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Mountain
Ben Nevis
Highest mountain in Scotland and the British Isles, at 1,345 m, rising above Glen Nevis south-east of Fort William.
A mini guide to
Fort William, Glencoe & Ben Nevis
Base for Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, Glencoe and the Glenfinnan railway line
Photos
1 / 8Welcome to the area
Base for Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, Glencoe and the Glenfinnan railway line
Fort William lies on Loch Linnhe at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the British Isles. The West Highland Museum in the town centre covers the history of the West Highlands and islands, and the Caledonian Canal climbs nearby through Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks built by Thomas Telford.
From the town the A82 runs south to Glen Coe, a glacial glen popular with hillwalkers and climbers, and the West Highland Line runs west to Glenfinnan and Mallaig. The Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glenfinnan Monument are further west, at the head of Loch Shiel. Mountain weather changes quickly, so check forecasts before any hill walk.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Mountain resort
Nevis Range Mountain Experience
Mountain resort on Aonach Mòr, a Munro about two miles north-east of Ben Nevis.
Directions Website Report a problem with Nevis Range Mountain Experience
Museum
West Highland Museum
Museum of West Highland and island history in a listed building in the centre of Fort William.
Directions Website Report a problem with West Highland Museum
Ruined castle
Inverlochy Castle (ruin)
Ruined 13th-century castle near Fort William, site of two battles, in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
Directions Website Report a problem with Inverlochy Castle (ruin)
Canal locks
Neptune's Staircase
Flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal at Banavie, built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822, below Ben Nevis.
Directions Website Report a problem with Neptune's Staircase
Waterfall
Steall Waterfall
Waterfall in Glen Nevis with a 120 m drop, seen from the path through the Nevis Gorge.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Fort William, Glencoe & Ben Nevis and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Check mountain forecasts
The Mountain Weather Information Service publishes forecasts for the West Highlands, and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service reports on winter hazards, including Glencoe.
2
Use the Nevis Range gondola
Nevis Range runs a mountain resort on Aonach Mòr, about two miles from Ben Nevis. Check its website for lift and weather status.
3
Book The Jacobite early
The steam train from Fort William to Mallaig is run by West Coast Railways. Check its timetable and booking page.
4
Take the A82 slowly
The road to Glen Coe passes Loch Linnhe and Ballachulish. Use Traffic Scotland's route checker before you travel.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
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Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Fort William, Glencoe & Ben Nevis (area photo): Viewfinder at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Ben Nevis: Nigel Brown, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Nevis Range Mountain Experience: Peter S, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- West Highland Museum: Patrick OTER, CC0, source
- Inverlochy Castle (ruin): Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Neptune's Staircase: Klaus with K, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Steall Waterfall: User:DavyBoyHayes, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Commando Memorial: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Glenfinnan Monument: Paul Stümke, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: AyaanAhmed4Real, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Glenfinnan Station Museum: Jo and Steve Turner, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- The Jacobite: S. Perquin, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Glen Coe: Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Glencoe Mountain Resort: Steven Brown, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ben Nevis Distillery: Jousset, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan: Lauwz The Kiwistralian, CC0, source
- The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey: dave conner, CC BY 2.0, source
- Oban, Argyll & the Mull ferry: Mike Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- The Black Isle & Easter Ross: Vcarceler, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Inverness & Loch Ness: dave conner from Inverness, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Scottish Highlands