Discover the dramatic ridges, sweeping glens, and legendary peaks of Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, and Lochaber, the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands and one of Britain’s most iconic walking destinations. From classic Munro ascents and airy scrambles to tranquil riverside trails and multi-day bothy adventures, each route in this authoritative Cicerone guidebook promises exploration amid some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery.

Ideal for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hillgoers, this comprehensive guide presents 100 carefully graded walks across the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe region. Routes range from easy strolls to strenuous ridge traverses and extended backpacking expeditions, all with clear grading to help you find the perfect adventure. Scrambles and ridge routes are graded for difficulty and exposure for those ready to push their skills further.

• Explore the varied landscapes of Lochaber and Glen Coe, including Fort William, Glen Nevis, Kinlochleven, the Mamores, Grey Corries, Glen Etive, Black Mount, Ben Cruachan, and beyond, each offering unique routes and perspectives
• Features all the classic Highland walks and scrambles, including five routes up Ben Nevis, the legendary Aonach Eagach ridge, the Ledge Route, the Mamores traverse, and 44 Munro summits
• Each walk includes at-a-glance information on start and finish points, distance, ascent, estimated time, grade, terrain, and key logistics, along with 1:50,000 OS or 1:100,000 mapping and summary tables for easy planning
• Practical advice covers access, parking, public transport, accommodation options (from inns and hostels to wild camping and bothies), and essential equipment for Highland conditions
• Additional features include guidance on responsible access, wild camping, deer stalking season, and the best times of year to visit, plus insights into the area’s geology, history, and walking traditions
• Walks are suitable year-round, with clear notes on seasonal weather, conditions, and car-free access via excellent bus and train links from Glasgow and beyond

Plan your mountain walking adventure in Ben Nevis and Glen Coe with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook, and discover the variety, wild beauty, and exhilarating spirit of Scotland’s most celebrated mountain region.

Walking Ben Nevis and Glen Coe – Quick Facts

Location: Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and Lochaber, West Highlands, Scotland
Number of routes: 100 (including 5 routes up Ben Nevis, 3 scrambles, and 44 Munro summits)
Duration: Walks range from 2km/1 mile to 34km/21 miles; from short strolls to multi-day bothy treks
Regions covered: Fort William, Glen Nevis, Grey Corries, Mamores, Kinlochleven, Glen Coe, Bidean nam Bian, Glen Etive, Black Mount, Ben Cruachan, Oban, Spean Bridge
Route type: Low-level walks, mid-level hikes, mountain ascents, classic ridge traverses, scrambles, bothy and tent treks, and through-routes
Difficulty: Graded easy, moderate, strenuous; suitable for all abilities, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging high-level adventures
Terrain: Sharp ridges, rocky summits, wild moorland, remote glens, forest, and riverside paths
Navigation: 1:50,000 OS or 1:100,000 route maps included for each walk; clear route summaries, terrain and access notes
Best season: April–June and September–October for the best weather and views; low-level routes ideal in spring and autumn
Highlights: Five routes up Ben Nevis, Aonach Eagach ridge scramble, Grey Corries traverse, Black Mount, Pap of Glencoe, 44 Munros, classic bothy and wild camping expeditions
Equipment: Sturdy boots, waterproof clothing, full-size walkers’ map, compass, basic mountain safety kit recommended
Accommodation: Inns, hostels, bunkhouses, campsites, wild camping; excellent bus and rail links for car-free walking

Author Highlight

"The best of walking is ridge walking. Swoop downwards from the peak, level off along a rocky crest, then rise again to another summit; and then do the same thing again, four or five or even eight times over. Let the ridge sides drop steeply 900m to a green valley where a river gleams among the alder trees; and beyond the valley another steep ridge, and another, and the sea reaching silver-grey into the furthest west… And you’ve started to understand why the area from Ben Nevis southwards to Glen Coe is some of the finest mountain walking there is in the UK."

- Ronald Turnbull, author of Walking Ben Nevis and Glen Coe

Seasons

Low-level walks and scrambles: April to end of October recommended (June to September, beware midges). High-level routes: snow possible on tops and ridges Dec to April (or year-round, Ben Nevis summit), best snow conditions likely Feb, March.

Centres

Fort William, Glen Nevis, Spean Bridge, Corrour Station, Kinlochleven, Glencoe, Orchy, Inveroran, Dalmally, Taynuilt, Oban

Difficulty

High, low and mid-level walks: all graded for length and difficulty. Also some longer treks and through-routes. Variety of walking routes suitable for all abilities. Three must-do scrambling routes are also included.

Must See

44 Munro summits, Aonach Eagach ridge scramble, the Grey Corries, the Black Mount, Bidean, Ben Cruachan, Nevis Gorge, Carn Mor Dearg Arête, Ring of Steall, Cruachan Horseshoe, climb Ben Nevis

January 2020

2020 reprint route updates

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