Fort William to Spean Bridge

Summary

As the East Highland Way leaves from Fort William, the walk begins by passing through an industrial landscape in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Soon the walking becomes much more pleasantly rural, with mixed woodland and views across the Great Glen, though often within earshot of the A82.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, paths and minor roads; some sections can be muddy.

Public Transport

Both Fort William and Spean Bridge are served by buses and trains.

Start

Fort William High Street. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 189m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN102739

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the centre of Fort William, head northeast along the High Street. When an open green space is reached on the right, head diagonally across it and then head onto the pavement of the very busy Belford Road. Walk past the hospital and continue to a roundabout; turn left here onto North Road (still the main A82). Continue along the pavement for just over 1km until a turning on the right signed for the Lochaber Smelter (RioTintoAlcan). Head along this, crossing a bridge over the railway and then descending towards a level crossing. Do not cross this, instead turning left onto a track into woodland, passing a barrier. After it crosses a bridge, keep on the main track as it curves right. It leads on past industrial buildings before reaching some long sheds at the foot of the great hydro pipes coming down the flank of Ben Nevis.

Stage 2

A much smaller track continues from the far end of the gravelled area by the sheds, soon crossing a cattle grid and passing through a gate in the woods - the industrial landscapes are now thankfully left behind. Continue ahead, ignoring a path off left signed for the Distillery. At a fork, take the smaller left branch beneath the power lines. The track - now muddy in places - fords a small burn at one point, but there is a footbridge on the right. Continue through the birch woods, eventually crossing a second, longer footbridge high over the Allt a'Mhuillin - note the deep pool far below on the left. Continuing ahead, there are good views to the left through the trees, looking out over the golf course. At another fork, follow the main path left, downhill, signed for the North Face car park.

Stage 3

Go left again at a T junction to soon reach the car park. Leave this by the track straight ahead, reaching a road after 750m. Turn right here, then immediately left onto a track past a large metal shed and Forestry Commission sign for 'Lochaber'. After the sign turn left under the height barrier, then keep straight ahead through a gate at the next junction (where the main track curved back right). The narrow track now continues through mixed woodland, with both the railway and A82 not far away on the left side (though mostly out of sight).

Stage 4

Eventually a footbridge is crossed, then the route becomes a path and zig-zags up to the right to reach a wide road. Turn left then immediately right (before the reduce speed signs), through a gate to begin another long section of woodland track. After almost 2.5km a junction is reached by an 'emergency information' post; the main track curves right here, but the East Highland Way continues straight ahead. The muddy track soon is joined by a much larger one coming in from the right; continue ahead - the track soon becomes muddy and a little overgrown once more.

Stage 5

Head through a gate to follow the damp track as it leaves the woods and heads through cattle pastures, and then a second gate. There are glimpses to the right up to the Aonachs and the Grey Corries. The track passes below a whitewashed house, leads past a shed and then reaches a minor road. Turn right up the narrow road, passing several houses. Looking back there are good views across the glen as the road climbs towards forestry plantations.

Stage 6

When a track turns off left to head for a gate and the dense forestry, turn along it. Keep straight on for just over 2km until a junction with footpaths heading off left and right; turn left here, signed 'Spean Bridge circular path'. The clear path descends along a fire break and then winds through the trees before sloping down onto a large track. Here, if continuing along the East Highland Way, the route turns right, but to detour to reach Spean Bridge instead, turn sharp left here, then take the next path on the right for Spean Bridge station. The path soon emerges at the golf course car park; to reach Spean Bridge cross the bridge over the railway and continue to the hotel at the village centre.

Next stage: Spean Bridge to Inverlair

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