Ben Nevis

An ancient giant of the land, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and was once an active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago. Now, the famous peak attracts 125,000 walkers a year, all attempting to scale the 1,345 metre Munro. Adventure through iconic Scottish landscapes to the north west Highlands, near the town of Fort William, for a glimpse of the misty peak right on the edge of the dramatic Grampian Mountain range. 

For experienced climbers, take on one of the UK's most epic ascents and enjoy the thrill of the challenge. Admire the vast views from this lofty summit, where the light-coloured granite at the top provides evidence of a volcanic explosion. Ben Nevis has two translations from the ancient Gaelic language – 'mountain with its head in the clouds', thanks to its mist-shrouded peak and 'venomous mountain'. Decide which translation you prefer after the climb! Read on for an overview of walking routes up the mountain. 

Remember it's never 'easy' to bag a Scottish Munro or Corbett. You'll need a good amount of hillwalking experience, suitable clothing and shoes, fitness, hill craft and navigation skills using a map and compass, before attempting any Scottish mountains, even more so in winter.

...all my eye doth meet / Is mist and crag

John Keats, Sonnet. Written Upon the Top of Ben Nevis

There are two main walking routes up Ben Nevis. The Mountain Track (sometimes called the Tourist Track or the Pony Track) is used by most walkers, whilst the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route presents a more challenging climb for experienced hikers.

Ideal route for beginners: the Mountain Track 

On the ‘easiest’ route up the mountain, the track starts at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre car park, at Achintee, on the east side of Glen Nevis. It’s about 2 km from the town centre of Fort William, and approximately 20 metres above sea level. Grab your backpacks, lace up your hiking boots and step out on the winding path that starts with a steep climb to the halfway lochan. Pause to watch the sunlight glimmering across the surface of Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe before beginning the next ascent, following snaking zig-zag paths up to the summit. 

At the summit, a cairn marks the highest point, rewarding your efforts with spectacular 360° views that, on a clear day, can extend as far as Northern Ireland. From here, admire a remarkable panorama encompassing the Torridon hills, Ben Lomond and Morven in Caithness. The summit is also home to the Old Observatory. Opened in 1883, it collected hourly weather observations for almost two decades, helping to build one of the UK's most significant records of mountain weather. Though abandoned in 1904 and now a ruin, it remains a useful refuge in an emergency. 

Details of the Mountain Track route 

Challenging route for experienced hillwakers: Carn Mor Dearg Arête 

Translated from Gaelic and French, this route means ‘great red cairn ridge’, which gives you an idea of the challenging terrain on this route. It should only be attempted by experienced scramblers and physically fit hill walkers. Though demanding, the route rewards you with the finest possible views of the mountain's North Face. 

Starting from the North Face car park at Torlundy, the trail traverses not one but two Munros, the Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis. It can also be reached by following the Mountain Track to the 'halfway lochan', then taking the left fork instead of the right fork which continues along the Mountain Track. You'll pass the CIC Hut, a private shelter for mountaineers. 

A longer and more strenuous walk than the Mountain Track, this spectacular route can take between 10-11 hours with scrambles across boulders. It requires a good head for heights and careful navigation across the trickier exposed sections. 

See the full Carn Mor Dearg Arête route 

Walk Highlands - visit this website for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice.