recommended route
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
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Red DeerPhoto: Fraser MacRae, Macs Adventure
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Kingshouse HotelSafety information
Take your time climbing the devils staircase and be careful of loose gravel. The climb is short but steep.
Maps
If you wish to carry a hardcopy map, we would recommend buying the West Highland Way map from Footprints. Alternatively, you may wish to print the daily maps directly from our app.
Guidebook
If you wish to bring a guidebook, we would recommend Trailblazer's West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William by Charlie Loram.
Macs Adventure Blogs
Using our decades of experience we have written several blogs containing helpful tips, daily wildlife information, lunch stops, where to eat, FAQ and more. Please follow the link below to read our West Highland Way insights:
https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/walking/west-highland-way/
Tips and hints
Noted on the interactive map are a couple notable points of interest. Click the icons on the map for more information.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided these route notes to help you. The West Highland Way is well waymarked, but we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
It’s time to leave the cosy confines of the Kingshouse Hotel, if you leave from the entrance to the small walkers/climber’s bar at the eastern end of Kingshouse Hotel turn left. Soon you’ll cross a stone bridge and follow the track to a T-junction, turn left again and follow the signs for the West Highland Way with excellent views of Buachaille Etive Mor on an old road. Make sure you don’t miss the signposted turn off to the right onto a narrow path. Follow this path as it traverses the hillside towards Glencoe, keeping the A82 on your left-hand side. After a small clump of pine trees the path swings right to ascend the side of the glen – this is the iconic Devils Staircase. Ascend on stone steps to gain the top, at 6.50 km into your day’s walk, for wonderful views of Loch Leven to the west, Blackwater Reservoir to the east and the Nevis Range mountains to the north.
From the high point (550m) traverse the slopes of Stob Mhic Mhartuin from where it’s a steady descent, for 8 km, into Kinlochleven. After the open space of the Rannoch Moor enjoy the change of scenery as you walk along forest trails and tracks leading into the village. Make sure to look behind you up at the steep slopes of the Aonach Eagach Ridge – a popular scrambling route with seasoned walkers in the summer months and mountaineers in the winter.
At 13.70 km cross the River Leven and turn left to enter the village via a residential area, following the West Highland Way into the village centre – the track today finishes outside the Tailrace Inn. Please see your tailored accommodation for specific accommodation directions.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
If you wish to bring a guidebook, we would recommend Trailblazer's West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William by Charlie Loram.
Using our decades of experience, we have written several blogs containing helpful tips, daily wildlife information, lunch stops, where to eat, FAQ and more. Please follow the link below to read our West Highland Way insights:
https://www.macsadventure.com/walking-holidays/category/walking/west-highland-way/
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required. The weather can change quickly so be sure to take all equipment even if the weather looks okay. A waterproof cover for your rucksack is also useful.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it would be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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