A short trip only unfortunately so I'm looking for some advice! I was planning on getting the train to Fort William from Glasgow but have't heard the best things.
I won't have a car so was hoping to use it as a bit of a base where I could potentially hire a bike from to do some local rides, or do day trips to Glencoe ect. Thoughts on if Fort William is the best sport for me to stay? or should I venture further?
What have you heard about the train from Glasgow to Fort William. I've heard that its one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world?
Have you heard bad things about the train ride or about Fort William? Personally I loved Fort William and the surrounding areas particularly Glen Nevis. Glen Nevis is (IMHO) more beautiful than Glencoe. If you like biking and hiking you will have more than enough wonderful options for 4 days.
I think with a short time, you have to look at what is the most convenient for you. I spent 4 days there and enjoyed it. But I will say we had a car. We rode to the top of Ben Nevis (well, to wherever the gondola goes), rode the train to Mallaig and back, took a boat ride, watched the canal boats at Neptune’s Staircase, drove to the Caledonian Canal and watched a couple of the same boats, took a ride on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus, among a few other things. You’ll want to see what can be reached by public transportation or bus.
Cycling between FW and Glencoe is not really on, as the A82 is a very busy, fast major trunk road.However there are plenty of options around the town, using the Caledonian Canal and other paths for bikes.Local bike agencies will be able to give you plenty of advice.
The views over to Ben Nevis and the neighbouring mountains from the Gairlochy area are gorgeous.
You could also cycle up Glen Nevis.
I prefer Glencoe to Glen Nevis - you can reach this area via bus or taxi.There are various walk options - check walkhighlands excellent website for details.My own take on enjoying the area (though more suited to having a car) is in the link below:
https://annestravelsandhikes.com/2021/02/13/the-best-of-glencoe/
The train journey to Fort William is stunning for most of the way once you are out of the city.
The town itself is not particularly pretty or picturesque as such workaday at best but it has plenty of amenities and is always busy.`Good local museum too.It’s certainly a good base if you don’t have your own transport.
You can also do the train journey from FW out to Mallaig via Glenfinnan which is just beautiful.And/or out to Arisaig on a sunny day where you can also do a brilliant day trip out to one of the Small Isles - I’d recommend Eigg.
More on the island from my own experience of a number of visits here:
https://annestravelsandhikes.com/2018/07/13/the-beautiful-island-of-eigg-beaches/
