Holiday cottages near Ben Nevis to rent

Holiday cottages near Ben Nevis

Standing 1,345 meters above sea level, Ben Nevis is the tallest peak in the British Isles. Located in the Grampian Mountains, in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, it attracts more than 100,000 hikers hoping to ascend the summit each year.

Ben Nevis - from the Gaelic ‘Beinn Nibheis’, translating to venomous mountain or mountain with its head in the clouds, offers visitors fantastic views across the West Highlands. Visitors can enjoy adrenaline-fueled hikes and climbs with breathtaking views of wild, rugged terrain and deep glacial valleys. There are two routes to scale Ben Nevis. The Mountain Track is the most popular route and is good for beginners whilst the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route presents a challenge for more experienced hikers.

There is so much to see in this beautiful corner of Scotland that the best way to explore is to stay locally and make the most of this fantastic location. With so many holiday homes on offer, there’s so much to choose from. Choose between double bedrooms and twin rooms, fully fitted kitchens and free wifi. From your bedroom window marvel red squirrels, golden eagles and other wildlife or, even better, views of Ben Nevis. Choose a place with road parking to make the most of a car ride to Fort William.

Scaling Ben Nevis is a popular bucket list item so it only makes sense to turn it into a mid-week or weekend break? Start planning your Ben Nevis adventure in one of our holiday accommodation options as our self-catering accommodation is the perfect home away from home.

Getting to Ben Nevis

To take on the most popular walking route up Ben Nevis, you want to start at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, which you can find at the following address: Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6PF.

Travelling by car to Ben Nevis

Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is located just a five-minute drive from Fort William and is well signposted off of the C1162. Ben Nevis is easy to reach from Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you’re coming from south of the Highlands, take the A82 north to Fort William or take the A9 north to the A889 and then west on the A86. Parking is available at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, costing £4 per day. Free parking is available at Braveheart Car Park, North Face Car Park, Achintee Farm and Nevis Gorge Car Park.

Travelling by train to Ben Nevis

There is a direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William, the nearest station to Ben Nevis. The train takes three hours and 45 minutes at a cost of approximately £24. Fort William station is a short taxi or bus ride from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.

Travelling by bus to Ben Nevis

Buses run from Fort William to Ben Nevis seven days a week from May to October. The bus runs from Fort William Bus Station and Middle Street to Glen Nevis Lower Falls and Glen Nevis Youth Hostel with a return costing from £2.

Towns near Ben Nevis

Fort William

Fort William sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe, at the foot of Ben Nevis, and is described as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. It’s home to the West Highland Museum as well as lots of different pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Mallaig

Mallaig is a bustling port town located one hour west of Ben Nevis on the shores of Loch Nevis. The charming fishing town provides a gateway to the Isle of Skye.

Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus is a historic and picturesque hamlet sitting on the Caledonian Canal with breathtaking views of Loch Ness. It’s a walker’s paradise!

Things to do near Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis Distillery

Ben Nevis Distillery, established in 1825, is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Visit the distillery and visitor centre for an insight into the creation of the Dew of Ben Nevis. The distillery is located just outside Fort William, a six-minute drive north out of the town.

Glencoe

Glencoe is arguably Scotland’s most famous and scenic glen. It’s a centre for walking, mountaineering and adventure. The stunning spot - a 25-minute drive from Ben Nevis - has played host to dozens of film crews from Harry Potter, Highlander and Monty Python.

Nevis Range Mountain Experience

There’s fun for all the family at Nevis Range Mountain Experience, a 30-minute drive north of Ben Nevis. In the winter, visitors can enjoy snow sports while there are also lots of walking routes and activities such as paragliding, treetop adventure and mountain biking.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Movie fans can jump on the Jacobite steam train - from Fort William to Mallaig - to walk in the same steps as Harry, Ron and Hermione. The train, which is also recognised as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Neptune’s Staircase

Neptune’s Staircase is the longest staircase lock in Britain, comprising eight locks along the Caledonian Canal. Built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800s, Neptune’s Staircase is a tranquil and pretty setting for a walk and coffee.