Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

*** 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.