Alternative Walks in Fort William 

Neptune’s Staircase is in Banvie near Fort William and is a series of 8 canal locks that allow passing boats to climb 19 metres over a distance of a quarter of a mile. We recommend parking for free at the Marina in Corpach. This is the start of the Caledonian Canal and has views across Loch Linnhe to Ben Nevis. From here you’ll walk along the towpath for 1.5km to Banavie swing bridge with Neptune’s Staircase just beyond.

Now I’ll be honest, the summit of Cow Hill is not the most inspiring due to the HUGE mast at the top. However, the views of Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis on the way up are beautiful. And, the view from the top is amazing, with views over Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil. The walk itself is well signposted from two possible starting points depending on how long a walk you want to do. You can either take the longer route from the Braveheart car park in Glen Nevis (£3 per day to park) or the shorter route from Upper Achintore, above Fort William town centre.

If you want wonderful, panoramic views without putting in too much effort, check out the Nevis Range mountain gondola. Taking a ride up the gondola transports you 650m up Aonach Mor, Britain’s 8th highest mountain. On leaving the Gondola there are two view point walks giving you wonderful views over Loch Eil, Loch Linnhe and Loch Lochy. Both walks follow a designated rocky path which climbs gradually uphill.  

Glen Nevis has a wealth of walks for all abilities, but one of our favourites is the path from the Lower Falls car park (£3 charge for all day parking) to Paddy’s Bridge. The route is an easy 3.5km out and back walk following the Water of Nevis. Being in Glen Nevis, this mainly flat walk has wonderful mountain views, plus some fast flowing waterfalls along the way. This means you can take in some fantastic views for little effort.