Things to Do Near Fort William
From wild Munro summits to hidden white-sand beaches, from world-class mountain biking to award-winning Highland restaurants — everything the Scottish Highlands has to offer is right on your doorstep at Highwinds Lodge.
Find Your Next Adventure
Nine hand-picked guides covering every way to enjoy the Highlands — from summit to shoreline.

Cycling
World-class mountain biking at Nevis Range and scenic road routes through the Great Glen and beyond.

Family
PopularFrom steam trains and wildlife parks to climbing centres and go-karting — 16 brilliant child-friendly activities near Fort William.

Food & Drink
Award-winning restaurants, cosy Highland pubs, and the best places to eat and drink in Fort William.

Day Trips
Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan, and more — unforgettable full-day adventures from your doorstep.

Beaches
PopularSecret white-sand coves and dramatic coastal walks — the Highlands' best-kept beach secrets.

Wildlife
Golden eagles, red deer, otters, and red squirrels — where to spot Scotland's most iconic wildlife.

Rainy Days
Museums, indoor activities, and cosy retreats for when the Highland weather has other plans.

Photography
Top ratedThe best viewpoints, golden-hour spots, and composition tips for capturing the Highlands at their finest.
We've lived and explored around Fort William for years, and every recommendation in these guides comes from personal experience — walks we return to in every season, restaurants we book for special occasions, and beaches worth the drive. These are honest recommendations from our doorstep, the places we'd send our own friends and family.
Right On Your Doorstep
Highwinds Lodge sits at the foot of Ben Nevis in Torlundy, perfectly positioned for exploring the Scottish Highlands. Scotland's most famous walking routes are a short drive away, world-class restaurants are just down the road in Fort William, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain are barely half an hour along the coast.
“Our group of 10 were all overjoyed with the quality of accommodations at Highwinds. We all loved having ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds and a huge social kitchen. The location was scenic and peaceful. Excellent communication from our host Jonathan.”
“If this property is available, then book it! We were blown away both inside and out! Jonathan has thought of everything you could possibly need. There was so much space for our family of 8, and we had most incredible views from every window.”
“This house is truly exceptional. The home is large and beautifully laid out with all the high quality amenities you could want. The location is stunning and very convenient to Ben Nevis as well as trips to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Fort William train to Mallaig.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place for our wedding and from start to finish he was amazing. The house itself really is a home from home and it was everything you could ever need. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window.”
“Absolutely outstanding stay at Highwinds Lodge! The location is unbeatable — nestled in peaceful fields with breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, yet just a short drive from Fort William. The lodge itself is beautifully appointed, with every detail thoughtfully considered.”
“We are a group of 5 couples travelling from Australia to do the West Highland Way and chose Highwinds as a chance to chill out and relax after the walk. Could not have asked for a better spot! Jonathan has been available and responsive from time of booking.”
“Probably our best Airbnb experience ever! Used it as home base to explore Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Fort William area. Sunset out the window and from the front yard was breathtaking and made Ben Nevis at the other end of the road glow. Terrific hosts, terrific house, terrific views, terrific location!”
“Exceeded expectations. The property is at a perfect location, away from busy town yet within reachable distance of shops and restaurants. Great views to peak of Ben Nevis from the property.”
“Amazing stay. Our family of 9 had plenty of space and enjoyed everything about the place. We wished we'd stayed longer! The surrounding area is even more spectacular though. Views of the mountain and fields around made it easy to forget about the outside world and relax.”
“The setting is something out of a movie, the backdrop a dream and the peace and quiet you experience is out of this world. It's close to a Castle hotel that has breathtaking pictures. Lots of good food close by and a great little town to shop at.”
“A beautiful modern fully equipped hi-tech home in a peaceful gorgeous location yet close to everything we might need for shopping and restaurants. We rented Highwinds for the month of June. Jonathan and Andrew were amazing hosts in preparing for our visit.”
“We had an absolutely wonderful stay in Fort William. The house was amazing — immaculately clean, beautifully kept, and had everything we could possibly need. The views from the house were stunning and made the stay even more special.”
“Great high class home with all amenities and fabulous views of Ben Nevis.”
“Everything about our stay was fantastic. The location is superb, down a beautiful road with jaw-dropping views. Jonathan is very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed.”
“This house was our favourite lodging by far of the four rentals we had in Scotland. The location is beautiful with sheep and horses right outside our door and a wonderful view of Ben Nevis. The facilities were fantastic — tons of space and many bathrooms.”
“This was our second stay at Highwinds and it was fantastic yet again. Jonathan is a fabulous host and the house is simply stunning. The house is well positioned to explore everything from Loch Ness to the walks of Glencoe.”
“Absolutely fantastic stay! Wish we had stayed longer. The house was spotless, perfectly located for hiking up Ben Nevis and it was so gorgeous for a weekend away.”
“After a busy day of hiking, heading home to Jonathan's place was perfect. The view is spectacular and my favourite seat in the whole house was exactly what he described — the view of Ben Nevis.”
“This place is the perfect Airbnb to stay if you are visiting Fort William! The place is 10 mins drive to Ben Nevis, was spotless and had everything you would want at a place away from home.”
“Amazing stay and hosts were very responsive. Great amenities and personal touches were very appreciated. Great location for doing the Ben Nevis hike.”
“Top notch accommodation for the Fort William area. Beautiful spacious and warm house with stunning views. Jonathan was an amazing host with so many thoughtful touches too. One of the best places we've ever stayed at on Airbnb.”
“The most beautiful Airbnb we have ever been to. We loved the sheep and horses at the farm nearby, and loved that the house was so close to the main areas for shopping and groceries.”
“Our stay was exceptional! From the generous welcome spread, to the stunning landscape views with surrounding mother and baby sheep and horses, we were all very sad to leave! It was a home away from home.”
“The house has wonderful views of Ben Nevis and is on a quiet street with a pasture of sheep across the street. With local grocery stores so close, we ended up eating most meals in rather than dining out. I would absolutely recommend this house.”
“Jonathan's house is brilliant — really good spec and lots of space. The view out to Ben Nevis from the house is spectacular and you can walk out to hills easily directly from the house.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place while we were in Scotland for our wedding. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window. It's a perfect place to go away with friends or family.”
“Beautiful country location. Where the sheep and the horses roam! Walk in ready with amenities that made it feel like home.”
“The home and location were both stunning and exactly as described. Jonathan recommended some great places in the area to visit. Would definitely recommend and stay again.”
“Our group of 10 were all overjoyed with the quality of accommodations at Highwinds. We all loved having ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds and a huge social kitchen. The location was scenic and peaceful. Excellent communication from our host Jonathan.”
“If this property is available, then book it! We were blown away both inside and out! Jonathan has thought of everything you could possibly need. There was so much space for our family of 8, and we had most incredible views from every window.”
“This house is truly exceptional. The home is large and beautifully laid out with all the high quality amenities you could want. The location is stunning and very convenient to Ben Nevis as well as trips to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Fort William train to Mallaig.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place for our wedding and from start to finish he was amazing. The house itself really is a home from home and it was everything you could ever need. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window.”
“Absolutely outstanding stay at Highwinds Lodge! The location is unbeatable — nestled in peaceful fields with breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, yet just a short drive from Fort William. The lodge itself is beautifully appointed, with every detail thoughtfully considered.”
“We are a group of 5 couples travelling from Australia to do the West Highland Way and chose Highwinds as a chance to chill out and relax after the walk. Could not have asked for a better spot! Jonathan has been available and responsive from time of booking.”
“Probably our best Airbnb experience ever! Used it as home base to explore Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Fort William area. Sunset out the window and from the front yard was breathtaking and made Ben Nevis at the other end of the road glow. Terrific hosts, terrific house, terrific views, terrific location!”
“Exceeded expectations. The property is at a perfect location, away from busy town yet within reachable distance of shops and restaurants. Great views to peak of Ben Nevis from the property.”
“Amazing stay. Our family of 9 had plenty of space and enjoyed everything about the place. We wished we'd stayed longer! The surrounding area is even more spectacular though. Views of the mountain and fields around made it easy to forget about the outside world and relax.”
“The setting is something out of a movie, the backdrop a dream and the peace and quiet you experience is out of this world. It's close to a Castle hotel that has breathtaking pictures. Lots of good food close by and a great little town to shop at.”
“A beautiful modern fully equipped hi-tech home in a peaceful gorgeous location yet close to everything we might need for shopping and restaurants. We rented Highwinds for the month of June. Jonathan and Andrew were amazing hosts in preparing for our visit.”
“We had an absolutely wonderful stay in Fort William. The house was amazing — immaculately clean, beautifully kept, and had everything we could possibly need. The views from the house were stunning and made the stay even more special.”
“Great high class home with all amenities and fabulous views of Ben Nevis.”
“Everything about our stay was fantastic. The location is superb, down a beautiful road with jaw-dropping views. Jonathan is very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed.”
“This house was our favourite lodging by far of the four rentals we had in Scotland. The location is beautiful with sheep and horses right outside our door and a wonderful view of Ben Nevis. The facilities were fantastic — tons of space and many bathrooms.”
“This was our second stay at Highwinds and it was fantastic yet again. Jonathan is a fabulous host and the house is simply stunning. The house is well positioned to explore everything from Loch Ness to the walks of Glencoe.”
“Absolutely fantastic stay! Wish we had stayed longer. The house was spotless, perfectly located for hiking up Ben Nevis and it was so gorgeous for a weekend away.”
“After a busy day of hiking, heading home to Jonathan's place was perfect. The view is spectacular and my favourite seat in the whole house was exactly what he described — the view of Ben Nevis.”
“This place is the perfect Airbnb to stay if you are visiting Fort William! The place is 10 mins drive to Ben Nevis, was spotless and had everything you would want at a place away from home.”
“Amazing stay and hosts were very responsive. Great amenities and personal touches were very appreciated. Great location for doing the Ben Nevis hike.”
“Top notch accommodation for the Fort William area. Beautiful spacious and warm house with stunning views. Jonathan was an amazing host with so many thoughtful touches too. One of the best places we've ever stayed at on Airbnb.”
“The most beautiful Airbnb we have ever been to. We loved the sheep and horses at the farm nearby, and loved that the house was so close to the main areas for shopping and groceries.”
“Our stay was exceptional! From the generous welcome spread, to the stunning landscape views with surrounding mother and baby sheep and horses, we were all very sad to leave! It was a home away from home.”
“The house has wonderful views of Ben Nevis and is on a quiet street with a pasture of sheep across the street. With local grocery stores so close, we ended up eating most meals in rather than dining out. I would absolutely recommend this house.”
“Jonathan's house is brilliant — really good spec and lots of space. The view out to Ben Nevis from the house is spectacular and you can walk out to hills easily directly from the house.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place while we were in Scotland for our wedding. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window. It's a perfect place to go away with friends or family.”
“Beautiful country location. Where the sheep and the horses roam! Walk in ready with amenities that made it feel like home.”
“The home and location were both stunning and exactly as described. Jonathan recommended some great places in the area to visit. Would definitely recommend and stay again.”
“Our group of 10 were all overjoyed with the quality of accommodations at Highwinds. We all loved having ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds and a huge social kitchen. The location was scenic and peaceful. Excellent communication from our host Jonathan.”
“If this property is available, then book it! We were blown away both inside and out! Jonathan has thought of everything you could possibly need. There was so much space for our family of 8, and we had most incredible views from every window.”
“This house is truly exceptional. The home is large and beautifully laid out with all the high quality amenities you could want. The location is stunning and very convenient to Ben Nevis as well as trips to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Fort William train to Mallaig.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place for our wedding and from start to finish he was amazing. The house itself really is a home from home and it was everything you could ever need. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window.”
“Absolutely outstanding stay at Highwinds Lodge! The location is unbeatable — nestled in peaceful fields with breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, yet just a short drive from Fort William. The lodge itself is beautifully appointed, with every detail thoughtfully considered.”
“We are a group of 5 couples travelling from Australia to do the West Highland Way and chose Highwinds as a chance to chill out and relax after the walk. Could not have asked for a better spot! Jonathan has been available and responsive from time of booking.”
“Probably our best Airbnb experience ever! Used it as home base to explore Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Fort William area. Sunset out the window and from the front yard was breathtaking and made Ben Nevis at the other end of the road glow. Terrific hosts, terrific house, terrific views, terrific location!”
“Exceeded expectations. The property is at a perfect location, away from busy town yet within reachable distance of shops and restaurants. Great views to peak of Ben Nevis from the property.”
“Amazing stay. Our family of 9 had plenty of space and enjoyed everything about the place. We wished we'd stayed longer! The surrounding area is even more spectacular though. Views of the mountain and fields around made it easy to forget about the outside world and relax.”
“The setting is something out of a movie, the backdrop a dream and the peace and quiet you experience is out of this world. It's close to a Castle hotel that has breathtaking pictures. Lots of good food close by and a great little town to shop at.”
“A beautiful modern fully equipped hi-tech home in a peaceful gorgeous location yet close to everything we might need for shopping and restaurants. We rented Highwinds for the month of June. Jonathan and Andrew were amazing hosts in preparing for our visit.”
“We had an absolutely wonderful stay in Fort William. The house was amazing — immaculately clean, beautifully kept, and had everything we could possibly need. The views from the house were stunning and made the stay even more special.”
“Great high class home with all amenities and fabulous views of Ben Nevis.”
“Everything about our stay was fantastic. The location is superb, down a beautiful road with jaw-dropping views. Jonathan is very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed.”
“This house was our favourite lodging by far of the four rentals we had in Scotland. The location is beautiful with sheep and horses right outside our door and a wonderful view of Ben Nevis. The facilities were fantastic — tons of space and many bathrooms.”
“This was our second stay at Highwinds and it was fantastic yet again. Jonathan is a fabulous host and the house is simply stunning. The house is well positioned to explore everything from Loch Ness to the walks of Glencoe.”
“Absolutely fantastic stay! Wish we had stayed longer. The house was spotless, perfectly located for hiking up Ben Nevis and it was so gorgeous for a weekend away.”
“After a busy day of hiking, heading home to Jonathan's place was perfect. The view is spectacular and my favourite seat in the whole house was exactly what he described — the view of Ben Nevis.”
“This place is the perfect Airbnb to stay if you are visiting Fort William! The place is 10 mins drive to Ben Nevis, was spotless and had everything you would want at a place away from home.”
“Amazing stay and hosts were very responsive. Great amenities and personal touches were very appreciated. Great location for doing the Ben Nevis hike.”
“Top notch accommodation for the Fort William area. Beautiful spacious and warm house with stunning views. Jonathan was an amazing host with so many thoughtful touches too. One of the best places we've ever stayed at on Airbnb.”
“The most beautiful Airbnb we have ever been to. We loved the sheep and horses at the farm nearby, and loved that the house was so close to the main areas for shopping and groceries.”
“Our stay was exceptional! From the generous welcome spread, to the stunning landscape views with surrounding mother and baby sheep and horses, we were all very sad to leave! It was a home away from home.”
“The house has wonderful views of Ben Nevis and is on a quiet street with a pasture of sheep across the street. With local grocery stores so close, we ended up eating most meals in rather than dining out. I would absolutely recommend this house.”
“Jonathan's house is brilliant — really good spec and lots of space. The view out to Ben Nevis from the house is spectacular and you can walk out to hills easily directly from the house.”
“We stayed at Jonathan's place while we were in Scotland for our wedding. It's beautiful inside, with the most stunning views out of every bedroom window. It's a perfect place to go away with friends or family.”
“Beautiful country location. Where the sheep and the horses roam! Walk in ready with amenities that made it feel like home.”
“The home and location were both stunning and exactly as described. Jonathan recommended some great places in the area to visit. Would definitely recommend and stay again.”
Your Perfect Base Camp
Luxury self-catering for up to 10 guests at the foot of Ben Nevis. Five en-suite bedrooms, stunning mountain views, dogs welcome, and the perfect launchpad for every Highland adventure.