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 is a delightful riverside walk which can easily be extended to give a longer route if desired.
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
A fantastic walk taking in the beautiful oakwoods of Ariundle, the rugged open moorland with fine views of the surrounding mountains, and the lead mines which once employed 600 miners on these moors.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Binnein Mor is a graceful peak and the highest of the Mamores; its combination with Na Gruagaichean gives a superb ridgewalk.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
These two Munros are just south of the Rough Bounds of Knoydart but are as rough and full of character as their northern neighbours. They give a long and rugged day out with grand views.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A pleasant figure of eight walk combining forest, mountain views and riverside on the outskirts of Spean Bridge. Can also be started from Spean Bridge railway station.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This solitary Munro in the remote area around Loch Quoich has a good stalkers path for the ascent and is a very fine viewpoint.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Gulvain (more correctly known as Gaor Bheinn) is the highest mountain in this area but is little known and remains hidden from the roads. A long approach walk is repaid with fine views from the summit.
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
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
Sgor na h-Ulaidh is the forgotten Munro amongst the Glencoe peaks, being out of sight for most of the road through the glen. Combined with the Corbett Meall na Lighiche, it gives a day with superb views - but with a very steep ascent.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Well marked Forestry Commission walk which follows a delightful stream up through the forest, passing an attractive waterfall. The descent follows a track with more open views.
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
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 Forestry Commission waymarked walk keeps alongside the delightful River Garry at first before ascending through the forest.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
A fabulous mountain ridgewalk taking in two Munros with stunning views; the route is marred however by the ascent and descent from the ridge on pathless heather and eroded paths.
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
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
A lovely walk with great coastal views out to the Small Isles. Peanmeanach is a deserted village with a bothy and lovely sandy beach.
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.