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Location notes
The capital of the West Highlands, Fort William nestles below Ben Nevis, on the West Highland Line. The station dates from 1975, when the line was cut back about a 1/4 mile, to its present location, to relieve the cramped conditions of the original lochside station. The space thus gained, allowed for the building of a bypass round the town centre, eradicating all evidence of the old station. The new location is still within easy reach of the town centre, and offers 4 tracks (inclding two sidings), a presently disused motorail ramp, and a small bus station.
For a look at the original Fort Wiliam Station, including pictures after closure, please go to the Fort William entry on the disused stations website.
For a look at the original Fort Wiliam Station, including pictures after closure, please go to the Fort William entry on the disused stations website.
Railway type and traffic
The West Highland Line produces First Scotrail trains, working from Glasgow Queen Street - Mallaig. These are operated by class 156 Sprinter units. There is also the Fort William - London Euston sleeper, hauled by an DB Schenker class 67s. This will usually, consist of 2 sleeping cars, a seated car, and a lounge car.
Some freight trains may also come into the station, usually platform 1, to run round there trains, as the line to Glasgow can only be accessed by going via Fort William station. Usual traction is an DB Schenker 66.
During the summer, the Jacobite steam train, operated by West Coast Railway Company, provides a vintage service.
Some freight trains may also come into the station, usually platform 1, to run round there trains, as the line to Glasgow can only be accessed by going via Fort William station. Usual traction is an DB Schenker 66.
During the summer, the Jacobite steam train, operated by West Coast Railway Company, provides a vintage service.
Environment
The West Highlands can produce all weathers, so do be prepared. Fort William is, otherwise, a pretty safe place, but always take the necessary precautions, with regards to security.
The West Highlands are also Midge territory, so be warned.
The West Highlands are also Midge territory, so be warned.
Road directions
Fort William is well signposted off the A82 road. Once in the outskirts, follow signs for 'Town Centre', and then for station. Once near there, go round the roundabout, and head into Morrisons Car Park. From there, walk to the end of the car park, and cross the bus lane carefully, to reach the station.
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Fort William Station map co-ordinates
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Fort William Station map co-ordinates
Parking
There is a station car park (chargable), but you can leave your car in Morrisons car park, for a maximum of three hours for free.
Public transport
Bus services are provided by Citylink and Rapsons. For Rapsons bus times, contact traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
First Scotrail provides all passenger trains, where you can also get details of the sleeper.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
First Scotrail provides all passenger trains, where you can also get details of the sleeper.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location
Amenities
The station has toilets, and a cafe, though these are only open when the station is open. There are plenty of other facilities in the town centre. Morrisons do a good breakfast in their cafe.
Accommodation
Fort William is a tourist resort, so there should be a good supply of accommodation. There is a travel inn located a short walk from the station.
Fort William plays host to a round of the UCI Mountain biking world cup every year. The dates can vary, and during this event, roads may be restricted, or accommodation could be harder to find. For exact dates, best to contact tourist information, or to visit the website of cycling world governing body, the UCI.
Fort William plays host to a round of the UCI Mountain biking world cup every year. The dates can vary, and during this event, roads may be restricted, or accommodation could be harder to find. For exact dates, best to contact tourist information, or to visit the website of cycling world governing body, the UCI.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Fort William Station
Streetmap links
Fort William Station general view map
Fort William Station close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Fort William Station
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Fort William Station
Googly map
Fort William Station general view map
Fort William Station close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Fort William Station
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Railway Gen Group
Photographic notes
The weather is changeable, so be prepared for all types of weather! The station has a canopy, covering part of the platform, and this may affect shots.
There is some noise, but this should not interfere with videos.
There is some noise, but this should not interfere with videos.
General views - All photographs © Robert Clarke unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking east
Fig 2 - Looking north
Fig 3 - Looking west
Fig 4 - Looking west
The rear of the stabled sleeper from the Morrisons Car Park
Disclaimer
All information contained within this is site is © Trainspots. The images used on this site remain the property of the original photographer, as credited at the top of the page, and are used with their kind permission.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavour to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass on either railway or private land. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window. Trainspots has been running now for over 10 years and there are imitation sites and guides to railfotspots. But we are a free site and we continue on the path we started out on over a decade ago to provide a useful guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
