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Gravel path winds through Glen Coe's valley beneath overcast mountain peaks
Fort William

The Devil’s Staircase

The zigzag path from Altnafeadh up to 550 metres, the highest point of the West Highland Way, with the Buachaille behind you.

Welcome

The Devil's Staircase is the zigzag path that climbs from Altnafeadh on the A82, at the head of Glen Coe, to the highest point of the West Highland Way, which the Way's own site gives as 550 metres.

Walkhighlands describes fabulous views of the Glencoe mountains on a clear day, with the Buachaille behind you and the Mamores to the north.

The path follows the line of the old military road. Discover Glencoe says the name was first given by the soldiers building General Wade's road, and that it was kept alive by the men who built the Blackwater dam above Kinlochleven and walked over to the Kingshouse Hotel after pay day. From the top the Way crosses moorland and drops to Kinlochleven, about nine kilometres and three hours from Altnafeadh by Discover Glencoe's reckoning. This is a steep climb onto high ground that can be very exposed in poor weather, so check the mountain forecast and carry a paper map and compass as well as your phone.

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The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
A short drive awayKingshouse HotelThe old drovers' inn at the head of Glencoe, rebuilt as a hotel and bunkhouse, with a climbers' bar and red deer grazing by the door.12 min by roadSee itKingshouse Hotel
Before you go

This is a steep climb onto exposed high ground.

Check the mountain forecast first, carry a map and compass, and go prepared.

Where
The path starts at Altnafeadh on the A82 in Glen Coe, grid reference NN220563, where a signpost points the West Highland Way over to Kinlochleven.
The walk
Discover Glencoe gives Altnafeadh to Kinlochleven as 6 miles (9 km) and about 3 hours, one way, so you need a car at each end or a taxi back. It also describes a shorter walk from the top of the pass, up Stob Mhic Mhartuin for a further rise of about 150 m, returning the same way. Walkhighlands gives the whole stage from the Kings House to Kinlochleven as 14 km, 4 to 5 hours and 430 m of ascent, with the summit at 550 m.
Hill safety
The West Highland Way describes the path as good underfoot, stony in places, and very exposed in poor weather, especially on the moorland section before Kinlochleven. Walkhighlands calls the climb steep, the high-level section exposed in poor weather, and the ground beyond the top rough. Its safety page advises checking the mountain forecast and carrying a paper map and a compass, and notes that a phone or GPS cannot read the map for you.
Open
An open path with no set hours.
Price
No charge for the walk or the lay-by is listed by Discover Glencoe or the West Highland Way.
Parking
Discover Glencoe gives the lay-by on the A82 at Altnafeadh, or the side of the access road opposite.
Getting there
Walkhighlands lists Citylink buses between Glasgow and Fort William on the A82 by the Kings House, and local buses to Kinlochleven. Discover Glencoe suggests your own car with a taxi to bring you back to the start.
Access
A stony hill path that climbs steeply in zigzags; it is not a step-free walk.
Food
The West Highland Way lists refreshments and toilets at Kinlochleven, at the end of the stage.

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Where it is

At Altnafeadh on the A82 at the head of Glen Coe, where the West Highland Way turns north to climb to the pass.

Close byIn Glen Coe.
  1. Buachaille Etive Mòr's rock pyramid above a rocky river.Buachaille Etive MòrThe rock pyramid at the head of Glen Coe, where it meets Glen Etive, and one of the best known and best loved of all the Munros.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. The mountains of Glen Coe at first light, cloud on the tops.Buachaille Etive Beag1 mile 2 min by road
  3. Cloud spilling over mountain peaks above Glen Coe at dawnHill walk all around Buachaille Etive BeagThe hill walk route goes all around Buachaille Etive Beag (means Small Herdsman of the Etive).1 mile 2 min by road
  4. LagangarbhLagangarbhA small white climbers' hut at the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor at the head of Glen Coe, one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland.3 miles 4 min by road
  5. KinlochlevenKinlochlevenThe aluminium village at the head of Loch Leven, now a stop on the West Highland Way and a base for the Mamores.16 miles 21 min by road
Directions
Kingshouse Hotel beneath cloud-covered mountains, rain pooling on the car parkRestaurantsKingshouse Hotel2.5 miles as the crow flies
A footbridge over the river to the white cottage of Achnambeithach, the glen rising behind.AttractionsLoch Achtriochtan4.7 miles
The Aonach Eagach ridge at first light, snow in its gullies.AttractionsAonach Eagach5.4 miles
Twin peaks of the Three Sisters rise above Glencoe's misty valleyAttractionsThree Sisters of Glencoe5.9 miles
An aerial view shows a dark peaty pool connected by a winding stream across a snow-covered moor.AttractionsRannoch Moor Viewpoint6.3 miles
Hotel family room with a double bed and two single bedsRestaurantsClachaig Inn6.4 miles
Snow on the mountains of Glen Coe under a blue sky.AttractionsThe Lost Valley6.8 miles
Thatched roundhouse on a gravel path with misty mountains behindAttractionsGlencoe Visitor Centre8.0 miles
Thatched white cottage with black door, chimneys and roadside pavementAttractionsGlencoe Folk Museum8.8 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the staircase, and when each is next free.

RiverBeds at Woodlands Glencoe
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Ballachulish
  • 11 miles from the Staircase
Check datesStormhouse South, Argyll and ButeStormhouse South
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Appin
  • 19 miles from the Staircase
Free 31 Jan – 5 FebStormhouse North, Argyll and ButeStormhouse North
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Appin
  • 19 miles from the Staircase
Free 1–6 FebPlaces to stayEvery stay in Fort WilliamAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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