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).
Notice
- There are currently forest operations taking place in Glen Nevis. The West Highland Way route is diverted and the Dun Deardail route closed until April 2019.







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.
Please note: The Dun Deardail route is closed until April 2019 for forest operations in Glen Nevis.
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.

4 miles / 6.5 km Allow 2¾ hours
The section of trail on the south of the hill is known as the ‘Peat Track’ – local crofters used it on their way back from cutting peat for fuel, and it has the best views of Ben Nevis. The trail is popular with mountain bikers as well as walkers: on blind corners, be aware there might be a biker just round the bend.
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.

6 ¼ miles / 10.0 km Allow 3½ hours
This longer trail has a real sense of adventure. It’ll take you through the forest and onto the open summit of Dun Deardail (pronounced "dun jerra-dil"), an Iron Age hill fort. People lived here in a compound that would have had several round huts, encircled by a rampart. See if you can spot the grassy remains of the outer wall. The views of the glen and Ben Nevis from here are spectacular on a clear day.
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.
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.
Share your experience
For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.