This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Fort William.
Fort William, the second-largest town in the Scottish Highlands situated on Loch Linnhe and located just three hours from Glasgow, has some stunning scenery and is often used as settings for various movies and TV shows. The town has train and bus links, making it an easy place to reach for anyone on a budget. Fort William has a lot to see in the surrounding area including Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. And if you like Harry Potter, then you can take a train ride on the Hogwarts Express during the summer. It's a great area to explore if you enjoy hiking, kayaking, cycling, or any number of other activities, as there is so much open space to explore.
You have many options for hostels in the Fort William area. If you want to have all the resources of a big town and want to explore the surrounding area, then Fort William is a good base, especially if you do not have your own transportation. If you are planning on making the trek up Ben Nevis then staying in Glen Nevis is a good option as you can start the long hike from right outside your doorstep or just watch the stream of hikers from your dorm room window; there is also a fairly regular bus that stops at the hostel making it a suitable option for anyone without a car. If you are a Harry Potter fan, then staying at Glenfinnan is a great option, as you are right near the Glenfinnan Viaduct, where scenes from "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" were filmed; the Hogwarts Express also travels through the town regularly during summer from Fort William. If you have your own transportation or enjoy remoteness then the hostels located in Corpach, Banavie, and the surrounding countryside would be perfect but public transportation is often a fair distance as are supplies, so be prepared for this.
Written by local enthusiast for Fort William hostels
Keppers