Ben Nevis requires little introduction. With a wild heart, an adventurous spirit and a flair for drama, the legendary peak towers above glistening lochans and deep glacial valleys. In Scotland, you can't get any higher than this.
But Ben Nevis is the king of them all. In the north west Highlands, near the town of Fort William and part of the Grampian Mountain range, the famous peak attracts 125k walkers a year. Whether you're an avid ambler or you just love beautiful landscapes, bagging 'the Ben' is likely to feature near the top of your Scottish bucket list.
An ancient giant of the land, Ben Nevis was once a massive active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago. At the summit, there is evidence of an explosion in the form of light-coloured granite. The name itself has two translations from the ancient Gaelic language, meaning 'mountain with its head in the clouds', thanks to its iconic mist-shrouded peak, or it can also mean 'venomous mountain' – you can decide which translation you prefer after the climb!
Read on for an overview of walking routes up the mountain, or visit Walk Highlands for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice
Scotland's largest mountain was once a massive active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago.
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 more experienced hikers.
The easiest route up the mountain, the track begins at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park, at Achintee on the east side of Glen Nevis about 2 km from the town centre of Fort William, and approximately 20 m above sea level. The track starts with a steep climb to the halfway lochan', or Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, and then the ascent features snaking zig-zag paths up to the summit.
At the summit, there's a cairn that marks the highest point and your reward on a clear day will be the incredible 360° panoramic vistas which can stretch as far as Northern Ireland. From the top, see if you can point out other peaks including the Torridon hills, Ben Lomond and Morven at Caithness.
A unique feature of the summit is the Old Observatory, which was opened in 1883. It provided hourly meteorological data for almost 20 years, recording some of the UK's most useful information about mountain weather to date. It closed in 1904 and it now lies in ruin, but can be used for shelter in emergencies.
Carn Mor Dearg Arête is the mountain's other walking route, a challenging ridge climb which should only be attempted by experienced scramblers and physically-fit hill walkers. Though demanding, the route rewards walkers 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 whilst the right fork 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.
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.
A rock climber's paradise, the North Face of Ben Nevis has steep jagged cliff edges which are 600m high in places and perfect for rock climbing. There is a variety of routes to choose from, including the Ledge Route and Tower Ridge. Find a knowledgeable rock climbing or mountain guide to show you the best spots on the mountain, and read more about rock climbing experiences you can have on Ben Nevis.
You can also take in the sights aboard a Nevis Range mountain gondola ride. Drift effortlessly along the north face of the Aonach Mor, and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis, and sometimes even the Inner Hebrides on clear days. The journey takes approximately 12 -15 minutes, and each gondola car can take up to six people.
The gondola cars are wheelchair accessible, and you can also bring your dog and take them for a walk along one of the mountain viewpoint trails.
For more information about prices and times, please visit the Nevis Range website.
Turn your Munro-bagging dreams into reality and find out everything you need to know before you lace up your walking boots. Remember, discovering the sheer magic of Scotland's most famous mountain is all the more fun when you're completely prepared for anything.
It really depends on your level of fitness, the weather conditions and how many breaks you take to admire the views. It will usually take between 7 - 9 hours to complete following the Mountain Track, with an approximate ascent of 3.5 - 4.5 hours to the summit.
It's a long and arduous climb and you might have stiff legs the following day, but the feeling of accomplishment when you scale the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom is pretty tough to beat.
A lofty 1,345 m. To put it into perspective, the London Eye stands at 135 m and Big Ben at 96 m high.
Although the Mountain Track is reasonably easy to follow on a clear day, it's essential to have both a map and a compass and know how to use them especially if there is poor visibility during the climb.
Camping on the mountainside is not advisable. The peak is exposed and busy with walkers during the summer, and pitching a tent would be difficult due to the uneven terrain.
The Glen Nevis Campsite is handily located near the foot of the mountain. It's just a short walk from the campsite to the start of the Mountain Track.
Summer is always the best time of year to tackle the Ben, with sunshine and clear views on the way to the top. You are likely to see snow at all times of the year, but climbing Ben Nevis in the winter is only for experienced mountaineers.
The weather on Ben Nevis is extremely changeable, with glorious sunshine one moment then fog and gale force winds the next. Even if you set out on the sunniest of days, the temperatures at the summit can be at sub-zero, so it’s important to take appropriate all-weather gear. Always check the mountain weather page before you go, and if you’re in any doubt, always turn back.
Watch the live conditions and weather from Ben Nevis with the HD webcam, which is situated at Tomacharich, Fort William.
Warm and waterproof clothing is essential, and it’s wise to avoid cotton as it absorbs moisture. A pair of good walking boots are also an absolute must. Don’t forget to pack a few useful hiking tools, such as a map, compass, torch, whistle, and food and water.
Always remember to bring all of your litter back down the mountain with you. There are no bins on Ben Nevis so it’s important to take care of the landscape.
Find out more about the Nevis Landscape Partnership, an organisation that works to preserve the Mountain Track for future generations.
For more information on keeping safe on Ben Nevis, see these tips from Mountaineering Scotland and Walk Highlands.
Absolutely, as long as they are prepared for all weather conditions and keen for a challenge. The Carn Mor Dearg Arete route is generally not advised for children.
Yes, if your dog enjoys long walks. It's best to keep dogs on the lead especially when the paths are busy with walkers. Also, some parts of the route will comprise uneven terrain, scree and loose stones which can be tricky for some dogs.
Yes! If you're not feeling too confident or you want to learn more about this gigantic Munro, there are several guided walking tours which will lead you up and down the mountain. Take advantage of the guides' local knowledge, walking experience, and learn more about the viewpoints and facts about the mountain.
Go to Visit Fort William to see all the guided walks available.
You can purchase snacks, find useful information and maps, and use the toilets at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre before you set off. Fort William also has several outdoor shops in the town centre for any essentials you might need.
The town of Fort William is situated at the foot of Ben Nevis. By car it takes approximately 2 -3 hours from Glasgow and 3 - 4 hours from Edinburgh depending on traffic. You can also catch a direct train to Fort William from Glasgow or the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston. There is also a CityLink Bus service from Glasgow.
When you're not admiring the awe-inspiring vistas from the mountain-top, absorb the rich history and energetic personality of Fort William and the surrounding area.
Find more things to see and do in Fort William.
After your epic adventure, choose from a wide variety of accommodation options available in and around Fort William.
Take the chance to do some wild camping in the area, and sleep in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Pitch up a tent on the grassy plains of the Steall Meadows, Upper Glen Nevis. A sheltered glen which separates Ben Nevis from the towering ridges of the Mamores range, this is an idyllic spot to set up camp. Visit the dramatic Steall Falls and cross the famous wire bridge nearby.
Admire the magnificent views out for the window, from the comfort of the Ben Nevis Inn while you enjoy a pint of real ale and some hearty Highland produce. You can also rest your weary legs after the climb and stay the night in the bunkhouse.
For incredible views of the mountain, spend the night at the friendly Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. Ideally situated at the foot of Ben Nevis with drying facilities and spacious places to relax, the hostel is a great place to unwind after a long day of walking.
Look out for places to stay which are part of the Walker's Welcome Scheme, which will cater especially for walkers' needs and provide information and useful facilities throughout your stay.
Treat your eyes (and your camera lens) to more mountainous scenery and unforgettable Scottish walks in the north west Highlands. Or, why not bag a few more Munros while you're visiting the area?
