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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 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
Tuesday 28th October 2025
Last updated
Mon 27th Oct 25 at
12:58PM
Summary for all mountain areas
For most, gusty upland gale or near gale force westerly winds, together with showers and fog covering most higher areas. More complicated in N Scotland, where low freezing level, but locally relatively benign with lighter wind and breaks in the cloud and precipitation.
Headline for West Highlands
Widespread upland gales and rain, or snow higher tops.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 35 to 50mph. Lochaber (particularly north of Glen Spean) may for at least part of the day have markedly lower speeds - but could change abruptly.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect significant wind chill and difficult walking in gales, but perhaps relatively small impact north of about Glen Spean.
How Wet?
Rain on and off; snow higher slopes, particularly Lochaber
Bands of rain will circulate within low pressure: in some areas the rain constant, often heavy over several hours whilst in other areas relatively little all day. Snow above about 1050m, perhaps 600m near and north of Glen Spean.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive
Mountains nearly all cloud covered most or all day. Here and there breaks to or perhaps above 900m, but particularly western mountains, cloud at or often below 450m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Rare if any glimpses of sun. Visibility often poor or very poor due to rain and snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 or 2C. Will feel as cold as minus 12C in the strongest wind.
Freezing Level
1100 to 1300m.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Wednesday 29th October 2025
Last updated
Mon 27th Oct 25 at
12:58PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Very varied due to centres of low pressure close to Scotland: Speeds may be low, but risk 30 to 45mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Small or even negligible in some areas, but anticipate marked wind chill and arduous or difficult walking for periods.
How Wet?
Some snow; may stay dry some areas.
Detailed confidence low: Bands of rain, perhaps heavy over a few hours, or above 700m snow, will circulate within low pressure. Nevertheless, some areas may be substantially dry.
Cloud on the hills?
Generally extensive; possible breaks to higher slopes in some areas.
Fairly widely fog across the hills, in places persistently on lower slopes, and extensive above 600m. Nevertheless, in some areas, cloud base may well exceed 900m for periods.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine. The air generally very clear, but poor visibility in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 or 1C
Freezing Level
850-1000m. Frost in some valleys at first.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 30th October 2025
Last updated
Mon 27th Oct 25 at
12:58PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly 10 to 20mph morning, but locally 30mph near coast. Progressively strengthening; 40, perhaps 50mph by dusk.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small morning before particularly near coast, sudden buffeting and wind chill become considerable. Very difficult conditions after dark.
How Wet?
Little or no precipitation
Cloud on the hills?
Very little all day. Most likely Loch Lomond NP.
Fragments some higher slopes, but most summits cloud free. May come and go all day above about 600m Loch Lomond NP (most likely Trossachs area).
Chance of cloud free Munros?
70%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bright sunshine will give way from south as high cloud thickens. Superb visibility in the hills; a few pockets of fog valleys and corries.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C; rising slowly through the day.
Freezing Level
600m rising toward 900m. Note, frost many valleys morning.
Planning Outlook
Frequently windy toward and through next weekend with widespread upland gales - possibly storm force - bands of rain and low cloud. Warmer than at present. These conditions are likely to continue well into November as a lengthy series of Atlantic lows and associated fronts cross Britain.