Ben Nevis Distillery

Ben Nevis Distillery is located just outside Fort William, beneath the towering presence of Ben Nevis itself. One of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries, it combines rugged Highland scenery with a deeply historic whisky-making legacy.

Nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which has a summit elevation of 4,413 feet above sea level, the distillery has been crafting malt whisky from the highest water source in Scotland for nearly two hundred years.

About Ben Nevis Distillery

Founded in 1825, Ben Nevis Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, drawing water from the high mountain environment that surrounds it. The distillery produces robust Highland-style whisky, shaped by its historic buildings and long-standing production methods. Its location at the base of the mountain gives it one of the most dramatic settings in Scottish whisky tourism.

Ben Nevis Distillery Tours & Experiences

Situated in a former warehouse dating from 1862, the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre has a small, dedicated team of tour guides who will show you around the site. On tour, you will learn about the vibrant history of the distillery, as well as the care and experience that goes into crafting Ben Nevis malt whisky. All tours conclude with a tasting of several whiskies in the newly redesigned bar/shop area. The Visitor Centre also contains a café, which serves light bites and beverages from 10am-3pm. You can enjoy refreshments either before or after your tour.

Standard Tour £16

Guided tour and tasting of two whiskies. Under-18s £5 per person (guided tour only). Advanced booking is highly recommended as tour sizes are limited.

Plan Your Visit to Ben Nevis Distillery

Address:

Lochy Bridge, Fort William, PH33 6TJ

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our Argyll and The Highlands Tour.

Opening Hours:

All Year (Mon-Fri): 9.30am-5pm
June-Aug (Sat) 10am-6pm (Sun) 12-6pm (Please note that due to Scottish legislation, the shop and bar do not open until 10am. Last orders at the bar are 30 mins before closing time.)

Facilities:

Visitor centre and shop
Café serving light food and drinks
Bar area for tastings
Parking available on site

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Ben Nevis Distillery?

Ben Nevis Distillery offers guided whisky tours that explore one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. Visitors can discover traditional whisky production methods, learn about the distillery’s rich Highland heritage, and enjoy guided tastings of Ben Nevis single malt whiskies in the visitor centre.

How long does a Ben Nevis Distillery tour take?

Most Ben Nevis Distillery tours last between 1 and 2 hours depending on the experience selected. Tours include a guided walkthrough of the distillery and a tasting session at the end.

Is whisky tasting included at Ben Nevis Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in Ben Nevis Distillery experiences. Guests can sample a selection of Ben Nevis whiskies as part of the guided tour, typically in the visitor centre bar area.

Do I need to book Ben Nevis Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Ben Nevis Distillery tours, as group sizes are limited and tours often sell out during peak travel periods.

What are the opening hours of Ben Nevis Distillery Visitor Centre?

Ben Nevis Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5pm, with extended opening hours during summer months including Saturday and Sunday openings. Opening times may vary seasonally, so visitors are advised to check ahead before travelling.

Is Ben Nevis Distillery family friendly?

Ben Nevis Distillery is family friendly in visitor centre areas such as the café and shop. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with age restrictions applying to alcohol experiences. We have recently updated our health & safety policy, which means that we can no longer accept children under 5 on tour. However, they are welcome in our visitor centre and children from 5-17 can still come on tour with an Under-18s Ticket (£5pp).

Is Ben Nevis Distillery accessible?

The visitor centre at Ben Nevis Distillery offers accessible facilities, though some tour routes may include stairs or uneven surfaces due to the historic nature of the site. Visitors are encouraged to contact the distillery in advance for specific accessibility needs.

Is parking available at Ben Nevis Distillery?

Yes, parking is available for visitors at Ben Nevis Distillery, including space for cars and coaches, with accessible parking also available.

Does Ben Nevis Distillery have a café or shop?

Yes, Ben Nevis Distillery has a visitor café serving light food, drinks and refreshments, along with a shop offering whisky and distillery merchandise.

Where is Ben Nevis Distillery located?

Ben Nevis Distillery is located at Lochy Bridge on the outskirts of Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, at the foot of Ben Nevis.