Nevis Range Gondola viewpoint walks

Summary

Ride the Nevis Range gondola to reach 650m on the northern slopes of Aonach Mòr without effort. This route then follows well-made paths out to two dramatic viewpoints - Sgùrr Finnisg-aig and Meall Beag - overlooking the Great Glen, Fort William and beyond.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Well-made footpaths - stony but suitable for most. Though the walking is relatively easy, the location is very exposed to the elements. In winter the paths are obliterated by snow and full winter hillwalking and mountaineering equipment is needed to walk out from the top station - with all the associated dangers including avalanche, cornice collapse, unstable snow, ice and rock.

Public Transport

The foot of the Nevis Range gondola can be reached by bus from Fort William and Spean Bridge.

Start

Top station of the Nevis Range Gondola cable car (there is a charge to ride the gondola). Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 127m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN187755

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

This route starts by riding the Nevis Range gondola cable car system to reach the Snowgoose Restaurant at around 650m up the northern slopes of Aonach Mòr . In winter this is the centre of the Nevis Range skiing area, but in summer the gondola operates to give all visitors a chance to enjoy the views. Check the times of the last gondola down before setting out on the walk. The route is in two separate halves, heading out and back to two different viewpoints off to either side from the gondola station.

Stage 2

To make the walk out to the Sgùrr Finnisg-aig viewpoint first, head out the back of the restaurant building and turn left, taking the path signed for the viewpoint that begins to the left of the Great Glen Chalet. This leads past a bench, descends slightly and then climbs gently to the small peak of Sgùrr Finnisg-aig via a series of zig-zags.

Stage 3

The rocky summit at 663m is a superb viewpoint, with a panorama extending from Fort William, Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil, across the Great Glen and Glen Spean. Looking back, the entire ski area is seen leading up towards the top of Aonach Mòr , the parent mountain. Return to the restaurant and gondola station by retracing your steps.

Stage 4

To reach the second viewpoint, continue on the track beyond the centre. Note the wooden archway on the right - this is the start point of the mountain biking World Cup runs down to the base station. Continue along the track to the base of a ski lift.

Stage 5

From here a good path continues across the hillside to eventually curve right to the viewpoint of Meall Beag, which again has a seat and view indicator.

Stage 6

Walk back the same way. The first part of the path gives views ahead across the wild glen of the Allt Faim, with Càrn Mòr Dearg the mountain rising to the right - there's a peak of the Ben Nevis plateau just visible to the right of this. Return to the base station to head back via the gondola.

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