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Lots to do and places to explore in the shelter of Britain's mightiest mountain

Glen Nevis

Step into the glen

This is the gateway to one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, watched over by Britain’s highest peak. But you don’t have to climb high or go far to enjoy some stunning forest, mountain and loch views. Glen Nevis is much loved by local people as well as visitors as the starting point for trips into exciting mountain scenery, but there’s plenty more on offer. You don’t have to climb high or go far to enjoy some stunning forest, mountain and loch views on a great range of trails.

Braveheart car park is the gateway to the glen and main starting point for many of the best woodland trails in the area, induing Cow Hill and Dun Deardail fort. There's also plenty of space for kids to play among the trees and pleasant spots for a picnic.

Venture further up the road and you'll discover a quieter and wilder side to Glen Nevis at Achriabhach. Here you'll find a small car park with a waymarked trail that follows the Allt a'Choire Dheird river with great views of the mamore mountains.

Download our guide map to the Great Glen (PDF 5.8MB) and other forests around Fort William (PDF 6.9MB).

Parking Picnic area Walking Easy-access trails Viewpoint Mountain access Ancient monument

Take a break

You’ll find public toilets and plenty of places to eat in Fort William.

Walking trails

Please note, all trails start from the Braveheart car park.


Cow Hill circuit

A loop all the way round Cow Hill, the wee hill with big views.  There's also an option to branch off the circuit to visit the top of the hill. Great views of lochs, Ben Nevis and the Mamores.

Mostly wide, firm path although some short sections can be narrow, loose or rough.

Strenuous

4 miles /
6.5 km
Allow
2¾ hours

More information...

Dun Deardail trail

Walk up through the forest to the open summit of this important iron age hill fort. Great views, enjoyed by people here for thousands of years.

A long, moderately steep climb. The path to the fort is steep and rough, with uneven stone steps.

Strenuous

6 ¼ miles /
10.0 km
Allow
3½ hours

More information...

Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Head for the hills

Glen Nevis is the starting point for the classic approach to Ben Nevis, the old pony track. This is a route across open mountain, with no waymarkers: check our advice on hill walking before you set off. Check at the Glen Nevis centre for more information and the latest weather reports.

Notices

Car parking and access to Glen Nevis forest is affected by upgrade works to Braveheart car park. Car parking capacity is being increased, and a new access route being built that will separate public vehicles from forestry vehicles like wood lorries. This will lead to improved safety, sort out ongoing problems with a better road surface and give a safer, more dedicated recreation facility. The car park will be closed from now until 28th February 2018, but access to all forest trails will be maintained, with signed diversions around the work site. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Contact: Lochaber Forest District

Address: Torlundy, Fort William

Postcode: PH33 6SW

Telephone: 0300 067 6870

Email: lochaber@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

From Fort William head along Glen Nevis road for about ¾ mile (1.3km) to the Braveheart car park at NN 121 736.

Using SatNav?

PH33 6PF is a postcode on Belford Road. Continue up the glen past this spot to find the car park.

Public transport

You’ll find details of public transport to Fort William at Traveline Scotland.


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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.