Planning A Week Of Walking Around Fort William, Glencoe & Skye

A week in the Scottish Highlands gives you the opportunity to experience several very different types of mountain landscape. 

Fort William, Glencoe and Skye are all within reach of one another, but each has its own character, from the broad valleys and Munros around Lochaber to the dramatic ridges of Glencoe and the rocky Cuillin of Skye.

The key to planning a successful walking holiday is not trying to do everything. A more flexible approach allows you to choose routes according to your experience, fitness and the weather.

Start in Fort William

Fort William makes an excellent base for the beginning of a walking holiday. With Glen Nevis, Ben Nevis and the Mamores nearby, there is a huge choice of walks and mountain days.

For a first visit, you might want to include Ben Nevis. The UK's highest mountain is an obvious challenge, but it is a serious full-day walk and should not simply be treated as a box-ticking exercise.

There are plenty of alternatives if you would prefer something less demanding. A guided walk around Glen Nevis can provide spectacular Highland scenery without committing to a summit.

A suitable Munro such as Na Gruagaichean can introduce you to higher mountain terrain if you are in the mood to stretch yourself.

Spend time exploring Glencoe

From Fort William, Glencoe is an easy addition to your itinerary. The landscape changes dramatically, with steep mountains rising from the valley and some of Scotland's most recognisable peaks surrounding the road.

Your walking options can range from relatively straightforward hill days to more adventurous routes involving scrambling and exposed terrain.

For experienced hillwalkers, the Aonach Eagach provides a very different experience from a conventional mountain walk. It should only be attempted by people with appropriate experience and confidence, particularly because of its exposed scrambling sections.

For those wanting something more relaxed, there are plenty of other ways to explore the glen and surrounding mountains.

Allow time for Skye

If the Cuillin are on your wish list, Skye deserves more than a rushed day trip. The island's mountains offer some of the most challenging and spectacular terrain in Britain.

The Skye Cuillin Munros are particularly suited to guided adventures because conditions, navigation and route-finding can make a significant difference to the experience. 

You do not necessarily need to be an experienced climber to enjoy a day in the mountains, but the route should be matched carefully to your abilities.

A mountain skills course can also be a great option for hillwalkers who want to develop their experience while working towards several summits.

Mix mountain days with easier walks

A week of consecutive demanding mountain days can be tiring, even for experienced walkers. Consider mixing longer days with easier walks and opportunities to explore the landscape at a slower pace.

This gives you time to appreciate the geology, wildlife and scenery of the Highlands while keeping enough energy for your bigger objectives.