Glen Nevis

Gateway to one of Scotland's iconic glens

Tucked away just behind the bustling town of Fort William is one of the most gorgeous and easily accessible glens in the highlands. The visitor centre here is where most walkers start their Ben Nevis ascent, but there’s lots to explore in the glen without tackling Britain’s highest mountain!

Braveheart car park is the gateway to the glen and the starting point for many of the best woodland trails in the area including Cow Hill (the wee hill behind Fort William). There’s also plenty of space for kids to play among the trees and pleasant spots for a picnic.

Walking trails

Glen Nevis route card (PDF)

Walking

Cow Hill Circuit

A loop all the way round Cow Hill, the wee hill with big views.  There's also an option to branch off the circuit to visit the top of the hill. Great views of lochs, Ben Nevis and the Mamores.

Mostly wide, firm path although some short sections can be narrow, loose or rough.

4 miles / 6.5 km

Allow
2¾ hours

More information

The section of trail on the south of the hill is known as the ‘Peat Track’ – local crofters used it on their way back from cutting peat for fuel, and it has the best views of Ben Nevis. The trail is popular with mountain bikers as well as walkers: on blind corners, be aware there might be a biker just round the bend.

Walking

Dun Deardail Trail

Walk up through the forest to the open summit of this important iron age hill fort. Great views, enjoyed by people here for thousands of years.

A long, moderately steep climb. The path to the fort is steep and rough, with uneven stone steps.

6 ¼ miles / 10.0 km

Allow
3½ hours

More information

This longer trail has a real sense of adventure. It’ll take you through the forest and onto the open summit of Dun Deardail (pronounced "dun jerra-dil"), an Iron Age hill fort. People lived here in a compound that would have had several round huts, encircled by a rampart. See if you can spot the grassy remains of the outer wall. The views of the glen and Ben Nevis from here are spectacular on a clear day.

Activities

Ben Nevis

Glen Nevis is the starting point for the classic walk up Ben Nevis. It's a popular challenge, but don't be tempted to undertake this walk on a whim. It's a long, arduous day of hillwalking for which you'll need to pack food and drink, warm and waterproof clothing, and sturdy hillwalking boots. The summit can be freezing cold with near zero visibility even at the height of summer, so take a map and compass too. Find out more about the route at WalkHighlands.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking (charge)

Viewpoint

Mountain access

Picnic area

Ancient monument

There are plenty of public toilets and places to eat, drink and stay in Fort William and wider Glen Nevis.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Glen Nevis are:

Payment options: Contactless card or RingGo

• £1 for up to 1 hour – all vehicles
• £3 for all day
• Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More parking info

Getting here

From Fort William head along the Glen Nevis road for about ¾ mile. The Braveheart car park is on the right-hand side of the road.

Using SatNav?

PH33 6PF is a postcode on Belford Road. Continue up the Glen past this spot to find the car park.

Get directions