A strenuous waymarked woodland and hillside walk / FORT WILLIAM

Cow Hill Circuit from Braveheart

Follow the Forestry and Land Scotland circuit around Cow Hill for a substantial walk close to Fort William. Woodland and open views give a different perspective on the glen, lochs and surrounding mountains. The summit spur is optional; the named circuit is already a proper outing without adding a higher climb.

A woodland section of the Cow Hill path — Photo: Steven Brown

Before you go

Use the official route card and start at Braveheart car park. Allow about three hours on the circuit, plus getting to the start, food and rests. Check forestry notices before travelling.

The practical details

Where to find it: Braveheart car park, Glen Nevis road, Fort William
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Walking access is free, while Braveheart parking is charged. Follow current forestry signage and diversions; no summit, waterfall or Steall rope-bridge visit is included in this circuit. Shorten the plan in poor weather or limited daylight.
Access and getting around: FLS grades the circuit strenuous. Much of the path is wide and firm, with narrower, loose or rough sections; it is not a step-free promenade. Expect gradients, shared use with mountain bikes and possible forestry traffic. Plan toilets in Fort William or elsewhere in the glen before starting.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Suitable for children already comfortable with a sustained hilly walk, not a quick buggy outing. Carry food, drinks, layers and a route map, supervise near bikes and set a turn-back point if conditions deteriorate. Choose the museum or canal for a shorter family day.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow around 3 hours for 6.5km, plus access to the start for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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