Weekend Away in Fort William
Fort William is the perfect base for a weekend away in Scotland. Nestled in the Highlands beside Loch Eil, there’s plenty to do, whether you’re chasing the summit of Ben Nevis, exploring waterfalls, or just enjoying some lochside fresh air.
The main reason a lot of people visit is to hike up Ben Nevis, and that’s the reason we went! We had a weekend break, driving up to Fort William on Friday night, hiking up Ben Nevis on the Saturday and then recovering with a shorter walk to Steall Falls on the Sunday before the long drive home again.
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Where to Stay in Fort William
We stayed at Linnhe Lochside Holiday Park, which was lovely, with cosy chalets and cracking views across the water. The sunsets there are AMAZING, and we had a lovely swim in the loch. The lodges are self catering, so we took everything we needed, but there are plenty of shops and cafes in the nearby area.
The famous Jacobite steam train runs right past the holiday park – I couldn’t get a good photo though! We’d taken Holly (who was a huge Harry Potter fan) to Glenfinnan Viaduct to see it for her birthday one year, but we got even closer just by staying here!
Other Places to Stay Around Fort William
- Ben Nevis Holiday Park – lodges, pods, and camping pitches, right near the river and the start of Ben Nevis.
- Glen Nevis Holidays – self-catering lodges in the glen with spectacular Highland views.
- Achintree Cottages – a cosy holiday home with stunning views.
Our Walking Itinerary
Day 1: Ben Nevis
We kicked off with the ultimate Highland challenge – Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. It’s a tough climb but totally worth it for the views and the sense of achievement at the summit. Make sure you’re prepared for changeable weather and steep terrain. We had all the weathers in one day on our hike, including a stunning cloud inversion at the summit.
This 10 mile route follows the main tourist track up to the summit and back down again.
Day 2: Steall Falls & Corpach Shipwreck
After the mountain day, we went for a gentler day because my calves were suffering – I think it was all the descending from the summit! First, we walked to Steall Falls through the beautiful Glen Nevis Gorge – dramatic cliffs and roaring waterfalls make this a classic Highland hike. This is the waterfall seen in one of the Harry Potter films!
Later, we headed to Corpach for a low-level short walk to see the shipwreck, perfect for tired legs but still full of scenery and a touch of local history.
Tips for Your Fort William Weekend
- Dress in layers and take waterproofs – Highland weather is unpredictable.
- A car is handy for getting between walks, but there’s also bus access to Fort William.
- Stock up on food in Fort William if staying in self-catering accommodation.
- Pace yourself – one high-intensity mountain day plus a gentler walk is a good mix.
Our Fort William weekend was the perfect Highland escape – a big climb, a scenic gorge, and a lochside stroll to round things off. Staying at Linnhe Lochside made it feel relaxed and homey, with stunning views to wake up to each morning. If you’re planning a walking weekend away in Fort William, I hope this helps!
You might also like: Eryri/Snowdonia National Park Glamping Weekend and Lake District Weekend Break – Eskdale if you’re thinking of taking on the National 3 Peaks!
