Glencoe to Fort William run

We last ran this route as a support runner for a friend running the West Highland Way race. Given the ease of the logistics and stunning scenery we thought it would be a great route to add.

Firstly the logistics. Never an easy task on point to point routes but this one isn't bad. We took the car and parked in the An Aird No2 car park in Fort William. From there it's a short walk to the bus terminal. Given the train station close by this makes the route possible by using train/bus or car. So to get to the start there are several bus companies that go to Glencoe ski centre. This in on the main route to Glasgow so there are lots to choose from and the journey is about 45 minutes.

You could of course park at the ski centre and get a bus back after the run.

The bus drops you at the small road for the ski centre. You can either start at the bus stop or do like we did and visited the cafe for come coffee and use of the facilities. Once ready the run starts from the car park and heads back down towards the main road. Take care crossing the main road and follow the hardcore road towards the Kingshouse hotel. The route turns left just before the main building of the hotel and you are on tarred road with little if any traffic until you reach in total. A gate is on your right and the real trail starts from here. Wonderful scenery and although this section is trail it does run close to the main road but that changes at just over into the route. At this point you are at the bottom of the Devil's Staircase and yes you have a good old climb to get to the top.

As you climb the hill do take the opportunity to take in the views behind you. Incredible. Once over the top the views are all around you- a truly special place. There are some uphills on this section between the top of the Devil's staircase and Kinlochleven but mostly it's downhill with parts being tough on the legs. This is all good quality trail and forest road.

You arrive in Kinlochleven at about and there are public toilets if you need them. The route heads onto the pavement to the side of the A863 before you pick up a trail on the right hand side of the road. This part isn't easy as it is steep and more technical than what has gone before. Once you have some elevation there are great views across the loch. At about you reach the old military road heading to Fort William area. This part is full of loose stones so take care even if the path seems fine. The road seems to stretch out for miles in front of you, which is true. Eventually this road/path turns into a proper trail route. Given this is the West Highland Way you are not going to get lost and you will meet lots of walkers as you go. This trail section lasts until you are about into the route. A wee hill takes you up to the forest road and a long downhill towards the finish.

Although you are in forest the road turns back to more of a trail while you go round Cow Hill then eventually onto the pavement on the main road. From here it's a short run towards the station then past the supermarket and back to the car park.

Hope you enjoy it though you might need a rain jacket, sun screen, midgie cream and who knows what else.