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.
Wednesday'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.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
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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.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Wednesday 26th November 2025
Last updated
Tue 25th Nov 25 at
3:06PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Scotland: Southerly gales with hill fog extend east to become very extensive with rain and drizzle; transient snow upper slopes. England and Wales: Strengthening southerly winds with hills filling in with low cloud with patchy rain and drizzle.
Headline for West Highlands
Very extensive hill fog with frequent rain and drizzle, temporarily snow tops. Gales for a time.
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to south-westerly 40 to 55mph morning. Will veer west and ease, perhaps to or below 30mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Some easing through afternoon, but extensively difficult walking where exposed with powerful gusts and considerable wind chill
How Wet?
Rain and drizzle most or all day
Rain and drizzle (snow above 800m temporarily). The rain rarely ceasing; although least heavy and sometimes easing near and north of Lochs Treig, Ossian and Glen Spean. Becoming less wet afternoon.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive
Some higher slopes particularly well inland may initially be cloud free. Will deteriorate on all mountains as cloud forms from lowest slopes up. Highest cloud base near and north of Lochs Treig, Ossian and Glen Spean where typically dropping to 500 to 800m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Soon almost nil
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunshine unlikely: extensively dull and misty as visibility drops in rain.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C rising to 4C through daylight. Will feel as cold as minus 14C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
800m at first; rising abruptly above the summits, initially near the coast.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 27th November 2025
Last updated
Tue 25th Nov 25 at
3:06PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southwesterly, strengthening quickly with height to widely 60mph where exposed on higher summits.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe wind chill and walking difficult. Where exposed on higher areas, generally mobility a struggle.
How Wet?
Frequent or constant rain
Rain and drizzle most of the day - probably easing or clearing only late in day. Least rain near and north of Lochs Treig, Ossian and Glen Spean.
Cloud on the hills?
Mountains persistently foggy.
Persistent cloud from 200 to 450m most mountains. Cloud base 500 to 700m near and north of Lochs Treig, Ossian and Glen Spean There may be an improvement - but only late in day.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Almost nil
Sunshine and air clarity?
Rare glimpses of weak sun near/north of Lochs Treig, Ossian and Glen Spean. Visibility widely poor.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C. Will feel as cold as minus 9C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 28th November 2025
Last updated
Tue 25th Nov 25 at
3:06PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 50 to 70mph. Winds at peak strength early in the morning across Lochaber.
Effect of the wind on you?
Extensively difficult or very difficult conditions with severe wind chill and buffeting. Strong gusts into glens.
How Wet?
Frequent showers, snow higher slopes.
Showers frequent and falling as snow above 700-900m. May merge into more prolonged rain and snow as a trough moves in from the west. Risk thunder.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive upper slopes, bases varying.
Bases varying rapidly, but generally around 700-900m. Lowest bases coastal hills where at times in showers patches down to 500m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Fleeting bursts of sun, mainly in the east. Visibility often poor due to rain, or on upper slopes snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around freezing, perhaps just below inland, or just above near west coast.
Freezing Level
800-1000m, highest near west coast.
Planning Outlook
A long series of Atlantic lows passing north of or across Britain will bring high rainfall to western mountains together with frequent upland gales (sometimes stormy) and low cloud. Temperatures on higher tops sometimes below freezing point, particularly at the weekend in Scotland, but elsewhere fresh snow transient.