West Highland Way 8: Kinlochleven to Fort William

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.75/5

Rating

Terrain

Ascent through woods then long section on stony track. Forestry paths and tracks with a finish on tarmac pavement.

Public Transport

Kinlochleven is served by local buses; Fort William has a good Citylink bus service as well as a rail station.

Start

Kinlochleven. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.5km / 15.25 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 450m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN187619

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From the bridge over the River Leven, head north along the main Lochaber Road. A signpost at one point indicates a detour to visit the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall - the showplace of the town - which is to the right along Kearnan Road to a car park and then on a footpath (20 minute round-trip to the falls). To continue the West Highland Way however, continue along Lochaber road, with good views up to the Mamore mountains above the houses - until opposite the all-weather pitches. Turn right at this point onto a path through the woods, signed 'Public Footpath to Fort William via the Lairig'. The path climbs up through attractive birch woodland; keep left as signed at a fork.

Stage 2

The path meets a tarred road and goes straight across it to continue the climb through the woods. After crossing a stream it joins another path coming up from the left. Eventually it ascends up clear of the trees to reveal superb views back over Kinlochleven and down Loch Leven. Further on it reaches a track - once again part of the old Military Road to Fort William. Turn left along it; it climbs more gradually.

Stage 3

The conical mountain ahead is Beinn na Caillich, really a subsidiary peak of Mam na Gualainn which is hidden behind it as viewed from here. Head through a gate and pass a large cairn as the track heads up the glen of the Allt Nathrach.

Stage 4

The track crosses the watershed to reach the old ruins at Tigh-na-sleubhaich, with the great peak of Stob Ban towering behind. The route then fords a burn - with a footbridge just left - and passes where the old right of way to Callart turns off. Continue past the ruin of Lairigmor or ('big pass'); the route then climbs across the northern side of the glen. Eventually the track leads through an area of forestry and then reaches a junction with a larger track. Go straight ahead here onto a footpath that begins beside the covered information board. The path leads up, through a gate and then alongside a hillock on the left.

Stage 5

Pass through a felled area and cross a footbridge over a burn. Ben Nevis comes into distant view ahead as the path continues, eventually reaching a gate and heading into dense plantations. After undulating for several kilometres it reaches another felled area and climbs up to reach a forestry track; turn right along this.

Stage 6

A signed path off to the right is the start of an optional diversion to the top of Dùn Deardail - a grassy hill and site of an iron age fort which is a superb viewpoint; the diversion adds about 20 minutes (keep on at the first junction and return the same way). Continuing on the West Highland Way, the track now descends some wide zig-zags; keep ahead when another track joins from the right and continue the descent, with great views of Ben Nevis across the glen. The route soon passes through forest plantations.

Stage 7

The track makes a long and steady descent into Glen Nevis. When it meets another track at a t-junction, bear left. Finally a path junction is reached with a wooden signpost - turn right here and follow the path through a gate and down to the Glen Nevis road. Turn left along the pavement; the Ben Nevis visitor centre - and the start of the path up the mountain - are soon passed on the opposite side of the road. Continue along the pavement for just over 3km to reach a roundabout on the fringes of Fort William.

Stage 8

This was once the official end of the West Highland Way - but no longer! You still have to walk through the town; keep straight ahead, passing the leisure centre and then the Belford Hospital. After the hospital leave the road to fork right along the right end of the park, and then head left along the pedestrianised High Street. The end of the West Highland Way goes along the length of the High Street to the far end of the pedestrian section, where a bench and sign - with a bronze sculpture of a weary but triumphant walker - marks journey's end. Unless, of course, you have decided to continue and wish to begin the Great Glen Way!

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