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
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
An attractive walk along a fascinating stretch of coastline; visits a sandy beach and interesting rock formations and archaeological remains.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
Sgurr na Utha is a rather sprawling but extremely rocky mountain to the northwest of Glenfinnan. It gives a fairly short hillwalk; the summit offers superb views of the nearby mountains and along the length of lonely Loch Beoraid.
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
Attractive and peaceful Loch Lundie, approached through fine mixed woodland, makes an excellent destination for a short walk from Invergarry.
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
This short walk visits the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and has excellent views of Loch Shiel; the going however is steep and boggy.
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
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 circuit of remote Loch Ossian can be done in a day from the railway station at Corrour or by staying at Youth Hostel - it is a long walk, in forestry in places, but with good mountain views and a chance to view modern Corrour Lodge at the far end of the loch.
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
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
An easy circular route linking these two historic sites and passing through lovely woodland and alongside the River Spean - great views to Ben Nevis throughout. The ruins of High Bridge are very dangerous and must not be accessed.
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
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
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
This straightforward Corbett makes a good short day out. The ascent is not too steep and rewarded by a plateau traverse on springy turf to the summit trig point with excellent views to Ben Nevis, Loch Arkaig, Loch Lochy and all the surrounding mountains.
Walks in Fort William and Lochaber, Fort William and Lochaber, PH33
This is a pleasant walk combining sea views with a visit to an attractive hill loch; the enjoyment is slightly spoiled by the very wet path.
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
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.