The Best Places to Stay When Climbing Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is one of the most popular mountain experiences in the UK and attracts visitors from wide and far. It is also located just outside Fort William, which has a reputation as one of Britain’s best-developed outdoor centres and draws in mountain bikers, fishing enthusiasts and winter sports fans. As a result, the local area is home to an enormous range of high-quality accommodation options, with something to suit every budget. So how do you choose?
To help you narrow down your options and settle on the perfect place to spend your visit, we compiled a guide to the best accommodation around Ben Nevis, breaking it down by category to make it easier to find the information you need.
Hostels
If you’re on a budget but still looking for cosy and comfortable accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the Glen Nevis Hostel. Probably the best-known hostel in the area, it sits at the foot of Ben Nevis and provides instant access to the mountain. You’re unlikely to find many other places to stay that will get you this close to the trailheads. Awarded a five-star rating by the Scottish Tourist Board, the hostel has 67 beds spread across 16 rooms and boasts an impressive range of facilities, including a lounge room, bike storage, a laundry room and secure lockers.
Further from the mountain, but good alternatives for those who want to be near Fort William, are the Fort William Backpackers and Smiddy Bunkhouse & Blacksmiths hostels. The former is located in the town itself and the latter just outside. Both have a good reputation amongst visitors and are a brilliant base from which to explore the Ben and surrounding area.
Hotels and Guest Houses
The Ben Nevis Inn and Bunkhouse is ideal if you’re not keen on the hostel experience but want to be as close as possible to the mountain. It is situated at the foot of the Mountain Path, allowing you to roll out of bed, wolf down a hearty breakfast and immediately hit the trails. With spectacular views and outstanding hospitality, it is a firm favourite amongst frequent visitors.
The Brevins Guest House is a little further afield, between Ben Nevis and Fort William. A 15-minute walk from the town centre, it puts you within reach of local amenities while providing easy access to trekking opportunities. With ensuite rooms equipped with tea and coffee facilities, TVs and WiFi, this tranquil B&B is a great option if you want a secluded spot where you can kick back and relax at the end of the day.
Located on the shores of Loch Linnhe, Glentower Lower Observatory is a four-star gold guesthouse with seven ensuite rooms. As well as beautifully decorated rooms, you can expect a breakfast of champions – the Scots porridge with a dash of whisky is a popular option, as is the scrambled eggs with local smoked salmon.
If quirky boutique hotels are more your thing, check out The Garrison Hotel. Formerly a police station, the hotel offers a range of regular rooms and a unique opportunity to stay in the old police station cells. Don’t worry, they’ve been renovated and converted into comfy, modern rooms, though the prison bars and a few other features remain. While not for everyone, it’s certainly a bit different and perfect for those who prefer the peculiar.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation and are willing to splash out on something a little more fancy, two options stand out. The Loch Leven Hotel and Distillery is made for gin lovers (it’s not just whisky they enjoy in these parts!) and is home to a great restaurant and bar. Previously a historic ferry inn, it is located on the shores of Loch Leven, a 30-minute drive south of the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. Inverlochy Castle Hotel takes grandeur to the next level. A five-star luxury hotel set in a spectacular 19th-century Scottish castle, it is every bit as lavish as the pricing suggests. A little way north of Fort William, it also ensures you are close to all the outdoor action.
Camping
At Climb Ben Nevis, we love a bit of camping and honestly believe it’s one of the best options for outdoor lovers visiting the local area. Affordable and readily available, it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and relax in breathtaking beautiful surroundings.
If you are considering camping, Glen Nevis Campsite should be the first place you check out. With five fields set aside for motorhomes and caravans and a further four fields for tents, it is a large and well-equipped campsite. Holiday caravans and glamping pods are also available for rental. With a well-regarded restaurant and bar (closed during the winter), as well as an outdoor canteen (open Thursday to Sunday) you can replenish your stocks after a hard day walking the Ben without leaving the campsite. A multi-award winner, Glen Nevis Campsite is definitely one for visitors who enjoy spending the night beneath canvas.
To the north of Fort William, Ben Nevis Holiday Park is a fantastic alternative if you don’t mind being a little further from the mountain. Pet-friendly and boasting all the facilities and amenities you would expect of a modern campsite, it is positioned on the banks of the River Lochy and surrounded by mountains. While traditional tent camping and caravanning are definitely on the cards, the campsite also has a few hot tub lodges and glamping pods available too.
Climb Ben Nevis and experience the Ben in all its glory
At Climb Ben Nevis, we organise unforgettable walking adventures on and around the UK’s highest peak. With our walking expertise, extensive training and deep appreciation of the mountains, we foster a rewarding and supportive environment that helps you get the most from your visit. Our fully accredited guides take the pressure off, ensuring you don’t have to worry about navigation and keeping you safe, while offering fascinating insights into the mountain environment you’re exploring.
If you have always wanted to climb Ben Nevis but never quite made it happen, we’re the people to help you realise your ambition.