The 2026 Fort William Mountain Festival is fast approaching
As hard as it might be to believe, it’s that time of year again… the Fort William Mountain Festival is right around the corner. There is a fantastic programme of events taking place between the 12th and 15th of February, including some hosted by the team and contributors here at the Press. We look forward to the festival every year, and 2026 is no exception. We’ve compiled a list of the festival events hosted by our team and contributors. Have a read through and book your spot online.
Explore: Drawing the Mountains with Jack Spowart – Join Scottish Highlands-based mountain artist Jack on a morning hike and learn the fundamentals of landscape drawing.
On route to our vantage point and the main stop of the workshop, Jack will explain how he approaches a new piece of artwork, the tools he uses, how to spot a strong composition and how he managed to turn a fun hobby into a full-time career as a freelance illustrator and artist.
All materials will be provided, find out more and book your spot at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drawing-the-mountains-with-jack-spowart-tickets-1969027360841
Explore: Painting the Mountains with Phoebe Sleath – Join geologist and artist Phoebe Sleath on a morning walk through Glen Nevis to paint the mountains in watercolour.
We will walk through Glen Nevis, stopping to observe the mountains and rocks with watercolour. Phoebe is a PhD student in Geology at the University of Aberdeen and a Mountain Leader. This workshop is for artists of all abilities and experience levels.
All materials will be provided, find out more and book your spot at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/painting-the-mountains-with-phoebe-sleath-tickets-1969047640498?aff=oddtdtcreator
Explore: Aim High – Crafting and Pitching Outdoor Stories – Join journalist and essayist Karen Emslie for a hands-on workshop about crafting and pitching nonfiction outdoor stories.
This practical workshop will give you the confidence and skills to start turning story ideas into pitches to send to outdoor publications. The workshop will be structured but informal and interactive. Covering outdoor stories in their broadest form, from nail-biting adventures to contemplative nature essays. Beginner storytellers and experienced writers alike are welcome.
Find out more and book your spot at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aim-high-crafting-and-pitching-outdoor-stories-nonfiction-tickets-1976884026339?aff=oddtdtcreator
Publishing the Outdoors: Join Robert Lovell, from the Scottish Mountaineering Press, and Lucas Dietrich, of Thames & Hudson, for a conversation on how books go from concept to reality, what role the publisher plays in this journey, and how author-creators might find the best fit for their publishing ambitions.
Find out more and book your spot at: https://mountainfestival.co.uk/programme/publishing-the-outdoors/
Mountain Voices: Stories & Song:
Following the success of 2025’s debut collaboration with the Storylands Sessions, Mountain Voices returns with an evening of stories, song, and spoken word inspired by our shared mountain landscapes.
Bringing together writers, musicians, singers, and artists from across Lochaber and beyond, this ceilidh-house-style gathering celebrates the rich culture from Scotland’s high places. The evening will feature performances from both emerging and established voices – providing a chance for audiences to experience the full breadth of contemporary mountain creativity.
Find out more and book your spot at: https://mountainfestival.co.uk/programme/mountain-voices-stories-song/
And that’s not all, this year’s festival has a fantastic programme of inspiring talks, workshops, films, guided outdoor events, and adventure-inspired workshops for people of all ages, abilities and outdoor interests. Check out the full programme at: https://mountainfestival.co.uk/programme/
Images
Header image © Sarah Johnson