Fort William and Lochaber contains some of the most scenic and diverse walking country in the whole of the UK, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK, the incredibly beautiful Glen Coe with the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and the romantic islands of Mull, Rum and Eigg.
Possible walks range from strenuous and exhilarating scrambles, to stiff climbs to the tops of Munros (peaks over 3000ft), to short but delightful strolls. Not all our hills demand super fitness, nor is age necessarily a deterrent; many people in their 70s and 80s and whole families enjoy regular walks and climbs in the area.
The famous West Highland Way winds its way from Milngavie outside Glasgow, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glen Coe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to sea level to cross the River Leven at Kinlochleven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William.
Special-interest walks are often organised and include hunting for orchids and rare Scottish butterflies, watching eagles and bats and deer rutting and, in the autumn, collecting edible fungi. Others lead to sites of archaeological importance, which are particularly rich in Lochaber.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
The second section of the Great Glen Way is dominated by the expanse of Loch Lochy. It follows a minor road before reaching a fine section of path beside the loch, before more roadwalking but in beautiful surroundings. There follows a long section of forestry tracks just above the loch.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Stob Ban is one of the finest peaks in the Mamores, its quartzite summit giving magnificent views. An enjoyable ridge traverse joins it to the lesser peak of Mullach nan Coirean, giving an excellent walk.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
On a clear day, this is perhaps the most dramatic section of the West Highland Way as it climbs to the highest point on the route with fabulous views of the Glencoe mountains. The high level mountain section can be exposed in poor weather but the long descent, with excellent views, to Kinlochleven is easy to follow. Kinlochleven has all services, including hostel and camping, and the Ice Factor climbing centre.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This circuit explores the industrially-exploited but today very beautiful and peaceful Glen Leven, including a visit to the bleak Blackwater Dam.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A visit to a lonely loch hidden in the rough moorland southeast of Mallaig.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This final stage of the West Highland Way climbs up through the woods above Kinlochleven before following the route of the old Military Road through an empty glen flanked by grand mountains. There is then a stretch through forestry before a gradual descent into stunningly beautiful Glen Nevis - with the highest mountain in the UK towering ahead. The town of Fort William beckons for a deserved celebration.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This forestry walk combines a visit to a fine series of waterfalls with a stroll along an ancient military road.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This route follows the river through the beautiful middle section of Glen Nevis before returning through the forestry.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
An all-abilities trail with picnic tables and benches through beautiful woodland and then up to a viewpoint below the mountain of Creag Meagaidh. The gentle uphill section can be omitted to make the route completely flat.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Known in Gaelic as Sgorr na Ciche, the distinctive Pap is a familiar landmark around lower Glencoe and Loch Leven. It is a fabulous viewpoint and gives a short but steep hillwalk.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This short but rough walk has excellent views of the famous Parallel Roads which stand out as horizontal ridges on both sides of the Glen. There is not a path for the whole route so navigation skills are required.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
These two Munros are the easternmost of the Mamores range. They stand apart from the rest of the ridge as isolated cones of scree, giving arduous ascends but wonderful views.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A varied walk with good coastal views and the opportunity to explore the part-restored and roadless village of Smirisary and on to the beautiful white beach opposite Eilean Coille and other small islands.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Beinn na Lap may be remote but the close proximity of Corrour rail station - at 400m - helps to make it one of the easiest of the Munros. The walk up is a plod up a trackless moorland but the views - taking in the higher mountains nearby as well as part of Rannoch Moor - are excellent.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This short and easy walk passes through beautiful ancient oak woodlands close to the shores of Loch Sunart.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This long walk to Mam na Gualainn towering above Loch Leven provides great ridgewalking with extensive views of the Mamore and Glen Coe mountains.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This forest walk climbs steeply through the trees, passing a fine waterfall and giving superb views across Glen Nevis.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Coire Gabhail is the hidden valley where the MacDonalds of Glen Coe hid their rustled cattle. A visit involves a very rough but intensely dramatic and scenic walk.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
The highest mountain in the old county of Argyll, Bidean nam Bian is the whole majestic range of mountains on the south side of Glen Coe. It's dramatic northern ridges are known as the Three Sisters, whilst the highest summits of the group are hidden away behind.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A pleasant leg stretcher through forestry, with a short section of riverside. This walk only has glimpses of the nearby mountain scenery as it is mainly in the trees.