View through the lush green valley of Glen Nevis in Lochaber, Scottish Highlands, with a river winding through forested slopes beneath low mountain clouds.

Lochaber – Mountains, Glens, and Sea Lochs

High mountain ranges, narrow glens, and long sea lochs on Scotland’s west coast.

Lochaber is an area of high mountains, glacial glens, and sea lochs in the western Highlands of Scotland. Walking routes cross Ben Nevis and Glen Coe and follow the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way, linking places such as Fort William, Glencoe, Kinlochleven, Spean Bridge, and Corpach across mountain passes, lochside tracks, and valley floors between Loch Linnhe and the Great Glen.

Much of the terrain is firm but demanding underfoot. Hill paths, estate tracks, rocky mountain trails, and lochside paths allow steady progress, with frequent sustained climbs and descents. Surfaces are often rough, stony, or uneven, with wetter ground and erosion on higher routes.

The landscape shifts between areas. Around Fort William and Glen Nevis the ground rises steeply into high mountain slopes, while Glen Coe narrows into a confined glacial valley with steep sides and passes. North and east of Spean Bridge, wider glens and lochside corridors provide lower, more gradual routes along the Great Glen.

Settlements are concentrated at the heads of lochs and along main glens, creating clear access points for shorter walks and longer linear routes, with long remote sections between villages in the uplands.

Trails and Routes Through Lochaber

West Highland Way

Long-distance route entering Lochaber at Kinlochleven and continuing to Fort William through mountain passes and glen floor tracks.

Great Glen Way

Linear route running north from Fort William along the Caledonian Canal and loch shores toward Inverness on mostly level ground.

Ben Nevis Mountain Path

Steep hill route climbing from Glen Nevis to the summit of Ben Nevis on stony and stepped terrain.

Glen Coe and Lost Valley Paths

Shorter hill and valley routes through steep-sided glens and upland passes with rough, rocky ground.

Walking Character

High mountains and steep slopes
Narrow glens and deep valleys
Sea lochs and freshwater lochs
Rocky and uneven paths
Sustained climbs and descents
Long remote stretches between settlements
Predominantly upland and mountainous terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lochaber located?

Lochaber lies in the western Scottish Highlands around Fort William, between Loch Linnhe and the Great Glen.

What defines walking here?

Mountain and glen terrain dominate, with steep ascents, rocky paths, and long upland crossings alongside lochside routes.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The West Highland Way ends in Fort William and the Great Glen Way begins there, linking two major multi-day routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Many routes include sustained climbs and rough ground. Loachside and canal sections are generally level.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn provides longer daylight and more stable conditions. Weather can change quickly, and upland routes may be exposed or wet at any time of year.