The Complete Guide To Lochaber, Scotland | The Outdoor Capital
A wild landscape set with historic villages and packed with outdoor adventures, Lochaber in Scotland is one to remember. One of my favourite regions on our Highlands journey, this is a complete guide to visiting Lochaber.
I’ve spent much time in Lochaber, between travels and living in its capital town Fort William for over a year. It’s one of the most popular areas in the western Scottish Highlands, and for good reason - surrounded by stunning scenery and Britain’s highest mountain, there are heaps of incredible things to do and a never-ending list of outdoor adventures.
However, Lochaber is a bit of an unsung hero when it comes to road trips, and it often gets overlooked in favour of the famous options like the NC500 and the Isle of Skye. Many visitors will only stop for a peek at the landscapes before continuing their journey to further flung destinations.
But Lochaber is quite a gem and provides a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery (without driving so far north). A largely rural region packed with natural wonders, I think you’ll appreciate how truly spectacular it is. Read on for my tips for exploring Lochaber, where to stay, memorable eateries, and walking trails.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Lochaber:
Hotels
The Garrison, for the best small hotel in busy town Fort William.
Isle of Glencoe Hotel, for the best stylish hotel stay in Glencoe.
Glencoe House, for the best luxury hotel stay in Glencoe.
Mingarry Park, for the best lux-boutique stay on Arndamurchan.
Things to do
If you’re planning a trip to Lochaber, don’t miss my 7 to 10 day West Coast itinerary and guides to Fort William, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Arisaig.
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Scotland is straightforward, and driving in the Highlands is easy, though you’re best off knowing about our single-track roads. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Lochaber Travel Guide | Essential Tips
Is visiting Lochaber worth it?
In short, yes. There’s a lot to see and do in Lochaber and its an outstandingly beautiful region. Think Ben Nevis, the Great Glen, the Jacobite Steam Train, pretty wild beaches, forest trails, and iconic Highland glens. But it’s not all about the outdoors, and there’s a thriving foodie and drinks scene here, with cafes, seafood shacks, restaurants, and lively bars spread across Lochaber’s town and villages.
What is there to do in Lochaber?
Outdoor adventures are where this region excels most. Home to the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, the iconic Munros at Glencoe, and countless forest and coastal walks, no matter which area you choose to visit, one thing is certain - you’ll need your walking boots.
However, there are many excellent cafes, restaurants, and traditional pubs to relax in. And even more great places to stay, including boutique hotels, stunning cottages, and lux glamping options. Plus, there’s more to see and do along the coast, and the Road to the Isles follows a sweeping route from Fort William past the Glenfinnan Viaduct to quaint coastal villages and beautiful wild beaches at Morar, Arisaig, and Camusdarach.
And, while this is one of our favourite places in its own right, many travellers will choose to go further. Fort William is the perfect launching point for a journey onto the magical Isle of Skye. Alternatively, for a much bigger trip, continue north to Inverness and the start of the NC500.
Best way to get around Lochaber?
The best way to experience Lochaber is on a road trip, and this region is easily accessible from major cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness.
And, if you’re coming from the south, you’ll drive along one of the most famous roads in Scotland. Most travellers will start in Edinburgh or Glasgow and head north into the Highlands, converging in the town of Tyndrum. From there, the A82, often considered the UK’s best road, takes you on a whirlwind journey through stunning mountainscapes and barren moorland as it cuts its way through Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and onwards to Fort William.
We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland.
However, for those looking to use public transport, the West Highland Line will take you to Fort William, via a very scenic journey. While the Caledonian Sleeper also connects you from London to Fort William.
Where to visit in Lochaber
Covering a vast area of the Southern Highlands, Lochaber stretches from Glencoe to Fort William, then further west along the Road to the Isles - the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Silver Sands of Morar, Arisaig, Camusdarach, and finally port town Mallaig. There are peninsulas to visit, too - remote Knoydart, across the water from Mallaig. And wild Ardnamurchan, from the Corran Ferry at Fort William.
If you’re looking for inspiration, below you’ll find a list of our favourite places to visit in Lochaber. Or check out our ready-made West Highlands itinerary.
Glencoe
Glenfinnan
Fort William
Arisaig
Camusdarach
Mallaig
Inverie, Knoydart
Ardnamurchan
Things to do in Lochaber, Scotland
1. Visit Outdoor Capital Fort William
The largest town and de-facto capital of Lochaber, Fort William’s mountains and glens have drawn visitors seeking outdoor adventures for years. Today, you’ll find a bustling high street and outdoor stores alongside dozens of cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Though Fort William doesn’t necessarily have grand attractions, there are plenty of fun things to do, including e-bike hire, the canal walk or cycle, and my personal favourite - this seal spotting boat trip, which is an enjoyable thing to do on a sunny day and spins around the Loch Linnhe coastline.
The biggest draw, however, is the opportunity for adventures: hiking Ben Nevis (we’ll get to that below), wandering the Great Glen trail, the trail to Steall Falls, and discovering Nevis Range.
2. Hike Ben Nevis
Hiking to the summit of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, is a bucket list moment for many travellers. A popular trail amongst outdoor enthusiasts and novice walkers alike, the Ben Nevis route has become an in-demand destination in its own right, a steep and demanding hike that takes a full day.
The route starts from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and takes around seven hours, depending on your fitness level. And though views from the summit can be glorious, you’ll need to be prepared for the unpredictable Scottish weather!
3. Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Most famous for its soaring bridge and locale in those wizarding movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and surrounding wild landscape are iconic Scottish must-sees. For those seeking a glimpse of the Jacobite steam train, visit between April and October. The best viewpoints are from the steep hillside, which offers a glorious view of the train crossing the viaduct.
4. Spend the day in Glencoe
Dramatic, wild, and rugged, Glencoe is best known for its magnificent mountains and sweeping glens such as Glen Etive. This wild paradise is perfect for walks and hikes, scenic vistas, and road-tripping, with plenty of great places to eat and stay.
Our guides take you into the heart of this Highland masterpiece, where you’ll discover iconic sites, adventures, and scenic viewpoints. And, of course, the best walks, from easy forest trails at Glencoe Lochan to more challenging routes like Pap of Glencoe and onwards to the summits of Glencoe’s soaring Munros.
5. West Coast Wild Beaches
Encompassing the western coast of Lochaber, pretty coastal villages and quaint hamlets sit snug amongst wild beaches and crashing seas. This is easily one of my favourite places in Scotland, and the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches at Morar, Arisaig, and Camusdarach are postcard-perfect.
With sheltered bays, this is a perfect place for watersports and wild swims, and there are often people paddling, kayaking, and SUP’ing here. The best spots are Traigh Beaches near Arisaig, a scattering of picturesque coves and gently sloping little beaches.
6. Take the Corran Ferry to Ardnamurchan
Despite its obvious beauty, the Ardnamurchan peninsula is the very definition of a hidden gem, often ignored by visitors seeking more prominent and famous beaches further north. Yet this area has natural wonders, volcanic cliffs, untouched woodlands, and wild beaches, and it is very much worth exploring.
There are three ways to get to Ardnamurchan, the most popular being the Corran Ferry from just outside Fort William (this is the option I recommend). This small car ferry hops back and forth over Loch Linnhe daily, and the crossing to Ardgowar only takes 20 minutes. Your other option is a slow drive from a narrow road near Glenfinnan or Lochailort.
Once on Ardnamurcha, the best places to visit are Sanna Bay for its volcanic black sands, Arndamurchan Lighthouse for its wild coastal scenery, Castle Tioram for its tidal ruins, and Arndamurchan Distillery for its award-winning whisky.
However, be warned. This peninsula, though small, is also incredibly remote, and its single-track road network means getting around can be slow going. So, if you’re short on time, take the ferry over for an afternoon trip and visit Nomad Cafe at the pier, Corran Point Lighthouse, and a short cycle or walk around the loch.
The best Lochaber restaurants
Black Isle Bar, Fort William
If you ask me where to eat, I’d say head straight here. Set on Fort William’s high street, they create freshly made wood-fired pizzas and excellent organic beer. During the day, you can order salads with veg from Black Isle’s organic garden alongside sides like stonebaked garlic bread. Super delicious with a relaxed atmosphere and sharing tables.
The Crannog, Fort William
If you’re looking for something a little more formal and want to sample Lochaber’s exceptional seafood, The Crannog at Garrison West is a must. Be sure to book a table in advance because it fills up quickly, but plates include fish, seafood, and locally sourced venison.
Stiff Peaks, Glencoe
Our go-to for French patisserie-style sweet treats, hearty foccacia sandwiches, and baked goods like haggis and mustard sausage rolls. The best casual option for a takeaway lunch or a sweet treat in Glencoe.
Kingshouse Restaurant, Glencoe
Another of my favourite places to eat in Lochaber, this time for hearty, traditional Scottish dishes. The Kinghouse Restaurant (inside the hotel of the same name) overlooks Glencoe’s spectacular scenery, and the views are pretty breathtaking. Stop in for a hot chocolate by the roaring fire, even if you're not eating.
Nomad Cafe, Ardnamurchan
Excellent coffee (including chai & gingerbread lattes and hazelnut cappuccinos) and sweet treats served from a quirky caravan at Ardgowan; worth hopping over on the Corran Ferry for.
Crofters Rest, Arisaig
This busy West Highland pub and eatery serves crowd-pleasing seafood platters and classic dishes near the coast. We’ve had drinks here but never eaten, but it is always busy with locals and tourists alike.
Glenfinnan Coffee Co.
Excellent takeaway coffee near the famous Viaduct; a stop at this funky horsebox coffee spot is a must!
The Bakehouse, Mallaig
Our go-to baked goods, artisan bread, and patisserie on the West Coast. There’s often sourdough pizza on offer, though we (sadly) haven’t tried it yet.
The Old Forge, Knoydart
Tucked away on the Knoydart peninsula, The Old Forge is generally considered Britain’s most remote pub. It’s also community owned and run, sells beers from the local brewery, and the menu uses local produce in its hearty, Scottish dishes.
Looking for Scotland inspiration?
To make your trip planning easier and smoother, we’ve handpicked the best places in Scotland to visit, eat, stay, and see. Explore our guides and itineraries, crafted with local knowledge and personal experiences.
