Ben Nevis is the UK’s highest mountain at 1345m (4413 feet) and attracts thousands of hikers, trekkers and mountaineers each year hoping to summit this iconic peak. Many of our guests at Distant Hills Guest House book to stay with us because we are just a short drive away from Ben Nevis, which is situated in Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Other enticing factors may be our hot tub and honesty bar, both well-deserved treats after an epic hike or climb!
If you plan to hike up this mighty mountain, there are several things you should know to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Choosing a Route
There are two main routes to summit Ben Nevis, both are challenging and should not be underestimated.
The Mountain Track
Most people ascend Ben Nevis via the ‘Mountain Track’. This route starts from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (PH33 6PF) and follows an obvious and substantial path via Lochan Meall an t’Suidhe, sometimes referred to as the ‘Halfway Lochan’. As you approach the summit, the path becomes a lot less obvious, especially in poor weather. The first few kilometres of the hike are relatively easy, but the path begins to climb steeply as you approach the halfway point and then zig-zags to the summit. The path is rocky and uneven in places, so it’s important to watch your step. The descent is via the same route. If you have limited walking experience, this is the route you should choose.
For a full route description and photos of Ben Nevis via the Mountain Path click here.
The Carn Mor Dearg Arete
The more technical route is to ascend Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. This route should only be attempted by experienced hillwalkers comfortable with scrambling and exposure to steep drops. This route starts from the North Face car park in Torlundy (PH33 6SW) and ascends the Carn Mor Dearg Munro first, providing fantastic views of the North Face of Ben Nevis. From here, the summit of Ben Nevis is reached by traversing a narrow and rocky ridge with steep drops below. Once you have summited Ben Nevis, you can either retrace your ascent route or follow the mountain track to Lochan Meall an t’Suidhe and then turn off to take a rough pathless descent NNE to reach the Allt a’Mhuillin and then back to the North Face car park.
For a full route description and photos of Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete click here.
How Long Does It Take?
The hike up Ben Nevis can take anywhere from 7-11 hours, depending on your route, fitness level and the weather conditions. The Mountain Path is 17km (10.5 miles) round trip, while the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route is 17.5 km (11 miles) round trip. Whichever route you choose, you should be prepared for a long and physically demanding day and ensure you have sufficient food and water to sustain you.
Plan and Prepare your trip to Ben Nevis
Before embarking on your hike up Ben Nevis, it’s important to plan and prepare.
Weather
The first step is to check the weather forecast. The weather is an important factor when planning any walk and critical when climbing Ben Nevis. People often underestimate the temperature difference from the bottom of the mountain to the top and there can be snow on the top long into the summer months. It can be very windy towards the top of the mountain which can add a chill factor, so we always recommend taking extra layers, even in the summer months. The opposite can also be true. Scotland is not known for sunshine, so visitors can often underestimate the strength of the sun and fail to apply sun cream. I have done this myself and paid the price. We had one guest who was bed bound for a few days after climbing Ben Nevis. She failed to apply sun cream and suffered from both heat stroke and pretty severe sun burn.
The weather can also change very quickly in the Highlands. It might look a pleasant morning with sunny skies but this can change very quickly and unexpectedly. Another weather factor to be aware of, especially in the summer months are thunderstorms. Our advice is to check the forecast from a reliable mountain weather app and be prepared for all weather conditions. Weather services that we use are https://www.mwis.org.uk/ and https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/mountain/southwest-highlands/
Clothing and Equipment
As mentioned above, you need to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions when climbing Ben Nevis, no matter which route you choose. Getting this right can significantly improve your success as well as enjoyment! There can be a temptation to carry as little weight as possible but throughout the summer, many under-equipped people have to call for help and be rescued from the mountain by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. You do not want this to be you! If you invest in a well-fitting rucksack, you will be surprised at how much weight you can comfortably carry for a sustained period.
We recommend wearing proper walking trousers and a thermal base layer and wearing or carrying a warm mid layer such as a fleece and at least one other spare insulating layer. Even if it’s forecast to be a blue-sky day, weather on the summit of Ben Nevis can be completely different, we still recommend taking a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers with you just in case and they will provide additional warmth if the temperatures suddenly drop or you become injured. Regarding footwear, we strongly recommend you wear waterproof hiking boots with ankle support that are comfortable and have already been broken in.
You’ll need a rucksack to carry your gear, including sufficient food and water for the day, a map and a compass if you know how to use them. We also recommend taking a warm hat and gloves, a fully charged mobile phone, a head torch, whistle and a small first aid kit. If the weather is forecast to be bright, you may also need sun cream and sunglasses. Walking poles are a matter of preference but if you have any weakness in your knees, walking poles can provide some much-welcomed support on the long descent. This may sound like an awful lot, but these items can quite literally save your life.
Top Tips
Car Parking
There is a large paid car park at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (PH33 6PF) for the ‘Ben Nevis mountain track route. The car park fills up very quickly in peak months, so we encourage you to start your day early. In the summer months, there is an overflow car park in a nearby field for a charge. There are other car parks in Glen Nevis if necessary. Please avoid parking at the side of the road or in laybys, which are used as passing places. There have been incidents in the recent past where emergency vehicles have struggled to get through the road.
Reaching the Summit
Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis is an incredible feeling. From the top on a clear day, you can see for miles and appreciate Scotland’s stunning scenery. But don’t forget to take precautions before attempting the summit. You should anticipate a drop in temperature and add extra layers, a hat and gloves accordingly. Do not leave this until you are already starting to feel cold.
Navigation
Navigating from Ben Nevis Summit in bad weather can be hazardous, so make sure you are aware of the weather conditions and have a plan for getting back safely. It is common for the summit of Ben Nevis to be shrouded in cloud, and visibility can be poor. If you do encounter bad weather, it’s important to turn back as soon as you start to feel unsafe.
If you are competent in using a map and compass, to navigate down from the summit in poor conditions you must take a grid bearing of 231° from the trig point located on top of the summit cairn near the emergency shelter and follow it for a distance of 150 metres. This will take you safely to just beyond Gardyloo Gully. See Ben Nevis Summit Tips.
Additionally, do not explore alone; it’s always better to have someone with you in case of an emergency. And if at any point during your climb you feel unsafe or uncertain about the terrain, then don’t hesitate to turn around and find a safer route.
Hiring a Guide
If you have read this and feel daunted by the prospect of climbing Ben Nevis by yourself, do not worry. There are plenty of excellent, local guides you can hire for the day. Our personal recommendation is Dave Lamond at Lamond Mountain Guides. We have hired Dave for a number of years to professionally guide for us on our Distant Hills Walking Holidays. We and our clients trust Dave’s expert skills, knowledge and experience of the mountain and he is also a valued member of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
Alternative Walks
Finally, if you think Ben Nevis isn’t for you, there are so many other fabulous walks in both Glen Nevis and the wider Lochaber area. Simply visit https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/ for other route suggestions to cater for all levels of ability and experience.
Finding Accommodation
If you are looking for superb, modern, clean accommodation with added luxuries such as a hot tub, honesty bar and drying room, please take a look at what we offer at Distant Hills Guest House and check our availability at Distant Hills Guest House, Spean Bridge, near Fort William. We are just a 10-minute drive from the North Face Car Park and 15 minutes from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and found the information useful! Ben Nevis awaits your summit attempt! Good luck and enjoy the experience!
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