On the ninth day of our Scotland road trip, we planned to visit Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct. Leaving our sea-view holiday home on the Isle of Skye*, we first drove to the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, known from the Harry Potter films. After enjoying the view, we checked into our holiday apartment near Loch Linnhe. Later, we went on a little exploration tour through Fort William to get a feel for the town.
Contents: Visit Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct, Ben Nevis
Stunning Holiday Apartment with a View of Loch Linnhe in Fort William
Fort William is a popular stopover on many Scotland road trips. As expected, finding accommodation here wasn’t easy. During our search for a hotel or holiday apartment in town, we couldn’t find any available options.
As a compromise, we chose a holiday apartment about 9 miles (14 km) south of Fort William*. This accommodation was ideally located between Fort William and our next destination, Glencoe. Moreover, it offered a beautiful view of the expansive Loch Linnhe, as it was situated right by the water.
The Best Accommodation of Our Scotland Road Trip: Taigh Mara Marine House
We booked a total of six accommodations for our entire road trip. Our holiday apartment at Taigh Mara Marine House* near Fort William was by far our favorite.
The warm welcome from the owner made us feel right at home. As soon as we entered the apartment, we were immediately impressed by its beautiful interior design and the breathtaking view of the vast loch. Since the loch is so long that there is no opposite shore, the view almost feels like looking out onto the sea.
The owners also surprised us with fresh milk, pastries, scones, and other treats. We truly regretted that we could only stay for one night in this lovely accommodation. By car, it takes only 15 minutes to reach the center of Fort William from the apartment.
Glenfinnan Viaduct: Harry Potter Magic and the Sound of Bagpipes
Our first stop on the way to Fort William was the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This impressive railway bridge is a must-see for Harry Potter fans, which was evident from the large number of visitors.
Located along the A830, right in front of the viaduct, there is a large visitor center and several paid parking lots. From there, you can reach the bridge with an easy 10-minute walk. Its impressive size makes it visible from quite a distance.
After the peace and quiet of the Highlands, adjusting to the crowds around the viaduct took some time. However, a bagpiper added a special touch to the atmosphere between the parking lot and the bridge, making the experience even more memorable.
Although we aren’t huge Harry Potter fans, we were pleasantly surprised by this attraction. The walk not only offers stunning views of the viaduct but can also be extended to explore more of the surrounding area.
The viaduct is an impressive example of Victorian engineering and is considered one of the most beautiful railway viaducts in the world. It consists of 21 arches and stretches over 380 meters, making it an architectural masterpiece. The scenery around the viaduct enhances its magical charm, especially when the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the “Hogwarts Express,” crosses over it.
Ben Nevis: The Highest Mountain in Great Britain
Even on the way to Fort William, you’ll notice that the mountains are getting higher. Standing at 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in Great Britain and attracts many visitors eager to experience its grandeur.
Hiking and Activities
The mountain offers a variety of hikes for all skill levels. A particularly pleasant and relaxing walk is the Glen Nevis Gorge Walk. This trail follows the River Nevis, passing waterfalls and weaving through dense forests. The well-maintained path makes it an excellent choice for families.
Another highlight is a visit to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort. Here, you can take a cable car ride up Aonach Mor, Ben Nevis’s neighboring peak. From the mountain station, several short walks offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Ben Nevis Distillery: Traditional Whisky from the Highlands
Whether you’re arriving from the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Isle of Skye, or Inverness, you will always pass by the Ben Nevis Distillery. Conveniently located at the entrance to Fort William, this distillery is a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.
Tours and Tastings
Founded in 1825, the Ben Nevis Distillery offers informative tours of its production facilities. During the tour, you will learn everything about the art of whisky-making, from mashing to bottling. Each tour concludes with a tasting session where you can sample the distillery’s range of whiskies.
Visitors can choose from several tour options, ranging from the standard tour to exclusive tastings featuring rare and aged whiskies. The visitor area also includes a well-stocked shop where you can purchase exclusive bottles and souvenirs. After the tour, it’s worth visiting the cozy café, which serves traditional Scottish dishes. For more information, visit the official Ben Nevis Distillery website.
Exploring Fort William
We ended the day with a stroll through Fort William followed by dinner at a restaurant in the town centre. The town has a charming pedestrian area with plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants. You’ll find some excellent outdoor stores as well as numerous souvenir shops.
If you’re interested in learning more about local history, you can visit the West Highland Museum, which showcases fascinating exhibits. A walk along the promenade by Loch Linnhe offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Tip: If you’re planning to eat at a restaurant in the town centre, make sure to book in advance. Walk-in visits can be difficult due to high demand.
Conclusion: Visit Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct, Ben Nevis
Our stay in Fort William and the surrounding area was an unforgettable part of our Scotland road trip. From the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct to Ben Nevis, this region offered us many highlights. We were especially thrilled with our beautiful holiday apartment* at Loch Linnhe, which provided breathtaking views of the lake.
Scotland Road Trip: Our Top Providers for Booking Your Trip
Here are our preferred providers for travel bookings. We value booking platforms that offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodation and car rentals* thanks to their fast and reliable service, wide selection, and affordable prices.
Get Your Guide* is our first choice for high-quality tours and activities during your travels.
Viator* also offers great tours. When we can’t find what we’re looking for on Get Your Guide, Viator often has good alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our number one choice for finding affordable flights.
