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 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.
Dave Roberts
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West Highland Way Section 1 – Milngavie to Drymen
Sections of the West Highland Way
Maps for the West Highland Way
Maps and Guides
Recommended West Highland Way Maps: West Highland Way Map Booklet: 1:25,000 OS Route Mapping (British Long Distance Trails) , West Highland Way XT40 (Route Map)
Recommended West Highland Way Guide Books: The West Highland Way: The Official Guide, The West Highland Way: National Trail Guide , Not the West Highland Way , The West Highland Way .
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