West Highland Way Section 8- Kinlochleven to Fort William

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West Highland Way Section 8- Kinlochleven to Fort William

By Dave Roberts   

on December 17, 2020   No ratings yet.

Posted in Official West Highland Way Route

West Highland Way Section 8- Kinlochleven to Fort William

Further Details

Route Summary:

The 8th and final section of the West Highland Way takes you between Kinlochleven and the end at Fort William.

Start and Finish: Kinlochleven to Fort William

Distance: 23.6 km

Ascent: 615 m

Time: 6 hours

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Weather Forecast:

Facilities:

There are no facilities on the route, but there are pubs and shops at Kinlochleven – see the previous section for information. However, once you reach Fort William at the end of the West Highland Way you’ll be spoilt for choice! From the Grog and Gruel in the High Street to the Ben Nevis Inn, a favourite with compleaters who are looking to Walk up Ben Nevis on their final day.

Public Transport:

There’s a bus service between Kinlochleven and Fort William – the N44 by Shiel Buses.  Fort William has a coach service to Glasgow and also the West Highland Line railway.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Keep an eye out for:

Ben Nevis!

Dun Deardail Hill Fort – an excellent booklet can be downloaded here that goes into detail on the excavation and history of this spectacularly located site.

Recommended WHW Maps: 

West Highland Way Guidebooks:

Scottish Highland Guidebooks:

Businesses on this section of the West Highland Way: 

West Highland Way Section 8- Kinlochleven to Fort William Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

West Highland Way Section 8- Kinlochleven to Fort William

The final leg of the West Highland Way’s  is between Kinlochleven and Fort William. While there are no steep sections, the effort mounts up as it does involve crossing over from one glen to the other a few times. This is a steady walk to complete the West Highland Way, which shouldn’t pose a problem after 8 days’ walking.

The final leg sets off from Kinlochleven up Lairigmor on the old military road towards Glen Nevis. Just before the descent to Glen Nevis, the West Highland Way passes the hill fort of Dun Deardail, which was built around 2,500 years ago and was destroyed in an intense fire. Follow the link for more information on its history and excavation. One thing’s for certain, they would have had the most impressive views towards Ben Nevis from the fort.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink at Fort William such as the Grog and Gruel on the High Street. There are also a number of outdoors shops where you can treat yourself to some new clothes to change into.

The End of the West Highland Way

The West Highland Way ends at Gordon Square at the far end of Fort William High Street. A sign and a sculpture called ‘sore feet’ commemorates this. David Annand created this sculpture in 2010.

This sculpture by David Annand is called Sore Feet, and with good preparation you hopefully won’t be suffering like this guy!
The Official End of the West Highland Way in Gordon Square, Fort William

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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