At the Foot of Ben Nevis
Luxury self-catering in the Scottish Highlands five minutes from Fort William, with Britain's highest mountain on your doorstep
Torlundy, Fort William
Highwinds Lodge sits in peaceful fields at the foot of Ben Nevis Britain's highest mountain. The wild Highlands are on your doorstep, yet shops and restaurants are just five minutes away.
Ben Nevis — Right Above You
The North Face of Britain's highest mountain towers directly above the lodge. 1,345 metres of drama from your window.
Fort William — 5 Minutes
The Outdoor Capital of the UK. Shops, restaurants, and gear shops on your doorstep — plus Glencoe (30 min), Loch Ness (1 hr), and Isle of Skye (2 hr) all within easy reach.
The location is absolutely unbeatable. Waking up to Ben Nevis every morning, with Fort William just down the road we couldn't have asked for a better base.
— Airbnb Guest, October 2024
Getting Here
However you travel, the journey to Highwinds is part of the adventure. Some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery awaits on the way.
By Car
A82 via Loch Lomond & Glencoe — one of Britain's most scenic drives
A82 via Crianlarich & Glencoe, or A9 via Stirling & Dalwhinnie
A82 along the Great Glen, past Loch Ness
By Train
London Euston → Fort William overnight. Wake up to Highland views. Runs Sun–Fri.
Glasgow Queen St → Fort William (~4h). One of the world's great railway journeys through moor, loch, and mountain.
10-minute drive to Highwinds. Taxis available at the station, or we can recommend local transfers.
By Air
Nearest major airport, ~1 hour drive. Flights from London, Bristol, Manchester, and Dublin.
Wider international connections. 2–2.5 hours drive, or combine with the scenic train journey.
We'd recommend hiring a car — it's the best way to explore the Highlands at your own pace. Free parking and an EV charger at the lodge.
Distances to Highwinds
Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SW · Free parking · EV charger · Get directions
Fort William
The Outdoor Capital of the UK shops, restaurants, gear shops, and everything you need, all on your doorstep.
Shopping
Tesco, M&S, Aldi, independent delis, and outdoor shops including Nevisport.
Restaurants & Pubs
Seafood at Garrison West, craft beer at Black Isle Bar, plus Indian, and amazing Cafes.
Activities
Nevis Range gondola, swimming pool, climbing wall, cinema, and the West Highland Museum.
Essentials
Pharmacies, petrol stations, cash machines, vets, and a well-equipped hospital.
Explore From Your Doorstep
From Britain's highest mountain to fairy-tale castles and white-sand beaches the best of Scotland is right here. These are the destinations our guests love most.
Fort William sits at the heart of the Highlands one of Scotland's finest touring bases. Bag a Munro, explore a medieval castle, or find a white-sand beach, all within an easy drive. These are the destinations our guests return to again and again.
10 min Ben Nevis
Britain's highest peak rises directly above the lodge. Hike to the CIC, tackle the CMD Arete, or simply admire the North Face from your window.
Read our guide
10 min Nevis Range & Gondola
Mountain gondola rides, world-class mountain biking at the World Cup downhill track, skiing in winter, and forest walks year-round.
Read our guide
30 min Glencoe
One of Scotland's most dramatic valleys. The Three Sisters, Buachaille Etive Mor, and some of the finest ridge walks in the Highlands.
Read our guide
30 min Glenfinnan Viaduct
The iconic 21-arch railway viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Watch the Jacobite steam train cross it daily in summer.
Read our guide
45 min Jacobite Steam Train
Often called the greatest railway journey in the world. Runs from Fort William to Mallaig through some of Scotland's most breathtaking scenery.
Read our guide
45 min Camusdarach Beach
Secluded white-sand beach with views to the Small Isles. Featured in the film Local Hero. One of Scotland's best-kept coastal secrets.
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1 hour Loch Ness
Home to the world's most famous monster. Visit Urquhart Castle, take a boat cruise, or drive the scenic A82 along the loch's western shore.
Read our guide
1 hour Eilean Donan Castle
Scotland's most photographed castle, set on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet. A perfect stop on the road to the Isle of Skye.
Read our guide
~2 hours Isle of Skye
Dramatic landscapes, fairy pools, the Old Man of Storr, and colourful Portree harbour. Allow at least a full day — you'll want to stay longer.
Read our guideHighland Weather & When to Visit
The Highlands are wild and changeable and that's part of the magic. Every season brings something different to your doorstep.
The Scottish Highlands have a maritime climate, heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic weather systems that sweep in from the west. Fort William averages around 2,000mm of rainfall per year making it one of the wettest spots in Britain but this is what keeps the landscape so spectacularly green. The upside? Four genuinely distinct seasons, each with its own character. Check our live weather station below for conditions right now at the lodge.
Spring
5–12°CMarch – May
- ● Wildflowers carpet the glens
- ● Lambing season in the fields around Highwinds
- ● Longer daylight and quieter trails
- ● Waterfalls at their most powerful after snowmelt
Pack: Layers, waterproofs, and binoculars for birdwatching
Summer
12–17°CJune – August
- ● Midnight twilight — it barely gets dark
- ● Longest days for hiking and exploring
- ● Beach days on the west coast
- ● Midges peak in July/August — bring repellent
Pack: Sun cream, midge repellent, and light layers
Autumn
8–13°CSeptember – November
- ● Dramatic reds and golds across the glens
- ● Deer rut season — stags roar across the hills
- ● Quieter trails and fewer crowds
- ● Spectacular sunsets over the loch
Pack: Warm layers, a good torch, and a camera
Winter
-2–5°CDecember – February
- ● Snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls
- ● Skiing and snowboarding at Nevis Range
- ● Cosy evenings by the wood-burning stove
- ● Dramatic winter light for photography
Pack: Thermals, waterproof boots, and a good camera
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Wildlife From Your Doorstep
The Highland landscape teems with life. From red deer grazing in the fields around the lodge to golden eagles soaring above Ben Nevis — you won't need to go far.
Sep – Nov Red Deer
Scotland's largest land mammal. The autumn stag rut is one of nature's great spectacles listen for their roar echoing across the glen.
Apr – Jun Golden Eagles
With a wingspan of over two metres, golden eagles soar above Ben Nevis and the surrounding peaks. Watch for them circling on thermals, especially on clear mornings.
Year-round Highland Cattle
The iconic shaggy cows with their sweeping horns are a fixture of the Highland landscape. Gentle and photogenic, they're often spotted in fields along the track to the River Lochy.
Year-round Highland Horses
Hardy and spirited, horses graze in the neighbouring fields — a favourite with children and photographers alike. The Highlands are home to some beautiful native breeds.
Late evening Pine Martens
These shy, cat-sized creatures are making a comeback in Highland forests. Nocturnal and elusive, a pine marten sighting is a rare treat keep an eye out at dusk.
Year-round Red Squirrels
Scotland is one of the last strongholds of the native red squirrel. The Caledonian pine forests near Fort William are a reliable spot to see them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Highwinds Lodge from Fort William?
Can you see Ben Nevis from Highwinds Lodge?
How do I get to Fort William from Glasgow or Edinburgh?
What is there to do near Fort William?
When is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands?
Is Fort William a good base for exploring Scotland?
Is Highwinds Lodge dog-friendly?
How many guests can Highwinds Lodge sleep?
What are the nearest shops and supermarkets to Highwinds?
Ready for the Highlands?
Highwinds Lodge sleeps 10 across five en-suite bedrooms. Ben Nevis views, a cinema room, and all the Highlands on your doorstep.