Fort William Mountain Festival 2026 programme launched

Join us to be inspired and discover your adventure

The organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival are delighted to announce an exciting and diverse line-up for the 2026 programme, taking place in Fort William and across Lochaber, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 February 2026.

This year’s festival promises a packed schedule of inspirational speakers, thought-provoking films, creative workshops, outdoor activities, live performance, competitions and awards. Since its launch in 2004, the festival has grown into one of the UK’s leading celebrations of mountain culture, and 2026 will be no exception: “Join us to be inspired and discover your adventure.”

Cholitas approach sunrise summit – credit Anna Fleming *(FWMF 26 – Women with Altitude / Climbing with Bolivia’s Cholita)*

Programme Highlights

The 2026 programme brings together an exceptional blend of talks, films, performance and workshops that capture the full spirit of mountain culture. Audiences can look forward to insights from leading adventurers and storytellers, including Hamish Frost and Ryan Balharry on mountain photography and the realities of capturing adventure in the Scottish mountains; record-breaking endurance athlete, Holly Wootten, shares the defining moments of her journey to winning the Dragons Back race 2025, one of the world’s toughest multi-day mountain challenges across Wales’ rugged spine. Al Todd, Snowsports Director of Mountaineering Scotland, recounts the thrills and challenges of 30 years of ski touring in the Highlands. Themes of risk, resilience, and the environment run throughout the programme, from the adrenaline-fueled ‘Risk Extreme’ to a panel discussion exploring the balance between risk and reward through the eyes of those who live for adventure, and ‘Our Seas’ with Ocean advocate Cal Major.

Solo Climber Pete Whittaker *(FWMF 26 – Climbing Night)*

Evenings promise powerful shared experiences with the International Film Night & Awards, a Climbing Night featuring Patagonia athlete Pete Whittaker and the presentation of the Scottish Awards for Excellence in Mountain Culture. Further highlights include snowsports and paddling film sessions, a family adventure film event, and an evocative performance of Iona Lane’s new album Swilkie. The festival’s intimate Bothy Sessions return, while People Power brings together Alex Staniforth, Katie MacKay and Markus Stitz to explore the limits of human powered adventures. Lily Canter, an ultra-runner, journalist, and co-author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport, will shine a light on female endurance athletes, and Mountain Voices will weave stories and song that celebrate Scotland’s landscapes.

Climber, Adam Russell, on The Wailing Wall – Credit Hamish Frost – The Great Mixed Climbs of Scotland *(FWMF26 – Behind the Lens: Scottish Adventure Film & Photography)*

Festival Hub & Explore Events

The Nevis Centre in Fort William will once again be transformed into the buzzing Festival Hub – an interactive space with exhibitors, brands, creators, food, drink and live sessions.

Across Lochaber, Explore Events offer the chance to take part in outdoor and indoor workshops: from winter skills and trail running to adventure filmmaking, mountain illustration, geology, wild swimming and more. These sessions give participants hands-on opportunities to learn from experts while experiencing Lochaber’s world-class landscapes first-hand.

Skier, Al Bird, on Sgurr nan Conbhairean – descent heading west – – Credit Al Todd (FWMF 26 – Skiing the Highlands)

Awards

The International Film Night will present awards to the winning filmmakers, while the prestigious Scottish Awards for Excellence in Mountain Culture return to recognise outstanding contributions to mountain life, adventure and conservation.

Since their launch in 2008, these awards have celebrated 30 remarkable individuals whose passion and achievements continue to inspire us all.

Quotes

Anna Danby, Content Co-ordinator for the 2026 Festival, said: “The 2026 programme is as diverse as ever–spanning photography, film, literature, music, environmental themes, and of course the epic adventures. We want everyone, no matter their background or ability, to feel welcome, inspired and ready to explore.”

Graham Smyth, Chair of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, added: “This festival is entirely powered by volunteers who share a passion for the outdoors and mountain culture. Their dedication creates a long weekend that is truly unforgettable and continues to put Fort William at the heart of the UK’s outdoor community.”

Festival Information

Event: The Fort William Mountain Festival 2026
Dates: Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Venues: Main Venue – The Nevis Centre, Fort William, with additional events across Lochaber, including Highland Cinema, Three Wise Monkeys Indoor Climbing Centre and outdoor venues.
Tickets: Available now at https://mountainfestival.co.uk/programme. Many headline events sell out in advance.
Attendance: The festival attracts up to 1,500 people across four days.

Festival Organisers

The Highland Mountain Culture Association Limited, is a not-for-profit organisation, that promotes the understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and people, by creating opportunities for people of all ages to share their mountain experiences, ideas and visions. To showcase these ideals, it stages annually a programme of events within the Lochaber area including the Fort William Mountain Festival and the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture. The Festival is organised by a dynamic organising committee, who are all volunteers and made up of a team of hard-working local outdoor enthusiasts.