Lochaber Traverse
The Lochaber Traverse is a challenging multi-day route through the mountains of Lochaber — crossing from Loch Arkaig through the Rough Bounds to Knoydart or along the Glen Shiel ridges, taking in some of the finest and most remote mountain terrain in Scotland.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Lochaber Traverse
Lochaber is Scotland's mountain heartland — home to Ben Nevis, the Grey Corries, the Mamores and the approaches to Knoydart and the Rough Bounds. The Lochaber Traverse links these ranges in a multi-day route through genuinely remote terrain, crossing high passes and long ridges with minimal path for much of the journey.
The route is not standardised — several variations exist depending on start and finish points and which ridges are included. The core concept is a continuous traverse of the Lochaber mountains from Fort William east or south-east, crossing the watershed ridges that define this rugged landscape. The Grey Corries ridge is a particular highlight.
The route
One common variation: Fort William → Glen Nevis → the Mamores traverse (11 Munros on a single ridge) → Kinlochleven → the Aonach Eagach → Glencoe → east by Rannoch Moor to Corrour station.
Another variation: Fort William → the Grey Corries → Loch Treig → Corrour.
Both require navigation skills and camping gear for multi-day unsupported attempts.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Fort William. Regular trains from Glasgow on the West Highland Line.
Finish: Corrour station (the most remote mainland station in Britain) or Kinlochleven/Glencoe. Train from Corrour to Glasgow via the West Highland Line.
Best time: June to August.
Safety
The Lochaber mountains are serious terrain — the Mamores and Grey Corries ridge involves sustained high-level navigation. The Aonach Eagach is a technical scramble. A PLB is recommended. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Lochaber MRT. Pre-register SMS 999.
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