Car Hire Fort William - Mini guide to Fort William

Fort William, in the western highlands of Scotland, is a modern town steeped in clan history and offering dramatic scenery. Located near the foot of Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK - it is not only renowned for its beautiful glens, forests and beaches, but also its fine distilleries, excellent fishing and relaxed atmosphere.

Ben Nevis is the area’s most popular attraction. ‘Nevis’ comes from the Gaelic word for heaven or clouds, and it’s no wonder the mountain acquired such a name as the summit is shrouded by clouds for about 300 days a year. Visitors can hike up to the top along well-established pathways; the journey typically takes between five and seven hours. You can, however, cheat and drive most the way.

There are many sites to see within the town, including the West Highland Museum, which is famous for its Jacobite collections, as well as the Treasures of the Earth Museum, which houses exquisite collections of priceless gemstones and beautiful crystals. The Ben Nevis Distillery is also nearby, where you can tour the distillery and sample its fine Scotch Whiskey.

Throughout the city are excellent restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines as well as fine pubs offering a variety of musical entertainment. For shopping, head to the High street where you can buy everything from Scottish souvenirs to outdoor equipment.

A visit to Fort William isn’t complete without discovering the beautiful countryside and historical sites in the area. Explore Achnacarry Castle and Museum, which houses Bonnie Prince Charlie and Commando artifacts, or the amazing Parallel Roads, which aren’t roads at all but spectacular parallel lines created along the hillsides as the ice melted during the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago. At Great Glen Red Deer Safari, which is also just a short drive away, you can feed the red deer and their foals, go fishing or birdwatching, and wander the nature trails.

Fort William is somewhat isolated, being located in an elongated valley, and can only be reached by car on the A82 which runs north and south for some distance before exiting the ranges on either side of the lochs. Glasgow Airport is less than 100km from Fort William.