Big scenery. Family adventures. Plenty to discover.
Fort William is a brilliant base for a family holiday in the Highlands.
From mountain gondolas and woodland walks to steam trains, waterfalls, castles, museums and boat trips, there is plenty to do whether you are travelling with younger children, teenagers or a mixture of both.
And because The Owlery is a whole house, you can head out for the day, come back, put your feet up and decide what tomorrow looks like.
Ben Nevis & Glen Nevis
Mountains without having to climb them
Ben Nevis may be the UK’s highest mountain, but a family day around Glen Nevis does not have to involve reaching the summit.
There are walks and viewpoints throughout the glen, with dramatic scenery all around you. For families who enjoy being outdoors, it is an easy place to spend anything from an hour to most of the day.
The Steall Falls walk is one of the best-known local outings, reached through spectacular Nevis Gorge. Your guest guide already highlights it as one of the area’s key attractions.
A note for families: Highland weather can change quickly, so choose walks appropriate to your children’s age and experience and go properly equipped.
Photograph
Glen Nevis, Steall Falls, or a wide family-friendly landscape rather than a summit shot.
Nevis Range
Take the easy way up
For a mountain experience without the climb, Nevis Range is a great family option.
Ride the gondola, enjoy the views, take a walk from the upper station or watch the mountain bikers in action. Depending on the season, there are also cycling and winter activities.
This is one of those days that can work for a wide range of ages, particularly if not everyone in the family wants the same level of activity.
Glenfinnan & the railway to Mallaig
A journey everyone remembers
A trip west from Fort William towards Glenfinnan is one of the classic Highland days out.
The famous railway crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct before continuing towards Mallaig, with spectacular scenery along the way. The steam train is the obvious attraction, but your guest guide also points out that the regular scheduled train follows the same route and offers the same remarkable views.
For families, that makes this a particularly easy day: sit back, enjoy the journey and let someone else do the driving.
Photograph – Glenfinnan Viaduct or train.
Rainy day? No problem.
When the Highlands do what the Highlands do
A little rain does not have to spoil the day.
In Fort William itself, the West Highland Museum offers an easy introduction to the history of the area.
You can also visit Treasures of the Earth, with its displays of crystals, gemstones and minerals — the kind of place that can work particularly well with younger visitors.
Or simply keep the day flexible: explore Fort William, stop for lunch, then return to The Owlery and enjoy having your own space rather than feeling obliged to stay out all day.
Loch Linnhe
See the Highlands from the water
The Owlery overlooks Loch Linnhe, so it makes sense to experience it from the water as well.
Boat trips operate from Fort William, with opportunities to enjoy the scenery and look for local wildlife, including seals. Your guest guide already recommends this as one of the area’s family-friendly activities.
Even without taking a boat, the loch is part of the experience of staying at The Owlery — changing light, weather and views throughout the day.
Bikes, walks and outdoor days
For active families, Fort William has no shortage of options.
The area is well known for mountain biking, and the guest guide lists several local bike-hire options, including services in Fort William and at Nevis Range.
Whether that means a full day on the trails or something gentler, it gives older children and teenagers another reason to get out and explore.
A family base for the wider Highlands
Fort William also puts you within reach of:
Glencoe
For dramatic scenery, short walks and memorable road trips.
The Road to the Isles
For beaches, viewpoints and a journey towards the west coast.
Mallaig
A destination in its own right, and a useful jumping-off point for exploring further.
Local history and heritage
From museums to castles and Highland landmarks.
Back to The Owlery
Room to relax at the end of the day
Family holidays are better when everyone has a little space.
After a day in the mountains, on the train, beside the loch or exploring Fort William, return to The Owlery, cook together, relax in the living space and plan tomorrow at your own pace.
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