It can be tricky to plan a packing list for the Highlands. The weather is famously unpredictable, and you’ll want to be prepared for everything from sunshine to showers. Here’s our ultimate packing guide to make sure you’re ready for your Fort William adventure.
Our guesthouse is perfectly located for your next Scottish Highland adventure, in Fort William, the heart of the Highlands. We’re easily accessible whether you are coming from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness.
We are only 2km from Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain – a popular focus for the area’s many visitors.
Clothing Essentials
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – good quality clothing is essential
- A warm hat and gloves, ideally at least shower-proof, are essential (even in summer)
- Layered clothing for variable temperatures – preferably light-weight and easy to wash and dryÂ
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots that have been broken in – we’ve seen many guests with blisters! They should be waterproof and give you good ankle support.
- Good quality socks of a natural fibre are a must.
Hiking Gear
- Map or GPS device – don’t rely on your cellphone, as there are many places with no signal
- Snacks and a refillable water bottle – there are many places where there are no shops to be able to get food.
- First aid kit – you never know if/when something might happen!
- Waste bags for those times when there isn’t a convenient toilet! Don’t leave your waste for someone else to find. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, make sure you leave it as you found it.
- Insect repellent – the West Highland midge has a deserved reputation for being irritating at best, and downright nasty at worst.
- Sunscreen – even in Scotland, the sun is quite strong in mid-summer.
- Good quality walking poles – especially useful for descending Ben Nevis, which is quite steep in places.
- Whistle to attract attention if you are in distress.
- A torch, just in case you are out longer than expected.
- Penknife or multi-tool.
Tech & Accessories
- Camera for those stunning views – I could go into this at great length but that’s another post!
- Portable charger – if you use your cellphone for taking those photos, you will need some extra power!
- Travel insurance documents – just in case!
Pack light but smart—our guesthouse offers a laundry service for longer stays, and we have full drying facilities for the rare occasion when you might get a little wet!
If you are making Fort William your base for your Highland adventure, our staff are happy to give you tips for places to go and things to see.
If Fort William is the end of your West Highland Way hike, you can arrange for the transfer of your main luggage from one location to the next, allowing you the luxury of not having to get everything you need in one back-pack.
The official West Highland Way website is a massive resource for all things West Highland Way!
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