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
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Patchwork of cloud and sun
Dry most or all day. A mix of cloud and sunshine. Occasional cloud banks drifting over higher slopes, lifting above the tops.
Hazy, some fog banks
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Hazy views with lack of air clarity, particularly on lower terrain, some fog banks on hills making navigation locally more difficult. If above an inversion, the air outstandingly clear.
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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Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Patchwork of cloud and sun
Dry most or all day. A mix of cloud and sunshine. Occasional cloud banks drifting over higher slopes, lifting above the tops.
Hazy, some fog banks
Hazy views with lack of air clarity, particularly on lower terrain, some fog banks on hills making navigation locally more difficult. If above an inversion, the air outstandingly clear.
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
Saturday 18th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
7:30AM
Summary for all mountain areas
Breezy south-southeasterly winds, strongest and gustiest in west. Areas of low cloud on hill slopes and fog in some valleys from dawn. Cloud tends to rise and break, but persisting on some south-facing hills. Better northwards across the Highlands.
Headline for West Highlands
Strengthening wind. Varied low cloud, breaks northward.
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southeasterly, tending to increase 20 to 30mph, gusts reach 40mph around higher tops later, soonest near coast. Increasing further into the night, gusty 35-45mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Becoming more blustery, starting to affect ease of walking and balance on exposed tops and ridges. Deteriorating to upland gales into night.
How Wet?
Damp air some southern slopes
Occasional local fine drizzle if in cloud, most common over southern coastal hills and islands.
Cloud on the hills?
Low cloud mostly south, breaks north
Most persistent low cloud focused around Loch Lomond NP, banks on some hills all day, rising a little to 700-800m. Good breaks north into Lochaber, mostly above 900-1000m, with higher bases north from Ben Nevis, some highest tops may be near top of cloud layer in morning.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% south, to 60% north
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun, best in Lochaber, some thin high cloud builds. Visibility good, but some haze, particularly southern areas; improving into afternoon.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4C, slight rise into afternoon, local 6C north Lochaber, but feeling near -5C in the wind, later colder in stronger wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Sunday 19th October 2025
Last updated
Sat 18th Oct 25 at
7:30AM
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 during afternoon into evening.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive, lowest south
Likely to blanket 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
7:30AM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Direction variable, mostly 10mph or less.
Effect of the wind on you?
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
Planning Outlook
Fronts moving in from the Atlantic by Sunday bring rain, widely setting in heavy for several hours, soonest Wales, here later clearing. A more unsettled outlook into next week as low pressure dominates with areas of rain and showers, which will vary locally day-to-day. Wind speeds will also vary, but some lulls. Potentially significantly colder later in the week with northerly winds, dropping below freezing on higher mountains, with snow showers especially Scottish Munros.