West Highlands
Western Highlands accessible from, and south of, Glenfinnan (Road to the Isles) and Glen Spean (includes Creag Meagaidh). This area includes Ben Nevis and the mountains around Glencoe. In the east, from Ben Alder south to Loch Lomond and Trossachs NP. Also Arran and Mull.
Today's Forecast
Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Dry, Inversion
Banks of cloud or fog on lower or middle slopes, but higher terrain likely clear and sunny above an inversion.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Dry, Inversion
Banks of cloud or fog on lower or middle slopes, but higher terrain likely clear and sunny above an inversion.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 16th October 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Oct 25 at
4:38PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Higher mountain tops particularly in the southern half of the Highlands remain above an inversion; low-level cloud rising, locally thinning gradually. Further north and especially northwest, cloud will cloak upper slopes. In the Lakes and Snowdonia, very highest summits also near or just above the cloud-top.
Headline for West Highlands
Low cloud banks, higher tops likely above inversion. Light winds.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Variable or mostly north-northwesterly, 10mph or less.
Effect of the wind on you?
Negligible
How Wet?
Damp air where in cloud
Where within fog, some very fine drizzle drifting around and rock surfaces will be slick.
Cloud on the hills?
Cloud lifts to upper slopes, breaks inland-southern areas
From dawn, covering most mid-slopes, most extensive all day near coast. More broken inland, cloud top 900-1000m at first, slightly higher on/north of Ben Nevis group. Cloud layer lifts higher, but tends to break up slowly inland & south, some hills clearing completely. Highest summits around Ben Nevis likely stay above patchy cloud.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
70% on the tops, lowering to 50% Lochaber
Sunshine and air clarity?
Highest tops sunny above an inversion at least in the morning. Little sun below the cloud near the coast. Some bright or sunny spells Loch Lomond NP afternoon. Good visibility below cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4 to 6C, little change with height in morning. Starting cooler in some inland glens.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 17th October 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Oct 25 at
4:38PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Easterly 10-15mph, some gusts; soon southeasterly. Rising to 20mph coastal areas south of Mull afternoon.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small
How Wet?
No rain expected
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly high terrain with breaks
Some patchy cloud at various heights in the morning, local fog in the inland glens. Some highest summits may start just above cloud, but will lift to high terrain, likely clinging to high tops most of the day but many areas will see breaks.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun though weakened by high cloud. Excellent visibility, some haze near the southern islands.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5 or 6C
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Saturday 18th October 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Oct 25 at
4:38PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southeasterly, tending to increase 20 to 30mph, may reach 40mph around higher tops later, soonest near coast.
Effect of the wind on you?
Becoming more blustery, starting to affect ease of walking and balance on exposed tops and ridges.
How Wet?
Rain unlikely
Local fine drizzle if in cloud.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied low cloud
Most persistent low cloud focused around Loch Lomond NP, may persist on hills all day. Good breaks north into Lochaber, with highest bases northern Ben Nevis group, but patches may linger around tops.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
40%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun, best in Lochaber. Visibility good, but some haze, particularly southern areas.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4C, but feeling near -5C in the wind, later colder.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Planning Outlook
Gradually lowering pressure over the next few days will tend to push the inversion layer increasingly higher up - with time the cloud banks enveloping even higher slopes, although this level will vary across the country up to Saturday. Southeasterly breezes will start to freshen, soonest in west coastal areas. Breaks in the cloud sheet will therefore be best in areas to the northern lee-side of major hill groups. By late Saturday, winds may approach gale-force in the west. Fronts moving in from the Atlantic bring a risk of rain onward into Sunday, although extent of this is uncertain. A more unsettled outlook into next week is likely.