The big moment is bigger than you ever expected

Jock MacGillivary, Highland long-distance routes ranger

I’ve worked on the West Highland Way for 28 years, and there are many bits where you could say on a certain day, ‘that’s lovely.’ But for me the Black Mount (on the stretch from Forest Lodge to Blackrock Cottage) is consistently impressive. The scale, the mountains and the moor are so grand. As the walker swings north west towards the end of this section, Buachaille Etive Mòr comes into view, dominating the scene, and in the distance you can see Altnafeadh, the way to the Devil’s Staircase, the highest point on the route. You cannot help but enjoy that moment.