Take the Edinburgh Waverley to Fort William train first thing — ideally around 8:00–9:00am — because this is a long but lovely Highland run, usually about 5.5–6.5 hours depending on the connection. With a 2-year-old, I’d keep luggage light and buggy-friendly, and book seats if you can so you’re not juggling bags at changes. The route is scenic once you get north, but the practical reality is simple: bring snacks, a charged phone, wipes, and a layer for the train, because the air-con and weather can both swing. Fort William station is central and easy to exit with a stroller, so you can roll straight into town without needing a taxi unless the weather turns miserable.
Once you arrive, head to the Lochaber Geopark Visitor Information Centre in the town centre for maps, weather updates, and a quick reality check on what’s doable with a toddler that day. It’s a good low-effort first stop, usually around 30–45 minutes, and the staff are used to helping families figure out easy walks and transport. From there, walk over to the West Highland Museum — it’s compact, not overwhelming, and works well at toddler pace, about 45–60 minutes if you keep it relaxed. You’re right in the middle of town here, so everything is walkable, and it’s easy to pause for a snack or a nappy change without losing half the day.
For lunch, head up to Croit Anna Hotel or a nearby lochside spot on the north side of Fort William for an easy sit-down meal with views. Expect roughly £15–25 per person, and it’s worth aiming for an early lunch so you can get a table before the family crowd builds. If the weather is decent, this is the part of the day where Fort William feels most Highland: a bit breezy, wide-open, and much calmer than the town centre. The drive or taxi hop is short, but if you’re staying fully on foot, just choose somewhere with straightforward access and space for a buggy.
After lunch, make a gentle stop at the Old Fort of Fort William area for a short fresh-air stretch. It’s more of a quick outdoor wander than a long attraction, so think 30–45 minutes, especially if your little one needs to run around or nap in the buggy. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to see the waterfront side of town without committing to a big walk. If everyone still has energy, let the afternoon stay loose — that’s usually the best call with a toddler in the Highlands.
Back in Fort William town centre, keep dinner simple and early — somewhere family-friendly with quick service, warm seating, and enough room for a buggy beside the table. In practice, most places in town are in the £15–30 per person range if you order mains and soft drinks, and I’d plan to eat before the evening rush so you’re not waiting around with a tired child. After dinner, turn in early and use the rest of the night to repack for tomorrow’s Glenfinnan day.
If you’re tired and want the easiest possible finish, stay central so you can walk back from dinner without needing transport. That also makes tomorrow’s departure smoother, because you’ll want an early start from Fort William for the bus to Glenfinnan and the best chance of a quieter ride.
Take the Scottish Citylink/West Coast Motors bus from Fort William Bus Station to Glenfinnan as early as you can — ideally the 8:30–9:00am service — so you arrive before the busiest part of the day and have a relaxed pace with a 2-year-old. Once you get off, head first to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint; it’s the classic reason people come here, and the walk is manageable if you’re wearing decent shoes and keeping little legs in mind. Expect about 1–1.5 hours for the viewpoint and photo stop, longer if you want to linger by the water and let your toddler wander safely a bit.
From the viewpoint, continue to the Glenfinnan Monument, which is a short scenic stop and a nice change of pace from the bridge crowd. The National Trust for Scotland area is usually open in season, and even if you don’t go right inside, the setting alone is worth it: open grass, loch views, and plenty of room to breathe. After that, make your way to the Glenfinnan Station Museum — it’s a good low-key break, especially if the weather turns wet or windy, and train enthusiasts will love the small but charming railway history displays. Allow about 30–45 minutes here; it’s a gentle, toddler-friendly stop and a nice chance to sit down for a bit.
For lunch, settle into Glenfinnan House Hotel or a nearby café for something warm and unfussy; this is the sort of place where you can have soup, sandwiches, or a proper sit-down plate while looking out over the loch. Budget roughly £18–30 per person, depending on what you order, and it’s worth checking opening hours ahead of time because options can be seasonal and quieter outside peak meal times. Keep the afternoon light and flexible — a stroll around the hotel grounds or a little extra time near the station is usually enough after lunch, especially with a toddler who may need a nap, snack, or buggy break rather than another big walk.
Plan to catch the return bus to Fort William around 3:00–4:30pm, which gives you a comfortable buffer without turning the day into a rush. The ride back is straightforward, and you’ll likely be glad to get back before dinner for an early meal and a calmer evening. If you still have energy once you’re back in town, it’s easy to keep things simple with an early supper near the bus station or along Lochaber-side Fort William streets — but the main thing is to leave Glenfinnan with enough time so the day stays easy for both adults and your little one.