West Highland Way Kinlochleven to Fort William – Route and Places to Stay
The final section of the West Highland Way from Kinlochleven to Fort William marks the completion of one of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance walks. Leaving Kinlochleven, the route begins with a steady climb through woodland before emerging onto a high, open stretch known as Lairigmor, or the “great pass.” This wide glen offers relatively straightforward walking, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and a strong sense of space and isolation.
As the route continues, the path gradually descends towards Glen Nevis, passing beneath the imposing presence of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The terrain is generally well-defined, following tracks and forest paths before reaching the outskirts of Fort William. The final approach includes a short stretch on quieter roads leading into the town centre, where the official finish of the West Highland Way is marked. This stage is typically around 24 km (15 miles) and takes most walkers between 6 and 8 hours to complete.
Accommodation options are available in Kinlochleven and extensively in Fort William, which serves as a major tourist hub in the Highlands. Many walkers choose to stay in Fort William to celebrate completing the route, with a wide range of hotels, inns, and B&Bs available. Staying close to the route ensures easy access to both the final stretch of the walk and nearby attractions, including Glen Nevis and the surrounding mountain scenery.
- Previous section: West Highland Way – Bridge of Orchy to Kinlochleven
Route map and nearby hotels
Elevation profile
The chart shows the route from start to finish. If a hotel has been selected, its nearest position on the route is shown as a highlighted marker.
The route shown is intended to give a general sense of how nearby accommodation is positioned in relation to the walk, helping you gauge proximity rather than providing a detailed navigation guide. While the map outlines the route, it should be viewed as an overview only and may not reflect every turn, feature, or on-the-ground condition you may encounter.
For the walk itself, it is advisable to use a reliable map and/or an electronic navigation aid to assist with route finding, particularly in areas where paths may be less distinct or conditions change. Taking time to plan ahead, check local information, and prepare for varying terrain and weather will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Selected hotel
Select a hotel from the list to highlight its location on the route and see where it sits on the elevation profile.
Hotels along this walking trail
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Fort William, Highlands - 0 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.01 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.03 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.03 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.04 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.06 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.07 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.08 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.08 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.08 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.09 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.12 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.14 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.14 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.17 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.17 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.17 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.19 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.19 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.19 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.2 miles from the route
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Fort william, Highlands - 0.22 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.24 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.26 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.26 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.27 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.27 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.28 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.3 miles from the route
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Kinlochmore, Highlands - 0.3 miles from the route
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Kinlochleven, Highlands - 0.31 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.39 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.43 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.45 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.47 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.5 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.5 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.6 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.75 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.86 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.92 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 0.92 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.02 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.04 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.24 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.26 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.38 miles from the route
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Fort William, Highlands - 1.39 miles from the route