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.
Monday's Forecast
Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
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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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
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
Monday 5th October 2026
Last updated
Sun 4th Oct 26 at
3:52PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Humid air ahead of a cold front moving slowly south across Scotland will bring fog and drizzle to most mountain areas, although some improvement from the north across the Scottish Highlands. Upland gales will be widespread - least windy southwards along the Pennines and also Wales.
Headline for West Highlands
Severe gale or storm force upland wind. Rain much day. Fog.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly in the range 45 to 60mph. Sudden gusts some lower slopes. Generally a slow easing through the day, particularly near Loch Lomond and Clyde sea lochs.
Effect of the wind on you?
Widely difficult walking where exposed: balance challenging in gusts (some gusts reaching lower slopes). Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Rain most or all day, concentrated west
Overnight rain, concentrated on more western mountains may well continue all day although will ease to showers from north middle of day onwards. Intermittently drizzly Arran (wetter afternoon).
Cloud on the hills?
Persistent fog.
Persistent fog: near west/southwest facing coasts above 200 to 400m, whilst elsewhere above typically 600m. A rise in cloud base toward 800m or well inland will occur from north afternoon, but is unlikely to reach hills near Clyde sea lochs and east of Loch Lomond.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Almost nil
Sunshine and air clarity?
Extensively dull and misty. Slow improvement to the odd burst of sun from north afternoon - but remaining very hazy.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Dropping to 5C from north morning or middle of day. Will feel like minus 7C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Tuesday 6th October 2026
Last updated
Sun 4th Oct 26 at
3:52PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West or northwesterly between 15 and possibly 25mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Marked wind chill in much colder air. May impede ease of walking higher up, mainly near showers.
How Wet?
Snow and hail showers
Hail and snow showers, mainly Lochaber and Mull. A little snow will lie above 1000 or 1100m. Risk rain more widespread post dawn near central belt - will clear.
Cloud on the hills?
Frequently covering higher slopes; forming lower down near precipitation.
Near showers, shafts of cloud below 600m, perhaps temporarily 400m, mainly near the coast. Otherwise cloud base 750 to occasionally 1050m (highest base generally more eastern and southern areas). Possibly much lower cloud morning near central belt.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Patches of sunshine developing, particularly Loch Lomond NP and Arran. Very varied visibility; often very good, but abruptly poor in snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4C, but will feel as cold as minus 5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Just above highest summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Wednesday 7th October 2026
Last updated
Sun 4th Oct 26 at
3:52PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West veering northwesterly in the range 20 to perhaps 30mph - particularly gusty near precipitation. Possibly stronger late in day.
Effect of the wind on you?
Often fairly small, but ease of walking and balance sometimes difficult near showers. Considerable wind chill.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow; risk lightning
Hail and snow showers, sometimes one after another or giving almost constant precipitation over an hour or so. Snow lying to around 750m.
Cloud on the hills?
Almost continually covering higher areas
Rare breaks above 750-900m, particularly well inland. But near precipitation shafts of cloud below 400m, perhaps sometimes lower within 10 miles or so of the coast.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun, mainly only easternmost areas. Visibility sometimes appalling, but temporarily very good.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1C; will feel as cold as minus 8C directly in wind.
Freezing Level
Around 1050m
Planning Outlook
A brief colder period with the wind easing on Wednesday and Thursday - some snow will lie on higher Scottish summits. Winds then return to the southwest, bringing bands of rain, low cloud and strong upland winds across Britain. Most frequent severe weather will be on the W and NW Highlands, where there will be considerable rain and frequent upland gales.