Fort William & Glen Nevis – Scotland’s Wild Heart

Gateway to Adventure

Perched at the foot of Ben Nevis and along the shores of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is the beating heart of the Scottish Highlands. Known as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK,” it offers a perfect blend of raw natural beauty and warm Highland hospitality. The town bustles with life year-round — from hikers fresh off the West Highland Way to visitors stepping off the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous as the Hogwarts Express. Its High Street, albeit looking a bit aged today, brims with cosy cafés, traditional pubs, and shops stocked with everything from artisan crafts to mountaineering gear. Beyond the town, the scenery unfolds into a playground of possibilities: world-class mountain biking at Nevis Range, winter skiing, or tranquil loch cruises where seals and seabirds are never far away. Whether you’re here to conquer Ben Nevis or simply soak in the views, Fort William is where Scotland’s wild heart beats loudest.

Steve at Glen Nevis Peak with out-of-this-world weather that matched the location!

Glen Nevis – Highland Drama at Its Finest

Just minutes from Fort William, Glen Nevis is a masterpiece of nature, and where our campsite was located. It is a lush valley carved by glaciers and flanked by some of Scotland’s highest peaks. The River Nevis meanders through grassy meadows and ancient woodland before tumbling into gorges and waterfalls, most famously the 120-metre Steall Falls. Walking trails here range from gentle riverside ambles to challenging mountain ascents, each revealing fresh panoramas of rugged ridges and deep corries. Wildlife thrives — red deer roam the slopes, buzzards patrol the skies, and in summer we understand that wildflowers carpet the glen. Glen Nevis has also starred on the big screen, its cinematic beauty gracing films like Braveheart and Harry Potter. Whether you seek heart-pounding adventure or soul-soothing tranquillity, Glen Nevis offers an unforgettable slice of the Highlands — dramatic, wild, and utterly captivating.

Glen Nevis in the foreground from Ben Nevis with Loch Linnie in the background

Local Legends & Folklore

The landscapes around Fort William and Glen Nevis aren’t just beautiful, they’re steeped in centuries-old stories that mingle history with myth. One of the most enduring tales is that of the Cailleach, the winter goddess of Scottish folklore, said to dwell among the peaks of Ben Nevis. She is believed to control the weather, summoning fierce storms to guard her mountain home. The River Nevis also carries whispers of legend: water spirits known as kelpies were once feared in its deeper pools, shape-shifting into horses to lure travellers to a watery fate. Out towards Loch Linnhe, sailors spoke of the Blue Men of the Minch — mysterious figures whose riddles foretold the fate of passing ships. Even the ruins of Inverlochy Castle are woven with ghostly lore, with some claiming to see shadowy figures pacing the battlements on misty nights. Whether truth or tall tale, these stories lend an undeniable magic to every step through this wild and storied land. We saw none of these, but the stories are captivating...

The Journey from Skye to Glen Nevis

We took the dark blue route

The journey from Skye to the campsite at Fort William was stunning. Virtually every turn opened stunning vistas.

The initial images below are still on Skye! This was the best weather we had on Skye - whilst we were leaving!

On the A87 near Carbost

On the A87 also near Carbost

On the A87 near Sconser

There's a campsite near Sconser that we would use next time in Skye as it appears there are many amazing hikes nearby..

On the A87, also near Sconser

We then crossed the bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh and continued down the A87, where the scenery takes in beautiful Lochs and Glens. It is an incredible drive alongside Loch Long.

Here you can see Eilean Donan Castle on the banks of Loch Long

This is one of the nicest drives alongside Loch Long on the A87 from Kyle of Lochalsh to Fort William.

We then arrived at the Glensheil Pass - which is another stunning part of the A87 journey. We stopped here to let the dogs stretch their legs.

Lovely walk up the hillside in Glensheil. Another part of Scotland that keeps on giving!

Driving alongside Loch Loyne near Glenmoriston

And we arrived at the stunning Glen Nevis campsite.

Glen Nevis Campsite Location

The Glen Nevis campsite is located perfectly to explore the Glen and Ben Nevis. Whilst a large site, it had a homely atmosphere with views to die for. The weather remained gorgeous and we basked in the sunshine as soon as we arrived.

Sitting in Glen Nevis about 300m from the start point of the route up Ben Nevis. Waking every day to the stunning scenery! Can't recommend this place enough.

What a place!

Literally across the road from the site is the River Nevis. It's a short (300m) walk down the road to the Ben Nevis visitors centre where you can cross the river to walk alongside down to Fort William or up the Glen to the falls (more on that later). For now though, our boys (dogs) were able to cool down in the River - as you'll see in the video below...

The boys are having a great time in the River Nevis - especially Archie! Look how clear the water is!