Fort William in Highlands is the largest town in the area and only the second largest in the north after Inverness. It has been a settlement around a Fort called William after Willem van Oranje (William of Orange). The town that grew around it was called Marysburgh after Williams wife and after a few name changes the complete area was named Fort William, but this time the William in question was The Duke of Cumberland (Prince William) As this man was also known as "the butcher of Cumberland" there have been initiatives to rename the town again, but nothing has come of it as of yet.

Due to its location fort William has become the UK capital of hill walking and climbing. The town can be reached by train via Glasgow or even in an overnight sleeper from London. There is a canal called the Caledonian Canal which connects the east coast near Inverness with the west coast at Corpach (near Fort William).

Thanks to its unique location it has become known as a base for everyone that is looking for hill walking and climbing adventures. It is located close to Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the UK and Glen Nevis.

There are excursions to the nearby mountains, but one can also stay closer to Fort William and enjoy the lochs nearby. The town is located on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. This makes for terrific scenes from your hotel room over the water which can be both idyllic and terrifying at the same time depending on the season.

If you do not like hiking or watching water then there is a world famous mountain biking trail just outside of the town where there are legs of the mountain biking world cup as well as the "witches trail" which attracts even more cyclists then the world cup trail.

Did you know that Fort William is also made famous by the TV and movie business? Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix's openings scene was shot here as well as scenes from Braveheart, Highlander, Rob Roy and Being Human. The Monarch of the Glen is one TV programs that has been filmed here in parts. Others include Rockface and Local Hero.

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The Fort William Tourist Board gives comparable information to this page. If you require more information about Fort William, you may be able to obtain it from the Fort William Tourist Board.