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
This waymarked trail climbs high above the old Ballachulish Slate Quarries giving stunning views; the return walk is through dense forestry plantations but visits some hidden ruins.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
An easy short walk through beautiful ancient oak woodlands; the walk visits an excellent wildlife hide on the shores of Loch Sunart.
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
An easy canal-side walk that visits the entrance to the Caledonian Canal from Loch Linnhe as well as the famous Neptune's Staircase flight of lochs.
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
Buachaille Etive Mor is one of the best known and loved of all the Munro peaks. The epic view of the mountain from the main A82 road makes it appear quite unassailable and is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Sgor Gaibhre and Carn Dearg are a pair of unspectacular Munros in the heart of the wild area around Loch Ossian. They can be approached from the south, or alternatively from Corrour railway station which isn't accessible by road and has the advantage of a start at almost 400m.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
These two Munros form the northeastern part the Black Mount range, rising above the head of Glen Etive opposite the better known Buachaille Etive Mor. This route ascends via the White Corries ski slopes. Meall a'Bhuiridh appears rather undistinguished seen from Rannoch Moor but its elegant west ridge is revealed from Creise, itself the high point of a dramatic ridge running from Sron na Creise in the north through Clach Leathad to Sron nam Forsair.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
These two remote Knoydart Munros may be less celebrated than Ladhar Bheinn, but they still provide a superlative and challenging mountain walk. Rough, rocky summits packed with character and wonderful views.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
One of the few short walks in Glencoe, this ramble explores the woodland in the central part of the Glen, and visits Signal Rock, where according to legend the signal was given to begin the Glencoe Massacre.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This circuit through the Glen Duror forest plantations is pleasant enough, and interest is added by the bothy and the connections with the Appin murder.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A quiet walk through forestry, visiting a tract of ancient, hidden oak woodland. Good chance to see wildflowers and wildlife.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
An easy but very pleasant walk which follows the Caledonian Canal between Loch Lochy and Loch Oich, returning via the old railway line.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Ben Tee is a prominent Corbett, visible from many points along the Great Glen and Glen Garry, and makes a fine, wide ranging viewpoint.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
An easy walk exploring the remains of the original settlement at Daingean. The walk has some nice views over Loch Garry and beyond.
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
This is really a combination of two very short and easy but contrasting walks. The first is a visit to the old Ballachulish slate quarries which supplied most of Scotland with slates for generations; after this look at industrial heritage the second part of the walk is a delightfully scenic stroll around the peninsula behind the Isles of Glencoe Hotel.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This forest walk climbs up through the trees to a great viewpoint with views of Lochs Arkaig and Lochy as well as Ben Nevis. It then descends to an attractive waterfall with a perfect picnic site.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This circular walk explores the environs of the village of Roybridge. It passes through a great deal of fine native woodland and visits an attractive lochan.
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.