens are amongst the most stunning in the Highlands and attract hikers and climbers in their droves: Ben Nevis - Britain's highest peak at 4,406 ft - and also the very beautiful Glen Nevis, which many of you may recognize from movies such as Braveheart and Rob Roy. There's also skiing and snowboarding at nearby Aonach Mor, one of Scotland's top ski areas, and some good mountain biking around the Leanachan Forest.
Though it's not a pretty sight, Fort William is the largest town hereabouts and has all the services and facilities you'd expect. There are banks with ATMs on the pedestrianized High Street, as well as a couple of good supermarkets and two well-stocked outdoor-equipment shops.
History of Fort William
Fort William also has a rich history if we turn back the pages we can find many interesting things about this ancient creation. It seems that there were many Cameron settlements in the region. The area of Lochaber was Strongly a Cameron country before the fort, Inverlochy was the main settlement at that time.
The town slowly grew up as the settlement close to the fort in order to control the population after the invasion by Oliver Cromell during the English Civil War. Fort Williams got many names in the beginning it was named after William of Orange and later was known as Maryburgh after his wife.
This was further changed to Gordonsburgh and then Duncabsburgh at last got its present name Fort Williams after the Butcher Cumberland. This fort also was a key witness of the World War II, acting as a training base for Royal Navy Coastal Force. Still standing tall this architectural beauty has to unveil a lot about its historic backdrop.
Today Fort William has been rebranded, justifiably, as the Outdoor Capital of Britain. See the link for Fort William walks.
Getting there
Fort William is easily reached by bus, from Inverness, Glasgow and Oban, and by train, direct from Glasgow via the amazing and beautiful West Highland Railway. The train and bus stations are next to each other at the north end of the High St, on the other side of the dual carriageway.
If you're driving, parking can be a problem. There's a big car park beside the loch at the south end of town, and another behind the tourist office. You can also walk to Fort William, if you have a week to spare, from just north of Glasgow, along the 95 mile-long West Highland Way.
Getting around
The town is strung out for several miles along the banks of Loch Linnhe. The centre is compact and easy to get around on foot. Many of the guesthouses and B&Bs, and a few youth hostels, are in Corpach, 1.5 miles to the north, but there are frequent buses from the town centre. There are also buses to the youth hostel in Glen Nevis.
Tourist information
The busy Tourist Information Centre is on Cameron Sq, just off the High St, Tel. 703781, Fax. 705184. They stock a good range of books, maps and leaflets covering local walks. They will also help arrange transport to more remote Highland parts. Open Apr-late May Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1600; Jun-early Jul Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 0900-2030, Sun 0900-1800; Sep-late Oct Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1700; Nov-Mar Mon-Sat 1000-1700.
Self Catering Cottages in Fort William
- Glen Pean Sleeps 4
- The Snuggle Bug Sleeps 2
- Wanderer's End Sleeps 6
- Loch Linnhe Lodge Sleeps 4 - 5
Late Deal on Hotels in Fort William
- The Ballachulish Hotel Late Deals
- The Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Centre Late Deals
- Prince\'s House Hotel Late Deals
- Bank Street Lodge Late Deals
- Onich Hotel and Gardens Late Deals
- Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club Late Deals
- Alexandra Hotel (town centre) Late Deals
- The Moorings Hotel Late Deals
- Ashburn House Late Deals
- The Underwater Centre Late Deals
- Innseagan House Hotel Late Deals
- Allt-Nan-Ros Hotel Late Deals
- Campfield House Late Deals
- Lime Tree Late Deals
- The Highland Hotel Late Deals
- The Stronlossit Inn Late Deals