Fort William Attractions

 
The busy resort of Fort William lies at the south end of Caledonian Canal. It makes an excellent starting point for excursions into the unspoiled Northwest Highlands and also for ascents of Ben Nevis.

Local people find employment in the aluminum works, a paper factory, and, increasingly, tourism.

Fort William, after which the town was eventually named, was built in 1654 by General Monk, at Inverlochy, for Oliver Cromwell following the 1st Jacobite Rising. When William of Orange came to the throne the village, as it then was, was re-named Maryburgh, in 1690, after his consort Mary. The small town was later re-named Gordonsburgh after the Duke of Gordon its (land) Superior. When Gordon went broke, for want of a better word, the Camerons took over the Superiority and the town was re-named Duncansburgh after Sir Duncan Cameron of Fassfern. In a final change the town's name became Fort William after William Augustus "The Butcher" Duke of Cumberland." There is an interesting cross at the west end of the High Street commemorating these changes.
Picture of Ben Nevis

Read More Ben Nevis

The 4,406 feet tall Ben Nevis Peak is the most prominent attraction in Fort William.

Read More Carn Mor Dearg

Read More West Highland Museum

On display at the West Highland Museum are weapons, traditional costumes, information on the West Highland Railway, and other items related to the history of the area.

Read More Aonach Mor

Read More Fort William Extravaganza

Storm clouds over Ben Nevis.Ben Nevis, Fort William
Distant view to the peak of Ben Nevis.Ben Nevis, Fort William
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Pictures of Fort William
Distant view to the peak of Ben Nevis. Be sure to check out our awesome photos of Fort William!