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
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
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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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
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
Sunday 19th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Gale-force south to southeasterlies across the mountains. Extensively wet with blanket low cloud. The heaviest rain across Wales and southwest Scotland, pushing further across the southern Highlands with time. Driest conditions for northern Scotland early in day; briefly drier Pennines mid-late morning.
Headline for West Highlands
Upland gales. Heaviest rain and lowest cloud south.
How windy? (On the Munros)
East to southeasterly, 35 to 50mph, speeds varying, lower later; widely very gusty, including through passes and lower down.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect challenging walking conditions, sudden gusty areas knocking you off balance. Considerable wind chill.
How Wet?
Widespread rain, heaviest south
Rain soon spreading northeast across the region from dawn, setting in for sustained heavy rain over southern hill groups, somewhat lighter and patchier north of Ben Nevis. Starting to break up only later into evening.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive, lowest south
Blanket low cloud all day over hills in Loch Lomond NP and coastal areas near the Clyde/Arran, to lower slopes in rain. Higher cloud base northwards, some breaks above 800-900m Glen Spean area.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Below 10% south, 20% north.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sun unlikely, overcast all day. Mostly hazy, widely murky in rain; better below cloud in north Lochaber.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4 to 6C, small change with added height. Feeling like -7 to -10C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Monday 20th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Direction variable, mostly 10mph or less. Around Arran, may be E-SE'ly 15-20mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small
How Wet?
Largely dry, risk a little rain
Patchy light showery rain possible, but a fair amount of dry weather during the day across the region. Greater risk of patchy rain near southern islands and coasts.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied cloud banks, clearer areas
Banks of cloud at various elevations from lower slopes upward from dawn, some slopes may be between cloud layers for a time. Tending to lift mostly above 800-1000m, substantial breaks may form.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mix of cloud and sun. Patchy mist early in day, visibility then very good below cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C, little change all day.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
4:00PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Variable 10-15mph or less for a time. Becoming W-SW'ly, likely to increase 20-35mph, soonest coastal areas.
Effect of the wind on you?
Varied - initially small, some uncertainty, but expect increasingly blustery conditions to develop, risk more challenging.
How Wet?
Coastal showers
Showery rain may be frequent on coastal areas and the islands. Occasional showers drifting inland, fewer lighter showers further inland toward central highlands.
Cloud on the hills?
Patchy cloud at different levels
Variable banks of cloud over the hills above 600-800m, or often 1000m well inland. Some fog possible inland glens, lower slopes and over lochs early morning. Local breaks to tops mostly inland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Largely cloudy, brief glimpses of sun mainly well inland. Visibility very good away from rain.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C, little change, some glens cooler at first. Feeling below freezing if in the stronger wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Planning Outlook
A mixed outlook into the new week as low pressure dominates with areas of rain and showers, which will vary locally day-to-day. Some windows of drier weather, particularly central parts of the Highlands. Wind speeds will also vary, but some lulls, but abrupt spells of upland gales possible. Risk of heavier rain spreading from Wales into northern England and southern Scotland later Wednesday into Thursday. Likely significantly colder later in the week with northerly winds, dropping below freezing on higher mountains, with snow showers especially Scottish Munros.