Highwinds Holiday Lodge

Fort William Holiday Lodge

bucket list highlands adventures

Epic Munro Days Around Fort William

These are intended as some ideas of some epic Munro days around Fort William. If you’re wanting to do any of these routes without a guide this shouldn’t be the first you’re hearing about them, you should have some technical ability in the mountains and be comfortable using ropes if they’re needed.

If this is the first you’re hearing of these routes they are achievable if you hire a local guide who will give you a truly unforgettable experience exploring the best the highlands has to offer.

To attempt these walks you will need an excellent level of fitness, excellent navigational and route finding skills and a good head for heights. If attempting in winter you will need an ice axe and crampons with a good idea of how to use them. If these seem too much check out our other Munros page.

Ledge Route & CMD – Ben Nevis

Starting from Ben Nevis’ North Face car park (walkable from Highwinds). This is a great route for anyone wanting to dip their toes into some serious scrambling on Ben Nevis. The scrambling is not too difficult but some good route finding is needed on the ledge route (especially finding the beginning of the route) so you do not stray into tricky terrain.

Up Tower Ridge Down Ledge Route – Ben Nevis

Starting from Ben Nevis’ North Face car park (Walkable from Highwinds). This is probably the most challenging day on Ben Nevis before it comes a full on rock climb. Tower Ridge is achieveable for most people but is a bit of a step up in the level of exposure and scrambling from Ledge Route. The crux is tower gap which has a SERIOUS level of exposure and requires a few tricky steps, normally tackled with a rope.

Aonach Eagach

The best ridge walk Britain has to offer? The ridge is narrow with some pretty big exposure but is an incredible experience with stunning views of Glen Coe. The crux is the ‘crazy pinnacles’ which has big exposure and best tackled by going over rather than around. In winter some sections will require a rope.

Buachaille Etive Mòr via Curved Ridge

An incredible scramble with some good exposure. One of the finest ways up Buachaille Etive Mor. Route finding can be tricky and ropes will be needed with you in winter. The crux has good holds and foot placements.

Cuillin Ridge Traverse

A multi-day effort for most. One of the best adventures Britain has to offer. Excellent scrambling skills required and peak fitness, there are 22 peaks and 20 miles to cross. Unless you’re at home in difficult terrain you will need a guide.

  • Use a Guide

An Teallach

An Teallach or Aonach Eagach.. it’s a bit of a debate which ridge line is better so it’d be a bit rude not to do them both! Some great exposure and excellent scrambling.