Autumn Walks for Families in the Scottish Highlands

Exploring Scenic Low-Level Family Walks: Glencoe, Ardgour, and Inchree.

When it comes to family walks in Glencoe and the surrounding Highlands, there’s no better time than autumn. Golden leaves, peaceful lochside paths, and gentle trails make this the perfect season to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Here are four low‑level, family‑friendly walks that combine stunning scenery with a sense of calm , all within easy reach of Roam West.

Glencoe Lochans

Glencoe Lochans

• Start and Finish Point: Glencoe Lochan Car Park or walk from Roam West

This peaceful loop offers one of the most scenic family walks in Glencoe, set around tranquil lochans surrounded by towering conifers and native woodland.

As you wander, listen for the chirping of robins and chaffinches, and keep an eye out for red deer grazing in the quiet glades. In October, you might even hear the deep calls of stags during the rutting season echoing through the hills.

Autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golds, reds, and russets, with the still lochans mirroring the changing trees -a perfect photo stop for families.

Ardgour Lochans

• Start and Finish Point: Park at the Ardgour Ferry Terminal or walk from Roam West.

Ardgour Lochans

Hop across the Corran Ferry (free for foot passengers) to reach the start of the Ardgour Lochans trails, clearly signposted and ideal for families looking for a relaxed half‑day walk.

Buzzards often circle overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might glimpse a pine marten moving through the mossy undergrowth. Birch and rowan trees create a canopy of autumn colour, and the lochans shimmer with reflections of amber and crimson leaves.

(Fun fact: Author and friend Neil Ansell based his latest book, ‘The Edge of Silence’, in this very area.)

Inchree Waterfalls

• Start and Finish Point: Inchree Falls Car Park

A short, family‑friendly loop leads through birch woodland to one of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls near Fort William. The path is gentle but rewarding, with several viewpoints offering spectacular photo opportunities.

The air is filled with the sound of cascading water and the song of willow warblers, while red squirrels dart through the trees above. The lush ferns and fungi thriving along the trail give this walk a real sense of Highland wilderness.

As you approach the main waterfall, the turning leaves create a dazzling backdrop. Nature’s autumn show at its best.

Discover the breathtaking Inchree Waterfall - a hidden Highland gem just beyond Roam West.
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild beauty, then plan your stay with us.

As you near the falls, the turning leaves paint a dazzling autumn picture. The trees’ reflections dance in the stream, adding to the season’s mesmerising palette.

North Ballachulish Walk

Start and Finish: North Ballachulish Village

This easy walk follows a peaceful route around North Ballachulish, with sweeping views across Loch Leven and the dramatic Glencoe hills beyond.

It’s a lovely option for families or anyone seeking a quiet lochside wander. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional cottages, wooded lanes, and viewpoints perfect for stopping with a camera or picnic.

Take a peaceful walk around North Ballachulish, where lochside views and Highland skies await at every turn.

Discover the Interactive Map of Nether Lochaber

Explore more routes and stories with our interactive Google Map of Nether Lochaber. You can view it below or open it directly in Google Maps for easier navigation on your phone.

Explore Nether Lochaber like never before with our interactive Google Map. Toggle trails, images, videos, and audio stories to plan your Highland adventure.

How to use the map:

• Open the map legend to toggle layers on and off - walking routes, cycle trails, images, videos, and local audio stories.

• Tap on points or routes to access more info, photos, or videos (on mobile, click ‘More information’ to expand).

• If you follow through to a YouTube video, simply click back to return to the map view.

• When opened on your smartphone, the map will be stored in Google Maps, showing your location in relation to the routes.

Perfect for planning your next Highland adventure before setting off from Roam West!

Tips for your family adventure

• Packing for the walk: The Highlands are known for four seasons in a day. Bring layers and waterproofs.

•  Capture memories: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the scenery.

• Snacks and picnics: Each of these routes offers peaceful lochside or woodland spots ideal for a snack stop.

• Leave No Trace: Stick to marked paths and take all litter home to protect this special landscape.

FAQs

• Are the walks suitable for young children?

  Yes. Each walk featured in this guide is low-level and relatively short, with easy terrain and lots of natural interest for kids, like waterfalls, squirrels, and loch views.

• Is there parking available at these walking routes?

  Yes. Glencoe Lochan, Inchree Falls, and the Corran Ferry Terminal all have parking available nearby. North Ballachulish walks can be started from village roadside parking.

• Can I access these walks from Roam West without driving?

  Yes. Some walks, like Ardgour Lochans and Glencoe Lochan, can be accessed directly from Roam West or via a short ferry crossing. Others are a short drive away.

• Is the area dog-friendly?

  Absolutely. Most of the routes are dog-friendly, but please keep dogs on leads in areas with livestock or deer, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Plan Your Autumn Escape

Whether you’re wandering the Glencoe Lochan, spotting squirrels at Inchree Falls, or exploring the peaceful shores of North Ballachulish, these walks offer the perfect balance of Highland beauty and family‑friendly adventure.

Roam West offers the ideal base for exploring: cosy, affordable rooms, a self‑catering kitchen for families and group meals, and a location that puts the Highlands’ most beautiful trails right on your doorstep.

Book your stay at RoamWest and start your Highland adventure.