1. Resume the Way northwest from Lochaber Road. For the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall detour, turn right as signed along Kearnan Road, past a car park and on to a page that climbs to cross the stream, then walk briefly downstream before returning (20 minute round-trip). Opposite the all-weather pitches, the Way turns right up a track through the woods. It follows the route of the old military road for many miles, with old stones set into stream beds and flights of rough stone steps. At first it climbs steeply, with zig-zags to ease the gradient, then less so, with glimpses over Loch Leven in the odd clearing. After a hairpin bend you emerge from the brichwood to a splendid view of the loch framed by the mountains, including the shapely Pap of Glencoe as well as the rougher cone of Beinn na Caillich ahead.

Photo © Papagenos

2. Over the next 6km the Way climbs to a height of 335m at the top of the Lairigmor, Gaelic for the big pass, between the hills to your left and the higher Mamore mountains on the right. Ruined buildings, first Tigh na Sleubhaich, then Lairigmor, are a legacy of the days when hill farmers lived here. Nowadays they offer some shelter from the elements. The walking is fairly easy, with gentle gradients.

Photo © Papagenos

3. 8km after leaving Kinlochleven the Way swings north, following the valley around the western end of the Mamores, passing old shielings - temporary shelters for hill farmers' families while minding the cattle in summer. After major clear-felling operations, there's not much left of the forest, but instead fine views have been revealed over Lochan Lunn Da-Bhra (Lundavra), home to a mythical bull said to lure and drown cattle. The Lundavra information board marks where the way leaves the military road, bearing right and shortly crossing a high stile as it heads for Glen Nevis.

Photo ©Richard Webb: CCSA licence

4. Follow a narrow path across moorland, then steeply undulating paths through the Nevis forest. Occasional open breaks give views northward toward the huge bulk of Ben Nevis. After 4.5km you pass the hill of Dun Deardail on the right; there's a signpost to the Iron Age fort on the summit, which is about 2500 years old (it is only 400m away but with a 75m ascent). The rubble walls are grassed over, but they had been vitrified (melted into a glassy mass) by fire.

Photo ©Iain Thompson: CCSA licence

5. From the junction of the path to the forest, descend into Glen Nevis, soon turning left onto a broad forest road. After 1.5km a spur track bends sharply back to the right, leading to Glen Nevis hostel and campsite. The Way continues northward on the forest road, and after 700 metres reaches a junction. For Cow Hill by the Peat track, turn left, or to reach Fort William via the Braveheart car park keep straight on. To continue the West Highland Way, however, turn right steeply downhill, bearing left past a small cemetery. Turn left at the Glen Nevis road and cross it for the path to its Visitor Centre.

6. Follow the roadside path for 2km, passing a massive boulder on the left, the Clach Comhairle ('stone of counsel'). According to legend, one night each year the stone dispenses wise advice while magically turning round three times. Eventually the pavement leads to Nevis Bridge roundabout and continue ahead to Fort William, the end of the West Highland Way. Many walkers opt to stay a couple of nights and climb Ben Nevis the following day if time allows. You could also continue the journey by beginning the Great Glen Way which starts in the town.

Photo ©Peter Whatley: CCSA licence

Route description is quoted by permission from The West Highland Way © Rucksack Readers 2008.

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