There are 282 Munros in Scotland mountains over 3,000 feet (914 metres) and Fort William is surrounded by some of the finest. From the relatively straightforward slopes of the Pony Track to the airy ridges of the Aonach Eagach, there's a mountain day here for every level of experience.
But Scottish mountains demand respect. The weather can change with extraordinary speed, paths can be vague or non-existent above the treeline, and mobile phone reception is often patchy at best. These tips will help you get the most out of your mountain days safely.
Before You Leave: Register for Emergency SMS
Before you head into the hills, text 'register' to 999 from your phone and reply 'yes' when prompted. This takes two minutes and enables you to text 999 for help in areas with weak signal where a voice call might not connect, a text often will. In the mountains, this could be the most important thing you do before leaving the car park.
If you ever need to use it, text 999 with the service you need (Police for Mountain Rescue), your location (grid reference if possible), and what's happened. Keep the message short and factual.
1. Have a Clear Plan
Know your route before you leave the lodge. Study the map, understand the terrain, note the key decision points, and have a realistic idea of how long the walk will take. A common mistake is underestimating how much longer a mountain walk takes compared to the same distance on flat ground.
Check the weather forecast on MWIS it provides mountain-specific forecasts that are far more useful than general weather apps. In winter, also check the SAIS avalanche report for Lochaber.
Pack for the conditions you might get, not just the conditions you hope for. The summit of a Munro is typically 10–15°C colder than the car park, and wind chill can make it feel colder still. Carry extra warm layers you lose heat fast when you stop moving, especially at an exposed lunch spot or if you need to wait while someone in the group sorts out a problem.
2. Carry the Right Kit
At a minimum: a detailed map and compass (and the ability to use them), waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers including a hat and gloves, food, water, a headtorch, and a fully charged phone. In winter, add an ice axe and crampons and the training to use them for self-arrest.
Why these specifics matter: avoid cotton base layers entirely cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against your skin, stripping away body heat when wet. In wind and cold, a soaked cotton t-shirt can accelerate hypothermia dangerously fast. Synthetic or merino wool base layers wick moisture away and keep insulating even when damp.
If you're heading out in winter conditions, your boots matter as much as your crampons. Crampons need a stiff, rigid sole to stay attached. A flexible summer hiking boot will flex with each step, working the crampon bindings loose until they detach usually at the worst possible moment on steep ice. Make sure your boots and crampons are compatible before you leave.
Don't rely on your phone for navigation. Lithium-ion batteries lose power rapidly in cold temperatures your phone can show 60% battery at the car park and die on the summit. Touchscreens become unresponsive with gloves or in rain, and GPS signal can be unreliable in steep terrain. Carry your phone for emergencies, but navigate with a physical map and compass as your primary tools.
3. Tell Someone Your Plans
Always leave word with someone who isn't on the mountain. Tell them which route you're taking, where you're parked (include the vehicle registration), and when you expect to be back. Agree on a time at which they should raise the alarm if they haven't heard from you.
Mountaineering Scotland provides a downloadable route card template that covers all the essential information. Fill it in and leave a copy with your contact person. If you're staying at Highwinds Lodge, you're welcome to drop us a message with your plans.
4. Be Prepared to Turn Back
This is perhaps the most important safety tip and the hardest to follow. The mountain will always be there tomorrow. If conditions deteriorate, if someone in the group is struggling, or if the route turns out to be harder than expected turn around.
Never split the group. If one person wants to turn back, everyone turns back. Groups that split up create two problems instead of one, and a solo walker in poor conditions is far more vulnerable than a group.
Continuously reassess as you go. The conditions at the summit are almost always worse than at the car park. If you're uncomfortable at 500 metres, it's unlikely to improve at 900 metres. Coming back another day is not failure it's good mountaineering judgment.
5. Descending Is Often the Hard Part
Many accidents on Munros happen on the descent. Tired legs, fading concentration, and the psychological relaxation of "we've done the summit" all contribute. Loose rock, wet grass, and steep ground that felt manageable on the way up can feel very different when you're going down.
Never try to shortcut down an unfamiliar slope. "It looks like it goes" is how people end up on cliff edges and in gullies. Stick to the path you planned or know, even if it's longer. If you're descending in poor visibility, use your compass don't just head downhill and hope for the best.
Give yourself plenty of daylight for the descent. In a Scottish winter, that might mean turning around by 1pm. Plan your timing from the start, not when you're already on the summit.
6. If Things Go Wrong
Stay together and stay calm. If someone is injured, make them as warm and comfortable as possible. If you're lost, stop and try to work out your position rather than pressing on into unknown ground.
Call 999 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. If you can't call, try texting 999 (you must have pre-registered). Be ready to give: your location (grid reference if possible), number of people, injuries, equipment you have, and phone numbers for everyone in the group.
While waiting for rescue, keep the group together, keep warm, and keep morale up. Mountain Rescue teams in Lochaber are experienced and dedicated, but they may take time to reach you especially in poor weather. Having spare warm layers and food makes a huge difference to how well you cope while waiting.
7. Scrambling and Exposed Ground
Some Munro routes involve scrambling using your hands as well as your feet to move over rocky ground. If you're not experienced with scrambling, choose routes that avoid it, or go with someone who is.
If you find yourself on exposed ground and feel uncomfortable, stop and breathe. Keep three points of contact with the rock at all times (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot). Focus on the next single move. Move deliberately and don't rush. If the ground ahead looks worse than what you've already crossed, it may be safer to retrace your steps.
Mountain Days From Highwinds Lodge
Highwinds Lodge sits at the foot of the Ben Nevis range in Torlundy, making it the perfect base for Munro-bagging in Lochaber. We have maps, local knowledge, and a drying room for wet gear. Have a look at our Munro guides to start planning your mountain days, or ask us for suggestions we love talking about the hills.
Useful Resources
MWIS — Mountain Weather Information Service (West Highlands forecast)
SAIS Lochaber — Scottish Avalanche Information Service (winter conditions)
Mountaineering Scotland — Route cards, safety guidance, and mountain skills courses
Walk Highlands — Detailed route descriptions and conditions reports for Scottish mountains
Scottish Mountain Rescue — Information about mountain rescue teams across Scotland