United Kingdom / Scottish Highlands & Skye / Glencoe & Fort WilliamGlencoe & Fort William
The Grandest Glen, Ben Nevis and the Harry Potter Viaduct
The western Highlands: Glencoe's steep glen and the Three Sisters, Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) above Fort William, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, crossed by the Jacobite steam train (the Hogwarts Express in the films) in the summer season. Fort William is the base: 3 hours 45 from Glasgow on the scenic West Highland line, 3 hours by Citylink coach through Glencoe, or overnight from London on the Caledonian Sleeper. Weather changes fast: the Ben Nevis path needs a full day and proper gear.
Highlights
- Glencoe drive and the Three Sisters viewpoint
- Glenfinnan Viaduct (time it for the Jacobite)
- Steall Falls walk
- Ben Nevis summit (a full, hard day)
- Nevis Range gondola
- Jacobite steam train to Mallaig (summer)
Things to do
- Glencoe viewpoints and the Lost Valley walkMorning · 4h
- Glenfinnan Viaduct and MonumentAfternoon · 3h
- Steall Falls walk in Glen NevisMorning · 3h
- Ben Nevis summit hikeMorning · 8h
- Jacobite steam train to Mallaig and backApr–OctMorning · 6h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: May – September
Heads up
Highland Midges
From early summer to September, clouds of tiny biting midges come out on still, damp days, especially at dawn and dusk near water and in the glens. Wind and sun keep them away. Carry a repellent sold locally (Smidge and others) and a head net for evening walks, and keep car windows shut at lochside stops.
Worth knowing
Highland Winter: Short Days, Many Places Shut
From November to March many Highland B&Bs, cafés, boat trips and tours close for the season, and the Jacobite steam train doesn't run. Days are short (about six and a half hours of daylight in Inverness at midwinter), and snow and ice can close the high roads through Glencoe and to Skye for hours. Book what is open, carry warm, waterproof clothes, and check Traffic Scotland before driving.
- Highland games — Summer gatherings across the Highlands with caber-tossing, hammer-throwing, pipe bands and Highland dancing; the Braemar Gathering on the first Saturday of September is attended by the royal family. Small local games are cheap and friendly; check each town's date.