Devil's Staircase

The Devil's Staircase is a mountain footpath that rises steeply between Altnafeadh and Kinlochleven using a series of sharp switchbacks. The route crosses rocky terrain and grassy slopes as it follows the West Highland Way through the Scottish Highlands.

This section received its name from soldiers working under General Wade during an 18th-century military road-building program in the Scottish Highlands. The construction effort established important transport routes through the region.

The path takes its tough reputation from dam workers who regularly hiked here to reach the nearest pub, with exhausting return journeys shaping local lore. Today visitors walk the same route and understand why the name stuck so firmly.

Sturdy footwear and weather protection are essential since conditions change rapidly at this elevation. Parking is available along the A82 road at Altnafeadh, providing straightforward access to the trailhead.

From the summit, walkers see vast views across Rannoch Moor, Blackwater Reservoir, and distant mountain ranges spreading toward the horizon. The route crosses alpine streams using natural stepping stones, making the journey feel intimate despite the wild landscape.

Location: Highland

GPS coordinates: 56.68123,-4.91969

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05