Guided Walks Around Fort William
Fort William / Glen Nevis is famous because of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. However, the area has some of the finest mountain walks in Scotland. Have a look at these popular Glen Nevis routes below. The fitness & terrain ratings will give you an idea of how difficult each route is.
If you can’t see a route of interest, get in touch to discuss.
Ben Nevis via the Mountain Path
14km + 1335m
1 Munro
The highest mountain in the UK (1344m) is physically demanding but not technically difficult via the mountain path.
You can choose to start from the Visitor Centre or the Youth Hostel / campsite. the first section to 550m is pretty relentless but you’re rewarded with fantastic views of halfway lochan and “The Ben”.
The next section is the zig-zags which lessen the steepness up to the plateau. It’s then a relatively flat walk to the summit with, if the weather allows, phenomenal views of the Lochaber landscape.
This route takes 5-8 hours.
Ben Nevis via the CMD Arête
15km + 1505m
2 Munros
The Càrn Mòr Dearg (CMD) Arête is undoubtably the finest walking route up Ben Nevis.
Starting from the North Face car park it’s a steep climb to the summit of Càrn Mòr Dearg (1220m) with fantastic views to the north face of The Ben.
Next up is the magnificent, narrow, horseshoe arete that arcs it’s way to the south east of Ben Nevis. There are plenty of bypass routes if needed.
A final steep ascent has you on the summit of Ben Nevis. Finally, a walk down the mountain path to halfway lochan then back to the car park.
This route takes 6-8 hours and requires previous experience.
18km + 1820m
4 Munros
Ring of Steall
A challenging, but highly rewarding route that “bags“ four Munros and involves lots of ridge walking, plus the Devils Ridge arete.
The first stage is a 3km walk to Steall Falls, over the wire rope bridge (can be bypassed) followed by a steep ascent to An Gearanach at 982m.
Now the fun part; scenic ridge walking while ascending & descending to tag the summits of Stob Coire a' Chàirn and Am Bodach.
The last Munro, Sgùrr a'Mhaim is at the end of the impressive Devils Ridge arete. Finally, a steep descent back to the car park.
This route takes over 8 hours and requires previous experience.
17km + 1450m
4 Munros
Lochaber 4000’s
A truly memorable day in the mountains bagging all four Munros in Lochaber over 3000ft (1219m).
The day is made easier by taking the Nevis gondola to 650m then ascending the final 560m to Aonach Mòr. Next, it’s the second of the Aonachs followed by a short backtrack and a steep descent.
Now it’s a steep ascent of Watershed arête to the summit of Càrn Mòr Dearg (CMD) then the famous CMD Arête to the east ridge of Ben Nevis.
A final short, steep slog and you’re on the summit of the highest mountain in the UK. Finally, take the mountain path down to Glen Nevis or North Face car park.
This route takes over 8 hours and requires previous experience. The gondola is an additional cost.
Easy Glen Nevis Walks
Not everyone has the fitness or inclination for full day’s walking up steep mountain paths. There are a few walks in Glen Nevis that are less involved, but you still have great experience and fantastic views. These shorter, more leisurely walks can include a visit to a café or bar if you’d like.
Aonach Mòr via Nevis gondola
6km + 565m
1 Munro
The all weather gondola at Nevis Range takes you to the Snowgoose Café at 650m. You can visit the café before or after your walk. There’s also the option of the Pinemarten Cafe at the base station.
The route starts and end at the Nevis Range ski centre. There’s ample parking, a bus (Shiel Bus No. 41) and lots of taxi companies in Fort William.
This route can be extended to a full day to also summit Aonach Beag. The distance increases to 9.5km and the ascent to 845m. The terrain is mainly path with one short steep rocky section.
Gondola tickets are an additional cost. This route takes 3-4 hours.
Multi-Day Packages
If you’re interested in a bespoke, multi-day walking package in the Glen Nevis area, contact me to discuss options.