Situated in the Highlands region of Scotland, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Britain.
The coastal town of Fort William is at the foot of the Ben, and has many outdoor sports and climbing shops, good
accommodation and places to eat. It is at the end of the West Highland Way, and
popular with tourists in the summer, and with skiers and winter climbers during
the winter, so arrange accommodation before you arrive. The Youth Hostel and start of the Tourist Path are only two minutes drive from the centre of the town and the railway station. |
The original path (now named the 'Mountain Track') was constructed in the 1880's
to service the observatory which was being built on the summit plateau. This is
now no more than a badly derelict building, however the path remains. The path
on the summit plateau is not distinct, and should be treated with upmost care
in poor visibility. Large cornices will sometimes remain well into the summer months,
disguising the top of many gullies. Footprints onto the cornices are from
climbers. |
The 'Mountain Track' Route. From the car park at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, cross the footbridge and walk beside the river a short while, then left beside a wall up to the start of the main path. Climb steadily and soon the path from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel joins from the right. Continue upward, crossing two Alpine style footbridges, then more steeply to Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe, where a second path joins. Please note any erosion diversions in force. Bear right at the junction and head up the zig-zagging trail. After the zig-zags, the path eases onto the summit plateau, which should be treated with caution, especially in poor visibiliy. |
Ben Nevis Summit Area Map |
Descending from the summit. This advice comes from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, and is printed on the summit area map which they produce. Warning : these bearings and distances are only likely to be of any assistance if you are already a competent navigator. Even very experienced mountaineers can have great difficulty navigating accurately in severe wind or white-out conditions, such as occur frequently on the Ben Nevis plateau. 1. From the summit trig. pillar walk 150m on a grid bearing of 231` to near the top of Gardyloo Gully (first marker pole*). 2. Then follow the grid bearing of 282` to clear the plateau (a second marker pole is situated 300m along this second bearing, at the top of McLean's Steep*). Marker poles are removed regularly by people who disagree with their placement, so do not count on them being in situ Walking on BEN NEVIS information leaflet/webpage from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. Lots of good information - take a look. |
Walking times As a rough guide, you should be aiming to achieve these times at least on the mountain From the Visitor Centre: 2.5 - 3 hours climb, 2 - 2.5 hours descend. Remember that as Fort William is at sea level, you will have to climb almost the full 1344m to the top. The start to Scafell and Snowdon both allow you to gain some height in your vehicle first. This is one good reason to start your challenge in Scotland rather than Wales !! The path to the top is steep or very steep for it's entire length, but is well maintained. Good navigational skills are required for the summit in poor visibility. |
Ben Nevis Facts, Figures & History. Ben Nevis has been climbed by many people far before the mountain became known as one of the Three Peaks. At 1344 metres (4409 feet) Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. Ben Nevis is thought to mean either 'Venomous' or 'Mountain of Heaven', both supposedly the translation in Gaelic - you decide..! The earliest recorded ascent was way back in 1771, with the main path and observatory being constructed by Clement Linely Wragge in 1883. The ruins of the observatory are still very much evident on the summit plateau today, along with various other remains including the small, wooden Temperence Hotel which closed in 1916. Much of the roofing lead was 'removed' by climbers..! During this period you could ascend Ben Nevis via pony for just 21 shillings, guide included, and have lunch, or bed and breakfast in the summit hotel. In 1911, Henry Alexader drove a Model T Ford from the showroom in Edinburgh to Fort William, spent some 10 days preparing the route up Ben Nevis with bridging planks and stones, then drove up to the summit. After descending, with just some minor adjustment to the brakes, drove back to Edinburgh. |
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with permission of Ordnance Survey and Multi Media Mapping. |
Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis and Fort William, Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands - ideal
for walking, climbing and scrambling. Snow covers the summit of Ben Nevis well
into the summer months. Check our links to hostels in the Ben Nevis and Glen
Nevis area. Ben Nevis also has it's own ski lift and a gondolla can be seen in
Fort William High Street, the same as used on the Ben Nevis ski tow and ski lift. |
3 peaks challenge summit area map of the ben nevis plateau including details of the
tourist path from glen nevis. |
3 peaks challenge information for ben nevis, the tourist path, glen nevis visitor
centre, glencoe, highlands and islands, and other general three 3 peaks challenge
guide information and links. |
Three Peaks Challenge |
Ben Nevis (1344m) |
Fort William : You will find a number of good outdoor equipment and ski shops to browse, as well as some good seafood restaurants and chip shops. Fort William has a Youth Hostel, a Morrisons store with petrol station, and a McDonnalds. So you will be able to get provisions, juice up the motor, and fill the flasks with coffee before your drive to Cumbria. |
Mobile phone coverage The nearest emergency phone is outside the Youth Hostel at Glen Nevis. We found Orange coverage to be poor to moderate between the Ben and the car park. |
Fort William and Lochaber online Information website which contains all the info you will need for the Ben Nevis area. |
Undiscovered Scotland - Fort William Another information website which contains some superb pictorial submissions of the Ben and Fort William. |
From Amazon Central Highlands 40 circular routes around Glen Nevis, Glencoe, and the rolling plateau of the Monadh Liath |
Three Peaks Transport? Bongo Bus minibus or mpv transport may be available for your 3 Peaks Challenge dates. Check here. A&R Travel can provide transport for walking tours and training trips to Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Click here..! |
Ben Nevis from Corpach |