Peak Bagging from Scotland’s Outdoor Capital
They don’t call Fort William the UK’s Outdoor Capital for nothing. Nestled under Ben Nevis and ringed by dramatic ridges, this town is a prime spot for Munro walkers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a weathered hill warrior, there’s a local mountain calling your name.
This guide features top Munros easily accessed from Fort William—perfect if you’re based in town for a weekend, a week, or just passing through.
1. Ben Nevis (1,345 m)
- Distance & Time: ~16 km / 6–8 hrs
- Start Point: Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
- Route Type: Out‑and‑back via the Mountain Track
- Why It’s Worth It: The UK’s highest summit with sweeping views over Lochaber
- Top Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy sunrise if planning ahead
2. Carn Mor Dearg (1,220 m)
- Distance & Time: ~20–22 km / 8–10 hrs
- Start Point: Same as Nevis, but continue via the CMD Arete
- Route Type: Exposed ridge loop back to Nevis
- Why It’s Worth It: Bold summit, dramatic ridge, and fewer people than Nevis itself
- Top Tip: CMD Arete is airy—hold off in high winds or low cloud
3. Stob Bàn (999 m)
- Distance & Time: ~12 km / 5–6 hrs
- Start Point: Ridge route from Nevis range car park
- Route Type: Ridge connector through Mamores
- Why It’s Worth It: Sharply pointed, quartzite summit with great views across Lochaber
- Top Tip: Combine with Am Bodach for an extended ridge day
4. Sgùrr a’ Mhàim (1,099 m)
- Distance & Time: ~14 km / 6–7 hrs
- Start Point: Steall Meadows car park near Kinlochleven (short transfer from Fort William)
- Route Type: Ridge day with moderate scrambling
- Why It’s Worth It: Part of the iconic Ring of Steall ridge circuit
- Top Tip: Add Steall Falls as a scenic preamble before hitting the ridges
5. Aonach Mòr (1,221 m)
- Distance & Time: ~18 km / 7–9 hrs
- Start Point: Nevis Range (gondola-assisted or hike)
- Route Type: Paired ascent; often done with Aonach Beag
- Why It’s Worth It: Big mountain feel with lofted summit and sweeping vistas
- Top Tip: Take the gondola up to save time and energy for the ridge
6. Stob Coire a’ Chairn (981 m)
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 5 hrs
- Start Point: Hidden col accessed via walking from Glen Nevis track
- Route Type: Quiet ridge climb among the Mamores
- Why It’s Worth It: Peaceful summit away from busier routes, with great panorama back to Nevis
- Top Tip: Ideal if you want solitude without heading far from town
Bonus Summit: Beinn na Lap (935 m)
- Start Point: Corrour Railway Station (time and budget permitting)
- Why It’s Worth It: A remote Scottish summit with no road access—train required, but it’s a memorable offbeat adventure
Planning Tips for Fort William Munros
- Transportation: Use local taxis or ride‑share systems to access trailheads (e.g., Steall, Aonach Mòr)
- Timing: Start early—parking fills fast and shadows climb fast
- Gear: Waterproof layers, map/compass (or Peaky Baggers GPS), poles for descent
- Safety: As always, check Met Office or MWIS forecasts and signal a back-home plan
Final Thoughts
From the UK’s highest peak to quieter ridges in the Mamores, Fort William gives you top-tier hillwalking right from town. Whether you tackle a bold ridge like CMD Arete or enjoy a quieter climb like Stob Coire a’ Chairn, your Munro bagging here will be memorable.
Photo by Migle Siauciulyte on Unsplash
