
Wednesday, 02 Apr 2025
The first Wednesday of April marks National Walking Day, which celebrates the health benefits of ph…
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.
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.
Allow 2 ¾ hours
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.
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.
Allow 3 ½ hours
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.
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.
There are plenty of public toilets and places to eat, drink and stay in Fort William and wider Glen Nevis.
The charges to park at Glen Nevis are:
Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Payment can be made using card or RingGo.
Annual parking passes are available for this site, visit our parking page for more information.
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 Forest Search.
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.
PH33 6PF is a postcode on Belford Road. Continue up the Glen past this spot to find the car park.
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Spectacular views of Britain's highest mountain
A nationally renowned hub of outdoor activities
A perfect picnic spot on your long drive to the West Highlands