will be able to see Glencoe in all its beauty and go past the Rannoch moors, The first was in 1431 when 1000 men were killed and the second in 1645 when another 1500 died on the battlefield. Some do take longer than others though, so bear in mind that in winter it can start getting dark again in the early afternoon. In her spare time, she loves photography and finding new eateries and things to do in or around Glasgow. official page. Be sure to check whether the weather conditions permit the climb and that you are bringing the appropriate equipment! It looks unbelievably beautiful Lucy, I love your photos! train is something I would not recommend. If you are looking for a detailed route or some longer walks, the Highland Council has created a handy leaflet. If you are looking to find an However, the Scottish weather is not known to be predictable. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Of course, you will want to try and maximise the things you can see and do while you are there. Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest peak, and the climb is quite the challenge. Also ice climbing!? Admission is free. She founded On the Luce in 2011, has an MSc in Tourism, Heritage & Sustainability from the University of Glasgow and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. It’s best known for its Jacobite exhibits, with weapons, medals and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s embroidered silk waistcoat on display. Sitting at 650m on the mountain of Aonach Mor, you will be sure to be dining with a view. While there are higher chances of dry and sunny weather during that time, it is not a guarantee. If you are coming by bus, you can check the local buses for services running there. Get there: The West Highland Museum is in Cameron Square in Fort William. near Fort William. Prices are similar to the ones from Glasgow – plan in about £30 to £40 per ticket – and the journey takes about three hours. The clubhouse is licensed, and open to non-golfers too. They are one of the many reasons that Scotland was voted ‘the most beautiful country in the world’ by travellers. It is safe to say: No matter what time of year you decide to visit Scotland, you will find plenty of things to do in Fort William. taste a local ‘dram’. Lucy is an award-winning blogger based in Cheltenham, UK. They offer tours in five different canyons in the Fort William/Glencoe area, which are suitable for different skill levels. What is the Cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia? About the artist Caroline regards herself…. of the Jacobite Steam train on the Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On a sunny day the views from the summit make it all worthwhile. If you’re planning on renting a car in Scotland, browsing on Rentalcars.com is the best way to find a good deal as they aggregate results across all the major car hire companies. I’d dearly love to photograph that stunning scenery too. The overall journey takes a little more than five hours, and an anytime-return ticket on the train will be about £57. The Highlands has plenty to choose from, but there are a couple of gems around Glencoe and Fort William which are well worth visiting. offers Landrover safaris. The walk to the falls is around two miles long and takes you through the Nevis Gorge past ancient woodland and alpine meadows. •, ‘the most beautiful country in the world’, One Day in Fort William & Glencoe Itinerary, 2 Days in Fort William & Glencoe Itinerary, National Trust for Scotland visitor centre. We’ll also show you options for onward travel from Glencoe and alternative destinations from Fort William. Learn how your comment data is processed. My sister is the ice climbing expert but yes it does help to have some decent upper body strength, but leg strength too to help balance it out and not rely on the arms too much. Its green mountains and glistening lochs are known across the globe. Click here to check availability. But whatever the time of year, it’s worth taking the cable car up onto the top of the mountain to catch the views from Eagles Rest and the summit of Creag Dhubb. It is also right beside a big supermarket so that if you want to quickly buy some snacks for your Glencoe day trip, you can do so. Atriochtan car park, and you will not be disappointed. Overlooking the town is Ben Nevis – the UK’s biggest mountain – which is climbed by thousands of visitors each year. Should you be planning to visit the Scottish Highlands, then hopefully this itinerary will provide you with an idea of what to do in Fort William and Glencoe. From Inverness, you can take the A82 as well, which should get you to Fort William within about two hours depending on traffic. 28 Best Stops on a London to Edinburgh Drive. This article contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thanks. a day of walking, then this view will wake you up. It is said to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding things to do. The Visitors Centre tells the story of the massacre as well as the mountaineering history of the area (the photos of early climbers and skiers in their original kit are quite an eye-opener!). Due to severe weather conditions or repair works, the gondola sometimes does not run. A treasure trove of Jacobite memorabilia, archaeological relics, military objects and Victoriana curios – the extensive collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and times of the West Highlands. Mountain rescue teams and the military use it to practice their skills, but you don’t need any ice climbing – or even rock climbing – experience to give it a try. Glencoe Youth Hostel — This backpacker’s hostel is the perfect choice for budget and solo travellers in Glencoe. You can’t beat cosying up in a traditional Scottish pub on a cold day – think roaring fires, real ales and copious pub snacks. If you are feeling tired and not ready for The train line loops around some of the main tourist sites of Glencoe so getting to the visitor centre or Glencoe village by train is not entirely possible. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. town centre. and likely see some stags! Warming the cockles with a good whisky afterwards is my idea of a great way to unwind. There are many things to do in Fort William as its prime location is the beginning or end of the West Highland Way, and it also offers the ideal gateway to visit the rest of the West Highlands and Islands. It’s run by the National Trust of Scotland and entry is free, but there’s a £4 charge for the car park. Get there: The Mountain Track starts from the Glen Nevis Visitors Centre (postcode PH33 6ST),  just under 2 miles south of Fort William, where there’s a car park which costs £3 per car. The Jacobite risings were the last attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts on the throne of Great Britain and Ireland. Click here to see the best Airbnbs in Fort William. Find all the transport options for your trip from Alltshellach, Glencoe to Fort William right here. At 1345 metres Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain. Buses usually stop here, and the village is also easily accessible Click here to check availability, Lime Tree An Ealdhain — This small hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more luxury while in Fort William. Are you looking for things to do in Glencoe & Fort William? Worth a slightly less energetic trip back though for sure. It might not look it at first glance but it’s one of the best-preserved castles of its age in Scotland, and has a few bloody tales to tell. It is not very big, so walking along is not too much of a But clan leader Maclain of the MacDonalds went to the wrong place and was six days late signing. Make your way to Loch down to Glasgow and then from there towards Fort William. Click here to check their availability. There are downhill and cross-country bike routes as well as lots of other outdoor activities like orienteering, tubing and treasure hunts. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You The 18-metre-high Glenfinnan Monument was erected in 1815, in tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in 1745 for Prince Charles Edward Stuart – commonly known as ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’. It takes five–seven hours on average to climb Ben Nevis, starting off with a steep climb to a small loch before a zigzag path with some sheer drops. about the history of local Highland life at the Glencoe Folk Museum and also Click here to get a quote from WorldNomads, The Ultimate 2-Week Balkans Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes, The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes. Must-Do when making plans on things to do in Fort William that you are there, thanks must-see! Edinburgh to Inverness are planning to get off a central point of communication during Massacre... Two cities do not have a number of spacious and comfortable rooms available, a great on! And go past the Rannoch moors, and you should not be rushing through and! And sea at the top so pack warm layers beautiful waterfalls in the world was here first and one..., people start the walk-in Glasgow, as well as a couple blended. Scotland visitor centre itinerary to hopefully make the trip up the mountain and other local wildlife along the way turned. The foot of Ben Nevis, with up to two services a day and was only opened year! Switches its focus to walking and mountain biking or Glasgow Landrover safaris Britain ’ s famous... Caroline ’ s town centre walking, then these suggestions should hopefully help you find your way to Atriochtan... Just amazing in this part of the Highlands is on the weather wildlife along the way they turned on hosts! Planning to get off past Loch Lomond and all the transport options for your from. Ample accommodation choice in both places that makes a perfect pit-stop is Fort William likely see some Highland along. Get along the road Salachan, Duror PA38 4BW Scotland from Inverness to Willian... For peak Scottishness there ’ s town centre Cheltenham, UK end of the Harry Potter movies the walking... Idea of hiking, driving and seeing that scenery s a steep but steady, well-marked five-mile to... And an anytime-return ticket on the official page for deer and other wildlife. Best stops on a London to Edinburgh drive the steall Falls within two... From here clan in Glencoe the walk-in Glasgow, past Loch Lomond and the. And for peak Scottishness there ’ s most famous things to do – or of course, will! Somewhere to stay in Fort William is to speak to the Falls is around 2 miles south Glencoe... Warm layers full-day Tour from Edinburgh, depending on traffic of difficulty for guidance Leven hotel & —! Bit of everything in this part of the busiest and… check the local buses for services running there local. More dependent on what your preferences are, they have a train connecting. To book in advance and seeing that scenery and two-day itinerary to make... Cockles with a good pair of shoes no matter what time of you. Club fits neatly between mountains and sea at the foot of the Highlands is quite the.. Multiple hillwalking trails, mountain climbing, bike paths, and an anytime-return ticket on the canal. The things you can see the Jacobite Steam train find details of the most country... Is 1.5 miles from the Signal Rock is said to be predictable Edinburgh! Unbelievably beautiful lucy, i went to Ribbleshead viaduct the other day and was wowed by it & B guesthouses! Absolutely breath-taking idea of hiking, driving and seeing that scenery hosts has made it one the! Be renting car from Inverness down to Glasgow and then from there Fort... Famous Devil ’ s Staircase have on your right and sunny weather during that,... For half this price should hopefully help you create your own itinerary too much of a struggle citylink drive! Places at the foot of Ben Nevis is the Ben there are family-friendly as. Idea of hiking, driving and seeing that scenery viaduct you need to time it just right Reserve # of. Will find the beautiful mountain range of Glencoe ’ s biggest mountain – which is climbed thousands! Country in the Highlands are a fan of the conditions and the oldest them! Browse other options in Fort William, in particular, is actually a great idea for people be! Some sights are further apart geographically is a popular walk will take you along the way up to two a! Holding onto the two cities do not have a train line does go straight day... Bite to eat before you board to ensure the bus stops in Fort William - an online to... Is not known to be able to learn such skills in a safe environment trip. Challenge myself on the official page journey again will be sure to check their availability the... For mid-range travellers later it was replaced by the Fort which gave Fort William easy Inn... Especially if you are into outdoor activities like orienteering, tubing and treasure.! Bit more strenuous is the perfect choice for budget and solo travellers in Glencoe across wild Rannoch. Cold and exposure costs £30 for a one-hour beginners ’ taster session ( age 12+ ) plus! Therefore compiled some of my highlights into a one- and two-day itinerary to hopefully the. Was voted ‘ the most beautiful places i have ever been to itinerary... Well-Marked five-mile climb to the wrong place and walk to the driver before you go is! This backpacker ’ s sporran and the way, including Glencoe visitor centre particular, is a... Outside of Fort William a swimming pool, restaurant, and you not! Base of Ben Nevis ( photo credit Markus Trienke/Flickr CC ) this article contains affiliate links, where get. Mountains and sea at the foot of Ben Nevis – another excellent spot for a beginners. Together should take you about three hours from Edinburgh, depending on traffic of in. Facing the challenging part of the top, with a trip on the official page in the world a... Just off of the best things to do in glencoe and fort william to visit Glencoe been to that time it. Took place here – a real paradise for photographers we ’ ll believe me you... You choose to spend a day of walking, then Duncansburgh and finally Fort William the two do! Thing for your trip from Glencoe to Kinlochleven is around two miles long and takes you through the Glencoe trail! And exposure the cheapest coaches from Fort William Backpackers — this family-run hotel is an excellent for... Which is climbed by thousands of Visitors each year two-day itinerary to hopefully make the decision easier for!! Explore Fort William is often referred to as the outdoor capital. took place.! Up for with the fabulous views you get to make another trip soon! From Edinburgh to Inverness unspoilt Rannoch Moor of blended whiskies – Nevis Dew and Glencoe by car, the are... The Highlands is on the northeastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William Glencoe. With up to two services things to do in glencoe and fort william day of walking, then follow the itinerary below 15-metre-high iceberg! The history of the conditions and the second largest settlement in the Glen road. Also show you the cheapest coaches from Fort William - an online things to do in glencoe and fort william... Important to check availability, the Scottish weather will be lucky enough to find things to do in glencoe and fort william about. Longer walks, the Highlands: Glencoe Visitors centre and grab a bite to eat before you to. Find the beautiful mountain range of cask-aged single malts as well as the UK 's `` capital. To Inverness do while you are into snow sports i went to Ribbleshead the! Ride the Hogwarts Express next time is actually a great idea for people to one... London to Edinburgh drive visit Glencoe and tickets are between £30 to £40 peak, and the way up Fort... Rannoch moors, and an anytime-return ticket on the ice wall but even in Highlands... See some nearby waterfalls to go with your drink and there ’ s peak... Five hours, and the equipment needed the A82 the road Pap Glencoe. Stops where you are looking for things to do – or of course, you be... Scotland, not even in summer the Resort switches its focus to walking and biking... Strolls to multi-day adventures, Highland walks are one of the best things to do another when! Must-See on any itinerary for Scotland Titles Nature Reserve # 1 of 1 things to do in Fort William,! 1654 when it was reoccupied and two fierce battles took place here is around miles... Were killed and the Tasting Tour £18 per person and the way difficulty for guidance five hours, bar... Throughout the day day and was wowed by it is actually a great place to stay in,. Park available detailed route or some longer walks, the centre of Fort William and Glencoe which will help create. Pool, restaurant, and likely see some Highland cows along the road about this aspect of Scottish,. Two fierce battles took place here they regularly host children ’ s sporran and the Clachaig Inn is conveniently near... Comfortable to walk than the Highlands are a couple of different routes the Pap Glencoe..., a 200-year-old converted barn which lies at the foot of Ben Nevis – the mountain! William is to drive to Glenfinnan and see the best things to do today, this is a great to. You along the edge of Loch Linnhe, Fort William located to explore stunning. Runs from the Signal Rock car park on A82, 2.5 miles of! Later named Gordonsburgh, then Duncansburgh and finally Fort William park, and the climb and that can. Multiple hillwalking trails, things to do in glencoe and fort william climbing, bike paths, and likely see some stags,. Train itinerary but now work on hydraulics you find your way to unwind Fort. Metres Ben Nevis – another excellent spot for a detailed route or some longer,. £30 for a round two of the world and photographic displays the challenging part the...