How To Visit Lochaber, Scotland | Adventures, Road Trips & Hikes
Iconic mountains, thrilling road trips, and outdoor adventures - it’s easy to see why so many visitors flock to Lochaber.
A place for outdoor adventures, fresh air, big skies, and epic landscapes, Lochaber is one of the most popular road trips in Scotland - and for good reason. Easily accessible from major cities Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, this Highland journey is a real adventure, full of unforgettable experiences and an opportunity to get up close & personal with some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery.
The home of Ben Nevis, the Great Glen, the Jacobite Steam Train, west coast wild beaches, the country’s most remote pub, and Highland masterpiece Glencoe.
Lochaber is one of the most popular areas in the southern Scottish Highlands and for good reason - surrounded by stunning scenery, Britain’s highest mountain, there’s heaps of incredible things to do and a never-ending list of outdoor adventures. There’s a thriving foodie and drinks scene here too, with cafes, seafood shacks, restaurants, and lively bars spread across this wild landscape.
There’s a lot to explore in Lochaber. On our meandering road trip, weave your way north through iconic glens from Glencoe to Fort William, visiting Glenfinnan and Kinlochleven along the way, finishing in the pretty coastal villages of Arisaig and Mallaig.
Ready for a Lochaber road trip? Let’s go.
What to see & Do In Lochaber
There’s a lot to see and do in Lochaber.
But where this region excels most is outdoor adventures. 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.
After embracing the outdoors, 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.
There’s more to discover along the coast, and the Road to the Isles follows a sweeping route from Fort William past the Glenfinnan Viaduct to a world of coastal villages and breathtaking wild beaches. Take a wander along the sands of Morar, Arisaig, and Camusdarach and soak in views over the Small Isles and Skye.
Best of Lochaber Road Trip
The best way to experience Lochaber is on a road trip, and one of the most famous roads in Scotland passes through this wild landscape.
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.
While this is one of our favourite routes and takes around three hours from Scotland’s major cities, 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 ever-popular North Coast 500.
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 Highlands itinerary.
Glencoe
Glenfinnan
Fort William
Arisaig
Camusdarach
Mallaig
Inverie, Knoydart
Ardnamurchan
Lochaber Towns & VIllages
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 eateries and hotels.
But the biggest draw is undoubtedly the opportunity for adventures: hiking Ben Nevis, wandering the Great Glen trail, Steall Falls, and discovering Nevis Range.
Glenfinnan
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.
Glencoe
Dramatic, wild, and rugged, Glencoe is best known for its magnificent mountains and sweeping glens such as Glen Etive. This rural 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.
West Coast
Encompassing the western coast of Lochaber, pretty coastal villages and quaint hamlets sit snug amongst wild beaches and crashing seas.
This is an area of natural wonders, volcanic cliffs, untouched woodlands, and white-sand wild beaches, including Ardnamurchan, Arisaig, and Inverie on Knoydart. Despite its obvious beauty, much of this coast is the very definition of a hidden gem - often ignored by visitors seeking more prominent attractions and famous sites. Yet the coastline is well worth exploring and one of our favourite places.
Looking for 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.
