Fort William Holiday Lodge
highland exploration for all
11 Easy Walks Near Fort WilliamJust because we’re by the highest mountain in the UK doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of walks that are of a flatter nature! Here are some of our favourite walks that don’t involve slogging up a hill! Here’s some of the best easy walks near Fort William. If you want to see what walking options from the Highwinds please or if you’re looking for a step up in difficulty from your walks visit here.
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Our 11 easy walks near Fort William
neptunes staircase
Great Glen Walk
Explore a well-maintained, level path alongside the Caledonian Canal, nestled within the stunning Great Glen. Enjoy picturesque views of Ben Nevis as the canal winds its way through the landscape. The bordering trees offer pleasant shelter from the wind.
Starting at Banavie provides immediate access to the impressive Neptune’s Staircase. Alternatively, a Corpach start allows for a short detour to a beach with breathtaking panoramas of Fort William, Ben Nevis, Loch Linnhe, and a photogenic abandoned fishing boat. During summer, check the Jacobite steam train timetable to potentially witness it crossing Neptune’s Staircase during your walk. This is a fantastic, easy walk near Fort William. For another memorable experience of the Great Glen, consider cycling the route!
Starting at Banavie provides immediate access to the impressive Neptune’s Staircase. Alternatively, a Corpach start allows for a short detour to a beach with breathtaking panoramas of Fort William, Ben Nevis, Loch Linnhe, and a photogenic abandoned fishing boat. During summer, check the Jacobite steam train timetable to potentially witness it crossing Neptune’s Staircase during your walk. This is a fantastic, easy walk near Fort William. For another memorable experience of the Great Glen, consider cycling the route!
hogwarts express
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, internationally renowned thanks to the Harry Potter films, features some steep but manageable sections. Various paths around the viaduct offer diverse viewpoints and a chance to escape the crowds. After experiencing it, a short walk to Loch Shiel – famously the location of Hogwarts Lake in the Goblet of Fire – is highly recommended to see the Jacobite memorial and the stunning loch. Visiting Glenfinnan is an essential part of any Highlands exploration.
For those visiting between spring and autumn, timing your visit to coincide with the Jacobite steam train crossing the viaduct is worthwhile. The train typically passes the viaduct on its way towards Mallaig around 10:45 am and returns on the Viaduct on its way to Fort William at approximately 3:00 pm. Be aware that the viaduct car park can get extremely crowded during peak season, so arriving early is advised to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, consider taking the ScotRail train directly to Glenfinnan for a stress-free arrival.
For those visiting between spring and autumn, timing your visit to coincide with the Jacobite steam train crossing the viaduct is worthwhile. The train typically passes the viaduct on its way towards Mallaig around 10:45 am and returns on the Viaduct on its way to Fort William at approximately 3:00 pm. Be aware that the viaduct car park can get extremely crowded during peak season, so arriving early is advised to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, consider taking the ScotRail train directly to Glenfinnan for a stress-free arrival.
paradise
Camusdarach Beach
Discover the incredible Camusdarach Beach, boasting crystal-clear turquoise waters and silver sands. Explore various routes between the beaches – an adventurous scramble over the rocks or a more relaxed path through the dunes. This is pure Highland paradise, famously featured in the 80s film ‘Local Hero’ and offering stunning views of the Isle of Skye, Eigg, and Rum. It’s my top pick for the best beach near Fort William. If the main car park is full, continue south towards Arisaig for potential parking at other similar beaches.
Scotland’s second-highest Waterfall
Steall Falls
The walk to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis offers a stunning experience, leading to the second-highest waterfall in Scotland. Near the waterfall, a steel rope bridge provides an optional crossing for those comfortable with this type of obstacle, offering closer views of the falls.
This is a popular walk generally considered easy and accessible from near Fort William. However, it’s important to note that the terrain is not consistently paved and includes natural, rocky sections which can become slippery in wet conditions and some drops close to the path. For individuals with concerns about their stability on uneven or potentially slick surfaces, alternative walking routes in the area may be more suitable.
This is a popular walk generally considered easy and accessible from near Fort William. However, it’s important to note that the terrain is not consistently paved and includes natural, rocky sections which can become slippery in wet conditions and some drops close to the path. For individuals with concerns about their stability on uneven or potentially slick surfaces, alternative walking routes in the area may be more suitable.
Cameron country
Arkaig Forest Art Walk
This is an accessible “there and back” walk along a well-maintained forestry track on the shores of Loch Arkaig. The route incorporates significant local history and features an Art Treasure Hunt, making it suitable for a wide range of interests, including history enthusiasts and families with children.
The drive to the walk’s starting point is scenic, passing through “The Dark Mile,” a notable former Commando training route. It is recommended to take a detour to the left after crossing the white wooden bridge to explore the grounds of Achnacarry. This location served as a training base for Allied Special Forces during World War II and offers historical points of interest.
The drive to the walk’s starting point is scenic, passing through “The Dark Mile,” a notable former Commando training route. It is recommended to take a detour to the left after crossing the white wooden bridge to explore the grounds of Achnacarry. This location served as a training base for Allied Special Forces during World War II and offers historical points of interest.
flexible and stunning
Glencoe Lochan Trail
The Glencoe Lochan Trail offers three distinct trails centered around a lochan. One trail is a wide, level path circumnavigating the lochan, making it suitable for wheelchair users and those seeking an accessible route. This highly recommended walk provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the prominent Pap of Glencoe.
Two additional marked trails are available, offering a slightly more challenging experience with some inclines. However, these trails remain on clearly defined and wide paths, making them generally manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
For those interested in refreshments or a meal, the well-known Clachaig Inn, a popular pub with climbers, is conveniently located a short distance down the road and is worth considering as part of your visit.
Two additional marked trails are available, offering a slightly more challenging experience with some inclines. However, these trails remain on clearly defined and wide paths, making them generally manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
For those interested in refreshments or a meal, the well-known Clachaig Inn, a popular pub with climbers, is conveniently located a short distance down the road and is worth considering as part of your visit.
the heart of glen nevis
River Nevis
This is an accessible and pleasant walk along well-maintained paths beside the River Nevis. The section on the Ben Nevis side of the river offers particularly scenic views down Glen Nevis, providing a tranquil walking experience. The trail shares its initial starting point with the Ben Nevis Pony Track.
For those seeking refreshments or a meal, the Ben Nevis Inn is located nearby, offering excellent food and views.
For those seeking refreshments or a meal, the Ben Nevis Inn is located nearby, offering excellent food and views.
mountain top views
Nevis Range
The Nevis Range Gondola offers an accessible way to ascend to 650 meters, providing panoramic views without a strenuous climb. Well-maintained paths are available at the upper station. For visitors with disabilities, the gondolas can accommodate wheelchairs up to 60cm in width. Staff are present at both the base and summit stations to assist with safe and comfortable boarding and disembarking, and can slow the gondolas as needed. At the top, a cafe with scenic views of Loch Linnhe is available. This is a suitable option for families and individuals seeking easier access to high-altitude viewpoints.
incredible glen views
Dun Deardail Fort
Walk this well-maintained path up about a 300m ascent to reach the grassy embankment outlines of the iron-age fort, Dun Dearddail, and see a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. If you’re up in the area to tackle Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis, this is the perfect walk to warm up your legs the day before your attempt. Easily done in a morning or afternoon, you can see pretty much the entire Ben Nevis route from across the Glen.
red squirrels
Inchree Falls
One of our favourite walks in the area and only a short drive away. A clear marked path pretty much the whole way, the first part of the route takes you straight up to view the cascading falls. Follow the route round and the views from the forestry track get even better. The perfect walk for a clear day, you can look out across the valley to the expansive loch and see the towering mountains all around. If you’re lucky you could see some Red Squirrels.
in the centre of glen nevis
Achriabhach Forest
A forest walk with a fairly steep climb that offers ever-changing views of the surrounding mountain range. Follow the Walkhighlands route to climb a steep but easy-to-navigate rocky path alongside the flowing water before looping round and heading back down along a wide forestry track through the woods.
