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Visiting fort william without a car: a 3-day itinerary.

Are you considering visiting Fort William without a car? Thanks to its good bus and rail links, Fort Bill (as it is affectionately called) is the perfect base from which to explore the West Highlands by public transport, including historic Glen Coe.

Hit the ground running with my tried and tested 3-day Fort William itinerary. At the end of the article, you’ll find practical tips for planning your trip to Fort William, along with recommendations for places to stay and eat.

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IN THIS ARTICLE

FORT WILLIAM CAR-FREE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

DAY 1: Glen Nevis Walk, West Highland Museum

DAY 2: Jacobite steam train to Mallaig

DAY 3 : Glen Coe

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

• Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge
• Steall Falls
• Caledonian Canal 
• Inverlochy Castle
• Ben Nevis Distillery

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round

GETTING AROUND: Fort William is easily explored on foot. For adventures further afield, take a bus or train.

3-Day Fort William Itinerary

Day 1 (morning): walk in glen nevis.

Start your first day in Fort William with a sensational walk. The 6-mile Cow Hill circular path should take you 2 – 3 hours to complete and promises unforgettable views of Fort William, Loch Linnhe, Loch Eil, the Ben Nevis range and Glen Nevis. 

Although there are some steep ascents and descents this is an easy-moderate walk . Signposted paths are good throughout, although there are a few sections that are stony.

I wore a pair of walking shoes but you could get away with doing the walk in a decent pair of trainers. A walking pole would be useful for the descents but is not strictly necessary.

This walk loops all the way around Cow Hill , where local people used to graze their cattle. To reach the start of the walk, make your way to Fort William’s Leisure Centre on the road heading east out of town. The path begins at the foot of the hillside behind the leisure centre.

Climb through deciduous woodland of mainly birch trees before reaching open heathland with fine views of Fort William and Loch Linnhe. I did this walk in early June when the landscape was ablaze with gorse, rhododendrons, foxgloves and bluebells.

It’s not long before the path curves into the magnificent Glen Nevis and into a forest plantation of larch and spruce.

Day 1 (Afternoon): West Highland Museum, Fort William

Located in the heart of the town, the West Highland Museum is one of the best things to do in Fort William when it’s raining. This delightfully old-fashioned museum – I loved the typewritten information cards – traces the history of the West Highlands .

Arranged over eight rooms, the collection begins with a section dedicated to the World War II Commandos who received their famously tough training in nearby Lochaber. Other highlights include a birching table, treasures from the Spanish Armada, a collection of ancient charms, and gifts given by Queen Victoria to her loyal servant John Brown.

But the main draw of the West Highland Museum is its collection relating to the Jacobite rebellion and Bonnie Prince Charlie , familiar to anyone who’s seen a few episodes of Outlander . There are pieces of the Bonnie Prince’s kilt, quasi-religious relics that include a single hair, secret portraits, snuff boxes with his image and his death mask.

Day 2: The Jacobite steam train to Mallaig

Railway journeys don’t come more iconic than that travelled by The Jacobite steam train, also known as The Harry Potter Train .

This 41-mile section of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig takes in lochs, mountains and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Its popularity has soared due to its appearance in the Harry Potter movies.

Leaving Fort William, The Jacobite crosses the Caledonian Canal past Neptune’s Staircase and continues its journey along the shores of Loch Eil . Forested valleys alight with purple rhododendrons herald the train’s approach to the superstar of the Fort William to Mallaig route: The Glenfinnan Viaduct .

The steam train passes Loch Eilt and Loch nan Uamh before making a brief stop at Arisaig , Britain’s most westerly railway station. In the distance, you should be able to spot the islands of Rum, Eigg and Muck and the white sand beaches of Skye . 

Finally, the seagulls squawk their welcome as you reach Mallaig .

The Jacobite is an understandably popular day trip from Fort William and you will need to book it well in advance. Make your reservation via West Coast Railways .

READ THIS NEXT : Riding the Magical Harry Potter Train in Scotland

Day 3: Glen Coe

The final day of your Fort William itinerary is spent taking a day trip to Glen Coe . This spectacularly scenic glen is hugely popular with hikers, hillwalkers and mountaineers, and its moody beauty has secured its place as a location shoot for films including Skyfall and the Harry Potter franchise.

Glen Coe was the scene of one of the bloodiest reprisals of the Jacobite uprising, the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. Learn more about this at the Glencoe Visitor Centre .

When you’re finished at the visitor centre, it’s time to hit one of the many walking trails that lace through Glen Coe. There are waymarked trails starting at the Glencoe Visitor Centre. Alternatively, take the easy River Coe walk that starts in Glencoe village and ends at Loch Leven next to Invercoe campsite.

There’s not much to detain you in Glencoe village. However, the Glencoe Folk Museum is worth a visit if you have an hour to spare (or if it’s chucking it down with rain).

Getting to Glen Coe from Fort William

There is no train station close to Glen Coe.

Glasgow-bound CityLink buses and the local Shiel Buses operate between Fort William and Glen Coe, stopping at the Glencoe crossroads (for Glencoe village). The CityLink buses also stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre.

From Fort William, it’s an easy and scenic drive to Glen Coe along the A82.

READ THIS NEXT : The Best Day Trip from Fort William to Glencoe

More Things to Do in Fort William and Beyond

There is no shortage of things to do in Fort William and beyond if you have more time there. Here are a few suggestions.

Visit the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge

I stayed overnight in Spean Bridge, ten miles northeast of Fort William, en route to Inverness. However, it is easy to visit Spean Bridge as a day trip from Fort William.

The main attraction in Spean Bridge is the Commando Memorial, a bronze sculpture of a group of soldiers commemorating those who trained at nearby Achnacarry. 

Visit the Commando Memorial by taking a circular walk along a waymarked trail.

This starts near the Aonach Mòr Hotel in Spean Bridge and follows the River Spean to the remains of a former railway viaduct and the ruins of General Wade’s High Bridge . Built in 1736 over Spean Gorge, this was the site of the first skirmish of the 1745 Jacobite uprising, in which 11 loyalists saw off two companies of soldiers.

The path then follows a short section of Wade’s military road before cutting across moorland to the Commando Memorial.

Although there is a train station at Spean Bridge, there are only three services per day. Your best bet is to catch one of the many buses that stop at Spean Bridge (Shiels Buses or CityLink).

Walk along Steall Falls

If I had to pick another Glen Nevis walk, I’d plump for the Steall Falls hike .

Considered to be one of the finest short walks in Scotland, this 4.5km walk should take you around 90 minutes to complete.

The starting point of the walk is the Glen Nevis Car Park, seven miles southeast of Fort William. To get here by bus, take the seasonal N42 Shiels Bus service.

Stroll along the Caledonian Canal to Neptune’s Staircase

The Caledonian Canal connects Scotland’s east coast at Inverness to Coppach near Fort William on its west coast. Built by the great Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19 th Century and around 60 miles in length, the Caledonian Canal links lochs with stretches of hand-dug canals.

Neptune’s Staircase , a dramatic flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal, is the longest staircase flight lock in Scotland. If you’re lucky, you’ll see boats move from one end of Neptune’s Staircase to the other (this takes approximately 90 minutes).

Given more time, I would have completed the easy 3-mile walk that follows the canal from Fort William to Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. This walk should take around one hour. 

Visit Inverlochy Castle

A little further northeast of Neptune’s Staircase are the ruins of Inverlochy Castle.

Built in the 13 th Century by the Comyn family, Inverlochy Castle was abandoned when their sworn enemy, Robert the Bruce, ascended the Scottish throne. The castle was later reoccupied and was the scene of two bloody battles in 1431 and 1500. It was finally abandoned in 1654 and replaced by Fort William.

Inverlochy Castle is an extension of Neptune’s Staircase walk from Fort William. It is also served by local and CityLink buses.

Down a dram at Ben Nevis Distillery

Let’s face it; no trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a whisky distillery (I highly recommend the Oban Distillery ).

The good news is that Fort William has its own distillery, Ben Nevis Distillery , just under two miles northeast of Inverlochy Castle. It is open Monday to Friday year-round and on Saturday and Sunday in the summer months.

Climb Ben Nevis

For many people, climbing Ben Nevis will be the number one reason for visiting Fort William.

It takes between seven and nine hours, up and down, to climb Britain’s highest peak. Whilst you don’t need specialist equipment to scale Ben Nevis’s popular north face, it is a tough climb. In the latter section, steps give way to slippery shale and rocks, and visibility is frequently poor.

Not for me. Give me a whisky distillery any time.

Take a gondola ride up the Nevis range

Are you looking for spectacular views and clear mountain air but are not able or willing to climb Ben Nevis? Then why not take a gondola ride up Aonach Mòr , Scotland’s 8th-highest mountain?

It takes the gondola 15 minutes to ascend from the base station at 100m to the top gondola station at 650m.  From the top station, there’s a choice of two easy walks or you can simply enjoy the view.

To reach the gondola station by bus, take the N41 Shiels Bus service (in the direction of Roybridge). The journey should take around 25 minutes from Fort William.

W hen is the Best Time to visit Fort William?

Fort William is a year-round destination.   To say that Scottish weather is unpredictable is putting it mildly, but visit between May and October for the best chance of dry(ish) days. In midsummer, there’s also the advantage of long days.   Take heed of an old Scandinavian saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes” and come prepared. Even if the forecast predicts sunny days ahead, pack a waterproof, layers and a decent pair of waterproof shoes. Scotland is not known for heatwaves.   When I visited in June, the weather was mixed but decent and the countryside was lush and in full bloom. If you want to see wildflowers at their best, May – June is the best time to visit Fort William.    Come winter, we’re talking snow season and the Nevis range is a hugely popular destination for both skiers and snowboarders. However, unless you are an experienced hillwalker, you should avoid hillwalking in winter.

How to Get to Fort Willliam by Public Transport

How to get to fort william by train.

Fort William is one of the stops on the West Highland Railway from Glasgow. Thought to be one of the most scenic routes in the world, the train travels along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and through the bleak wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

The line splits at Crianlarich, with one branch going to the lovely town of Oban (one of my favourite places in Scotland) whilst the second veers northwest to Fort William.

The train journey from Glasgow to Fort William takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

On this trip to Scotland, I took the Caledonian Sleeper all the way from London Euston to Fort William. There’s something special about leaving London by night and waking up in the Scottish Highlands.

The train station at Fort William is just north of the town centre, adjacent to the main A82 road.

READ THIS NEXT: Caledonian Sleeper First Class Review: Is the Club Room Worth It?

Getting to Fort William by Bus

If you are setting out from destinations that aren’t on the West Highland Line, notably Inverness and Glen Coe, you will need to catch a bus. CityLink buses serve Fort William’s bus station, which is adjacent to the train station and next to an enormous Morrison’s supermarket.

Services between Glasgow and Fort William operate about eight times a day and the journey time is a little over three hours. Glasgow-bound buses also serve Glen Coe.

Buses run from Inverness around seven times a day. The journey time is a touch over two hours.

Where to Stay in Fort William

Fort William has a range of places to stay, including hotels, holiday rentals and bed and breakfasts that line the main Achintore Road (A82) south of the town centre. If you don’t have a car, check where your B&B is located; some of these establishments are a considerable distance out of town. 

Premier Inn Fort William

I’m a fan of this British budget hotel which offers comfortable, if basic, accommodation at affordable prices in great locations. This Premier Inn is a solid budget choice – Fort William’s accommodation can be pricey in high season – located on the other side of the train and bus station.

Although the room was a little tired, it was clean and functional and offered unbeatable value. For an honest lowdown, read my review of the Premier Inn in Fort William .

>>> CLICK HERE FOR OTHER TRAVELLERS’ REVIEWS & RATES

Here are a few alternative accommodation options that I have found that are well worth considering

MacLean Guest House

This highly-rated guest house is in a great location, on the main road and is less than a 5-minute walk from the town centre and train and bus stations. Rooms have a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK

Alexandra Hotel

This imposing 3-star hotel located between the train station and Fort William town centre features a guest lounge (with an open fire in season). Single rooms are available for those who are travelling alone.

Where to Eat in Fort William

Little Fort William punches above its weight when it comes to cafes and restaurants. Here are places that I tried and can recommend.

The Ben Nevis

This was my favourite place to eat in Fort William. A cracking combination of friendly service, great ambience and first-rate food. My main of sea bass wrapped around a crab meat roulade on a bed of sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables was outstanding.

Advance booking is recommended.

Address: 103 High Street, Fort William

The Geographer

Another highly recommended restaurant in Fort William, opposite The Ben Nevis. It has a small but perfectly formed menu, including excellent fish and chips and their own brew, Sandals & Sausage Dogs American pale ale.

As The Geographer doesn’t take bookings from June to September, get there early for a table or be prepared to wait.

Address : 88 High Street, Fort William

The Wildcat

The Wildcat café is wildly popular for very good reasons. This guilt-free vegan restaurant has a carefully curated menu, excellent coffee – ask to try their filter coffee of the day – and super friendly staff.

Set yourself up for the day with their hearty bowl of porridge with cinnamon, apple and raisins.

Address: 21 High Street, Fort William

Morrison’s Supermarket Café

For a cheap, freshly cooked full Scottish breakfast and surprisingly good machine coffee.

Address : An Aird, Road (near the bus station and train station)

Solo Travel in Scotland

Scotland is one of the best solo travel destinations in the world .

From its lush rolling hills and mirror-like lakes to its blindingly white beaches, Scotland is home to some of the most striking and  diverse landscapes  to be found anywhere. It’s a walker’s and photographer’s paradise.

Scotland is relatively  safe , the  locals are very friendly and speak English . There is a  wide variety of accommodation , from a thriving hostel scene and cosy bed & breakfasts to boutique and castle hotels.

It’s easy to get around . Whilst driving is the easiest way to explore Scotland, this is not for the faint-hearted. Some roads in the Highlands and islands are single lanes punctuated with passing places that you can pull into if necessary.

I travelled in Scotland  without a car  and managed just fine using buses, trains and day tours.

Scotland’s major towns and cities are linked by train and bus (Scottish Citylink runs long-distance express coach services).

I have taken day trips with the local  Rabbie’s Tours  who were excellent. Group sizes are small and the knowledge and humour of their drivers/guides are first-rate.

Is it Worth Visiting Fort Willam, Scotland?

Hand on heart, Fort William is not the most attractive Scottish town that you will visit. Although its main street is pleasant, its waterfront has been wrecked by traffic roaring along the adjacent dual carriageway.

That said, the town is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery that the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Add to that Fort William’s excellent transport links, which place other destinations, near and far, within easy reach if you are touring Scotland without a car.

For these reasons alone, Fort William is an essential part of any Scotland itinerary.

Thank you for reading my guide to visiting Fort William without a car

I hope that it helps you plan a car-free and trouble-free holiday. If you have found this article helpful, take a look at some of my other Scotland articles:

• A Perfect 3 Days in Inverness: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• 10 Best Day Trips from Inverness Without a Car
• 15 Easy Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train or Bus
• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Oban, Scotland in Two Days
• 7 Best Things to Do in Inveraray, Scotland 
• 8 Best Things to Do in Tobermory, Mull  

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

Amazing Scotland Itinerary: 7 Days in Scotland

S cotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From stunning mountains to lovely lochs and glens, prettiest castles to popular movie locations, world-famous whiskies to thousands of years of fascinating history – there is so much to see and explore in this small country. We would recommend spending at least seven days to see the best of Scotland and are sharing our recommended 7 Days in Scotland Itinerary with you.

Late spring to summer is the best time to visit this country when the weather stays pleasantly warm and dry, and the days are longer. However, the Scottish weather is very unpredictable – you can get rain any time of the year.

Our 7-day itinerary starts and ends in Edinburgh. It has an international airport and is well-connected with the rest of the world. Glasgow Airport is also not too far from Edinburgh. It’s easier and more convenient to travel by car to follow our itinerary, but it is also possible to do it by public transport.

Day 1 Scotland Itinerary – Edinburgh

What better way to start your journey than visiting the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh? This ancient city’s Old Town and New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Narrow winding streets, imposing churches, medieval buildings, world-class museums, and art galleries – there is an abundance of  things to see and do in Edinburgh .

The first stop is at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, sitting dramatically over an extinct volcano, Castle Rock. Dating back since the 11th century, it has seen many invasions and sieges throughout history. Inside, you will find the National War Museum, the Royal Palace and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Also, you will get an excellent panoramic view of the city from the castle.

After visiting the castle, head down to the Royal mile to see the Holyrood Palace – the royal home of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. You can explore the ornate state apartments, throne room, and the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey within the palace garden. Get an audio guide from the reception and listen to the riveting history of the palace.

Did you know that Edinburgh has a close connection with the beloved young wizard, Harry Potter? In a small cafe in the Old Town, author J K Rowling wrote the early books of that series, drawing inspiration from many nearby historical places in the city. Potter fans would love visiting the Elephant House, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street – Edinburgh’s Diagon Alley. End your day with some traditional Scottish food. Pop into Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House at Old Town and try Haggis – the national dish of Scotland.  Where to Stay – Edinburgh

Day 2 Scotland Itinerary – Stirling via Falkirk + Loch Lomond

Today, you will visit a medieval castle, an iconic Scottish heritage site, and a scenic lake surrounded by stunning mountains. Grab a cup of coffee before hitting the road. Leaving Edinburgh behind, drive towards Stirling, with a pit stop to see the Kelpies in Falkirk. Marvel at the two gigantic, metal horse-head sculptures representing the mythical creature (kelpies) from Scottish folklore. Built to remind visitors about the horse-powered industrial heritage of Scotland, they are the tallest equine sculptures in the world. Also take a look at the Falkirk Wheel, a Scottish Canal with a very futuristic design.

Your next stop is Stirling, a city steeped in thousands of years of history. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the largest and best castles in Scotland. Built in the 15th century, this medieval castle was once the primary royal residence in Scotland. It is also one of the most besieged castles in Scottish history. Wander around the Great Hall, Royal Chapel, and the gardens. The breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside, the National Wallace Monument, and the surrounding hills from the castle promenade is not to be missed. 

Next on today’s itinerary is Loch Lomond, which without a doubt, is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions and a favourite sight amongst locals and tourists. It is the largest freshwater lake by surface in the whole of Britain. Take a boat trip and explore the beautiful villages and islands across the lake. Luss is one such charming village with cute flowery houses. It is considered one of the  prettiest villages in Scotland . If you are a fan of water adventures, you will find several options like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Where to Stay – Balloch

Day 3 Scotland Itinerary – Glen Coe + Fort William

Driving through Glen Coe – a mountainous valley in the Scottish Highlands is one the most scenic road trips in the UK. It takes about 1.5 hours to get here from Balloch, Loch Lomond. Be prepared to get captivated by the wind-swept wild landscapes on your way. In addition to this picturesque route, take a short detour via nearby Glen Etive. James Bond movie Skyfall was filmed here. 

At the end of your journey, you will reach Fort William – the outdoor capital of the UK. The mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, towers over the town. There are plenty of fun things to do in Fort William. Pay a visit to the West Highland Museum and learn about the fascinating history of this region, wander around the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle and visit Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal.

But the main attraction of Fort William is the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, which runs between Fort William and Mallaig. Popularly known as the Hogwarts Express, it was featured in the Harry Potter movies. This 41-miles long train journey is widely considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the World. You will be mesmerised by the postcard-perfect sceneries of the surrounding landscape. One of the highlights of your journey would be crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct – an iconic architectural marvel. The train terminates at Mallaig, a picturesque small port village.

Spend some time relaxing at the harbour. If you are feeling hungry, grab some delicious lunch at the nearby restaurants and cafes before returning to Fort William. Where to Stay – Fort William

Day 4 Scotland Itinerary – Isle of Skye

Of course, a Scotland itinerary is not complete without a visit to the Isle of Skye. Skye is an incredibly beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides, famous for its rugged landscapes. There are two ways to reach Skye from Fort William. You can either drive through the Skye Bridge or catch a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, a village on the southern fringe of Skye.

Your first stop on the island is the magical Fairy Pool, one of the most visited and best tourist attractions on the Isle of Skye . It is a web of small waterfalls in the backdrop of the majestic Cuillin Mountains. If you are visiting here on sunny summer days, you can take a dip into the clear turquoise water of the pool. You can easily spend a few hours here admiring the breathtaking view.

Today our next stop is the Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on this island. Regardless of whether you are a whisky fan or not, visiting a distillery is a must for any trip to Scotland. There are options for guided tours and tastings. You will learn a lot about the history of the distillery and the process of making their whiskies. The guided tour lasts for around 45 minutes. 

Just about 30 min drive from the distillery is our next destination – Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. It’s the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Take a tour of the castle, and wander around its beautiful gardens. You can also go on a boat trip across Loch Dunvegan to visit the Seal Colony. Where to Stay – Portree

Day 5 Scotland Itinerary – Isle of Skye

Portree is a picturesque town on the Isle of Skye. This vibrant town has a beautiful harbour with an array of colourful houses. It is a great place to base and explore most of the attractions on the Isle of Skye. Just drive for about 12-minutes from Portree to visit the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula. The iconic pinnacles are one of the best-known rock formations in the whole of Britain. Go on a two hours hike to get close to the mighty Storr – It’s not a very tough walk. If you don’t fancy this walk, you can still get a marvellous view of this imposing mountain on your way to the next destination.

Next, visit the famous Kilt Rock, a 180 ft tall cliff with Mealt Falls flowing down to the sea. Head to the nearby An Corran beach at Staffin to find old dinosaur footprints that date back to millions of years ago. We bet you did not expect to see this in Scotland. They are only visible during low tide.

Pop inside the Staffin Dinosaur Museum to learn about the dinosaur fossils found in this area. Not too far from here is the Quiraing – one of the most dramatic landscapes in Skye. It consists of a large grassy surface (table), a sharp pointy pinnacle (needle), and a unique rock formation that looks like a medieval keep. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from here. You can hike the entire Quiraing circuit in a couple of hours.

Must be tired and hungry after all the hikes? Portree has a fabulous seafood scene. You will find award-winning chip shops, many seafood restaurants, and pubs at the heart of this town. Where to Stay – Portree

Day 6 Scotland Itinerary – Eilean Donan Castle + Loch Ness + Inverness

Today you will say goodbye to the magical Isle of Skye and drive to the mainland. If you plan to visit any castle in Scotland, you must include Eilean Donan Castle during your seven days in Scotland. It’s one of the most photographed castles in Scotland and appeared in many movies and TV series. Book a tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating and colourful history.

No visit to Scotland is ever complete without visiting the world-famous Loch Ness. Spanning over a length of around 37 Km, it is the largest freshwater lake by volume in Britain and the home of the mythical Loch Ness monster, Nessie. There are plenty of things to enjoy here. Step inside the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking Loch Ness. It has an intriguing history of over 1000 years. The perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this loch is by hopping on a boat cruise. Boat leaves from many different places on the shore of the loch. Sit back, relax and admire the stunning surrounding landscapes. There are a few beautiful small, charming villages dotted around the loch. Fort Augustus is one of them. Take a stroll along the beautiful Caledonian canal here.

Next, head towards the last stop of the day – Inverness. Popularly known as the capital city of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a vibrant and historic city of Scotland. River Ness flows through the heart of it. Admire the view from the imposing Inverness Castle, shop at the Victorian Market, and marvel at many of the city’s stunning churches. End the day at a traditional Scottish pub with live music. Where to Stay – Inverness

Day 7 Scotland Itinerary – Drive back to Edinburgh: Stop at Aviemore and Pitlochry

Well, today is the last day of the 7-day Scotland Itinerary. Take a leisurely walk around the Inverness City Centre. Pop into Inverness Museum and Art Gallery before heading towards Edinburgh. Inverness to Edinburgh takes around three hours by drive. We will stop at a few beautiful places on the way. The first stop would be at Loch Morlich near Aviemore at the heart of famous Cairngorms National Park – about 40 min drive from Inverness.

Enjoy the stunning view of the lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. You can also do kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding if you are into water sports. The next stop is at Pitlochry, a pretty town in Perthshire. Take a walk around the Faskally Woods (especially in autumn), soak in the breathtaking scenery from the Queen’s View.

If you still have time and energy, take a tour at Blair Athol Distillery. There are plenty of independent shops and cafes in the Pitlochry town centre. Buy souvenirs and gifts for your friend and family before the final leg of the journey.

Edinburgh is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Pitlochry. On your way, reminisce all the beautiful memories you have created over the past few days. Hope you will be back again to explore more of this bonnie part of the world.

Moumita and Sankha of Chasing the Long Road are travel bloggers living in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have been extensively travelling in Europe and the UK since 2014 and are very passionate about exploring the world, discovering local cultures and cuisines, and capturing the travel moments. Moumita is an award-winning travel photographer. Follow them on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest .

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Global sport stars and documentary premiere set for Fort William

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series turns its attention to Scotland. The world’s very best downhill mountain bike riders will converge on Fort William for the opening round of the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup from 3 to 5 May 2024.

The event will draw thousands to the UK’s outdoor capital for the ultimate weekend of downhill mountain bike racing. It offers fans a chance to watch mountain biking’s biggest stars take on the iconic Nevis Range track, which is revered as one of the longest and toughest courses in the world.

The UCI Mountain Bike World Series Fort William is the official season opener for the UCI Downhill World Cup. It is proudly supported by EventScotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and the Highland Council.

A historic event

The 2024 edition promises to be one of the biggest in the sport’s history. Seven-time Fort William winner Greg Minnaar (Norco Factory Racing) will join Scottish hero Reece Wilson (Trek Factory Racing) and returning champion Charlie Hatton (Continental Atherton MTB Race Team) in the men’s elite field.

World champion Valentina Höll (YT Mob) and British star rider Tahnée Seagrave (FMD Racing) feature in the women’s elite field.

Top international riders and homegrown talent are all vying to position themselves on the podium at one of the most legendary venues in the sport.

Rider navigates rocks at the Mountain Bike World Cup

Image Credit: Nevis Range

Cable car above a rider at the Mountain Bike World Cup

Rider at the mountain bike world cup, crowds at the mountain bike world cup at fort william, what else can spectators enjoy.

Away from the track, the expo village showcases leading cycling brands. Mountain bike enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test the latest bike technology at the Shimano Test Track and rub shoulders with world class riders and teams moving through the elite athlete corridor before racing begins.

New for this year, fans can watch from the Red Bull fan zone, or enjoy the racing from a new grandstand uniquely positioned before the finish. This will offer unmatched views of the final airborne descent towards the line.

The Fort William crowd can expect to see the strongest calibre of riders take on the 2024 edition. None more so than serial winner Greg Minnaar.

As the luminaries of mountain biking descend into Fort William for the biggest UK race of the year, Warner Bros Discovery Sport will host an exclusive private premiere of a new mountain bike documentary Greg Minnaar: Not Done Yet .

This will be shown at the Highland Cinema on Tuesday 30 April, ahead of airing on Eurosport 2 at 9pm on Wednesday 1 May.

Scotland is the perfect stage for events and EventScotland is proud to be continuing its support of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Fort William. Following the success of the Mountain Bike Downhill at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, this year’s UCI World Cup will provide the ideal opportunity once again come together and share a memorable experience as the world’s best riders battle it out for victory on the iconic Nevis Range course. Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events

How can I get to Fort William?

It's never been easier to get trackside. Exclusive ride and travel packages available in partnership with Citylink for direct access to the venue from either Glasgow or Edinburgh. There are also discounts on all tickets available to Young Scot members.

Spectator parking is only available at dedicated park and ride sites, with a free shuttle service in full operation across the weekend.

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Fort William is set to inspire future generations of Scottish downhill mountain bike talent. There is a schools day event on Friday 3 May, and Scottish Cycling’s Mini Downhill Final on Saturday 4 May, ahead of the main event.

Credit: Citylink

Related links

More accolades for the 2023 uci cycling world championships, eventscotland attends sportaccord as silver partners, supported events, scotland's national events strategy.