Fort William is capital of the Lochaber District, and stands on the shores of Linnhe. Its strategic position as a road, rail and river intersection makes it a popular feature on tourist itineraries. The town itself has plenty of attractions, accommodation and shopping, but its surrounding scenery provides a spectacular backdrop for climbers, walkers, boat trips and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, attracts serious climbers throughout the year, and its steep sided valley has provided a dramatic backdrop to films such as Rob Roy, Highlander and Braveheart. For the less energetic, the mountain can be admired from the heights of Aonach Mor ski resort, some 8 miles north of Fort William.
At a more leisurely pace, visitors can take the Jacobite steam train, which operates in the summer between Fort William and Mallaig. The 40 mile line offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe, crossing the spectacular 98 feet high viaduct at Glenfinnan, crosses the Caledonian Canal and sweeps past Loch Eilt.
For motorists, the “Road to the Isles” westwards out of the town, provides some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. This is where the Caledonian Canal drops down to Loch Linnhe at a spectacular series of lochs, “Neptunes Staircase”.