Lochaber
Walks Near Fort William
186 hills within 40km — 85 Munros, 56 Corbetts, 45 Grahams, . Sorted by straight-line distance.
Fort William sits beneath Ben Nevis — the UK's highest mountain — and is surrounded by some of the best hill terrain in Scotland. Glen Nevis, the Mamores, the Grey Corries, the Aonach Eagach and the southern Knoydart hills are all within easy reach. Fort William is one of the best-connected Highland towns for both public transport and walking access — the West Highland Way ends here and the Ben Nevis trailhead is 4km from the town centre.
ScotRail West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street (3h30, some services via Caledonian Sleeper overnight). Scottish Citylink coaches from Glasgow (3h) and Inverness (1h30). Local Stagecoach Highland bus 41 serves Glen Nevis from the bus station (seasonal). The West Highland Way footpath arrives from Kinlochewe. Most nearby hills start within 10–30 minutes drive.
Top walks near Fort William
Ben Nevis (Mountain Track)
The UK's highest summit — 1,345m, 17km return, 1,350m ascent. Starting from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (4km from Fort William, served by bus). A genuine full-day challenge.
4km from Fort William
Steall Falls & Ring of Steall
Dramatic gorge walk to Scotland's second-highest waterfall (120m), then optional Mamore ridge circuit. Lower car park 7km from Fort William in Glen Nevis.
7km from Fort William
Nevis Range (Aonach Mòr)
Gondola to 655m then walking to Aonach Mòr summit (1,221m Munro) — shortest Munro ascent in Scotland from a mechanical uplift. Nevis Range ski area 10km from Fort William.
10km from Fort William
When to go
Fort William has a wetter climate than most Scottish hill bases due to its west coast position — annual rainfall is among the highest in Scotland. This means excellent waterfalls and lush vegetation but regular rain on the hills. May–June and September are the most reliably settled months. July–August is the busiest period. Winter hillwalking from Fort William is popular for Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries but demands full mountaineering equipment. The Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston allows overnight travel for a weekend with minimal planning.
All hills within 40km of Fort William
Distance is straight-line (as the crow flies) from Fort William city centre — not drive or walk distance. Radius: 40km.
Current conditions near Fort William
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:15
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get to Ben Nevis without a car from Fort William?
- Yes — Stagecoach Highland bus 41 runs from Fort William bus station to Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (Ben Nevis trailhead) seasonally. In summer it runs approximately hourly; check current timetables at stagecoachbus.com. The walk from Fort William town centre to the trailhead is approximately 4km on a footpath.
- Is Fort William good for non-Munro walks?
- Yes — the Steall Falls walk in Glen Nevis is one of Scotland's finest low-level routes (accessible to most walkers). The Great Glen Way starts at Fort William and the Great Glen Canoe Trail uses the canal and Loch Lochy. The Nevis Range gondola gives easy access to spectacular high mountain terrain without a strenuous ascent.
- What is the best time to visit Fort William for walking?
- May–June gives long daylight, relatively settled weather, and fewer crowds than July–August. September is excellent for clearer air after summer. The West Highland Way season runs April–October with most walkers in July–August. Winter is viable for experienced mountaineers but Ben Nevis in full winter conditions is a serious undertaking.
- How far are the Mamores from Fort William?
- The Mamores range begins immediately above Glen Nevis, approximately 7–10km from Fort William by road (lower Glen Nevis car park, NN 167 691). The Ring of Steall circuit takes in four Mamores Munros and is one of Scotland's finest ridge days — starting from the lower Glen Nevis car park.
Eat, drink and stay in Fort William
The SCOT network covering the same town — travel context, food and drink, and non-hill alternatives.