Western Highlands

The majestic Western Highlands is home to Britain’s highest mountain, plus endless miles of wild peaks, glens and lochs

WALKERS IN THE Western Highlands usually talk of just one mountain: the big, bad, Ben. At 1345m Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Britain, and the ultimate challenge for anyone who craves mountainous walks on our islands. Whether you want to follow the crowds up the Mountain Track or go for a more daring ascent via the snaking rocky ridge of the CMD Arête, you’ll have a day to remember and – if the weather plays ball – views that will almost pop your eyeballs clean out of their sockets. You’ll see layer after layer of mountains, shimmering sea loch after shimmering sea loch, and the peaks of the Inner Hebrides islands rippling along the western horizon.

Ben Nevis may be why you’ve heard of the Western Highlands, but it’s far from the only reason you should visit. The famous drive along the A82 across the wild plains of Rannoch Moor and down through the mighty peaks of Glen Coe is one of the world’s most iconic road journeys. The West Highland Way stretches for almost 100 miles from Glasgow to Fort William and is one of Britain’s most popular long-distance walking trails. And if you decide to

explore even further west you’ll find the beautiful Glenfinnan viaduct (made famous by Harry Potter), the less-trodden but spectacular Corbett peaks of Moidart, and the magical white beaches of the Silver Sounds of Morar.

It’s a place where golden eagles patrol the skies and red deer roam through the glens. Where you can expect fierce weather on the mountains but a warm welcome in the pubs. Where you’ll walk landscapes you can scarcely believe exist, and travel home already planning to return.