Nevis is a popular destination attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Ben nevis, the tallest mountain in the british isles, is attempted by thousands of people every year. The route starts from the cic hut and so can be started proper from either glen nevis. It is a difficult and potentially dangerous climb, and takes an average of 4 hours to climb with a.
Anyways bags where packed, stocked up with food, and we headed off in the car a couple of miles to glen nevis visitors centre. Its basically a 0m slog to the summit, with little reward until it starts levelling out towards the summit plateau and the views open up. We quickly realised that our challenge wasnt to just climb up to over 4,000 feet, it was to do it without shattering bones or. Distance 11 miles 18km ascent 1,329 metres 4,359ft. Top tips for climbing ben nevis as an amateur trip101.
This walk starts in the car park of the ben nevis visitors center, situated in glen nevis at nn 1220 7295. Ben nevis fort william 2020 all you need to know before you. With this private booking, this is your professionally guided day walk, up the ben nevis mountain track also known as the pony track or the tourist path from a start point in glen nevis. The walk is just over 4 miles each way a total of 8 1. The track up ben nevis commonly referred to as the tourist route, the tourist track or the pony track is in fact the old access route to the now ruined observatory and was designed as a rough bridle path for. At the start of glen nevis, 10 minutes walk from fort william town center and 1 miles from ben nevis, britains highest mountain, this guest house offers scottish breakfasts and. Guided walks up ben nevis mountain in scotland ben nevis. All the walking routes up ben nevis walks in scotland mud and. The online guide to walking up ben nevis the highest mountain in the uk. Unlike snowdon and scafell pike, the path to ben nevis starts close to sea level, meaning much greater vertical ascent.
The route from polldubh, up beside the great waterslide that rushes down over white slabs from coire eoghainn is steep, theres no doubt about that, but the views of upper glen nevis are superb. Fort william is the outdoor capital of the uk and has numerous activities available. The track up ben nevis commonly referred to as the tourist route, the tourist track or the pony track is in fact the old access route to the now ruined observatory and was designed as a rough bridle path for ponies it was properly designated as the mountain track around 2004 in order to move away from what was considered the. The walk takes 5 to 6 days, and you are advised to prebook accommodation along your route.
Based in fort william and only using local guides, you wont just climb ben nevis, youll learn all about the mountain and the wildlife, geology and history it has to offer. When planning to walk up the highest mountain in scotland its best to head for this small. If youve walked up the mountain once, think about walking up and down every day like wragge, the. The path is good underfoot and while there is obviously much ascent no scrambling is involved you will not need to use your hands. Find all the transport options for your trip from fort william to ben nevis right here. During reasonable summer weather, using naismiths we can calculate the time to be added just on the ascent part of the rule. The highest summit in the british isles, ben nevis is nestled deep within the scottish highlands, towering more than 4,400 feet over neighboring fort william.
Climb ben nevis guided walk, charity challenge or just. Ben nevis winter ascent fort william, scotland maximum. A history the first recorded ascent of ben nevis was made on 17 august 1771 by james robertson, an edinburgh botanist, who was in the region to collect botanical specimens. Find out more information and book your place with us today. Its not just the highest peak in scotland, its also the highest peak in britain and the highest peak in the u. Rome2rio makes travelling from fort william to ben nevis easy. Many of ben nevis tracks and routes can be treacherous, but we at ben nevis guides offer the most easygoing and beginnerfriendly option.
Arrive the night before you attempt to complete the climb ben nevis challenge, and relax knowing that you wont have far to go after the challenge is done. Walk up ben nevis is an online guidebook for anyone wanting to walk or climb up ben nevis the highest mountain in great britain and obviously, scotland. The route described here is the standard way up the mountain. If you havent yet read about the history of the ben check out ben nevis facts. A trip right to the summit of britains highest mountain. Walking up the ben nevis foopath if you are planning to walk up ben nevis in fort william, scotland, this page may be of interest as it has lots of stuff about the mountain footpath. There used to be a meteorological observatory on ben neviss summit the ruins can still be seen if you plan to hike up to the top. So the first thing nobody told us about ben nevis was the path isnt really a path its more like a convenient rock slide. Ben nevis, the highest of the three peaks at 45 metres 44 ft, has one main path, marked clearly on the os explorer 392 map on amazon.
Here are our top tips for climbing ben nevis if youre an amateur. From here i had an excellent view of ben nevis, the sun shining on the summit, how i pined to be up there right. The train travels from london euston all the way through to fort william, and the fort william railway station is just a 10 minute walk from the start of the tourist path. Walking distance 11 miles 18km height gain 1,329m 4,359ft summit 1,344m 4,408ft 1 days guiding by an experienced mountain leader on ben nevis.
The number one walk for all mountain baggers in great britain. The huge north face of ben nevis hosts some of the finest climbing in the world, let alone the uk. Conditions will be very different between these two extremes, so flexibility is key. We are also ideally place for for forest walks and a lovely circular route alongside the river nevis. Site homepage site guide recommended books guestbook walk time. This walk is a description of kens planning, thoughts, preamble and ultimate ascent of. Ben nevis comprises 1,761 hectares within the ben nevis and glencoe national scenic area. Go through the car park until you meet the river nevis, and then turn left to follow the western bank of the river northwards to the end of the car park. Just climbed ben nevis last week over easter holiday with a group of friends. Situated at the foot of ben nevis, glen nevis holidays offers selfcatering accommodation with stunning views. Taking the affectionately dubbed pony path, we lead hikes up the most accessible parts of ben nevis, allowing anyone with determination and stamina to reach the u. Group walks up ben nevis every wednesday and sunday from the start of may to the end of september.
Were raising money to raise money for the wolfston cystic fibrosis ward. Well provide you with two nights of accommodation with breakfast included at a hostel in the heart of the grampians. For averagely fit people the walk up ben nevis mountain footpath takes around 4 hours and the return journey is around 3 hours. This is yet another scramble, this time climbing ben nevis via the ledge route on the north face and up to carn dearg 1221 and along to the summit. The mountain track up ben nevis full route this is a challenging route in all conditions and the mountain track up ben nevis shouldnt be underestimated. The giant peak is world famous for not only its walking routes, but its incredible views, history and of course mountaineering. Ben nevis is one of the best walks in the highlands of scotland, though. Our campsite is currently closed for the offseason and will be reopening on the th of march 2020. Begin the ascent of ben nevis stopping at picturesque lochan meall and tsuidhe before tackling the zigzagging trails up to the summit. The team is made up of darryl jones, chris worth of driving to barcelona fame, jon. We work to manage visitor impact to the uks highest summit. Once everyone has met at the glen nevis visitors centre the walk up ben nevis will begin.
While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that ben nevis is not to be underestimated. The track itself is a rocky path which zigzags and becomes quite steep in places. However, lots of people achieve their ascent of ben nevis much faster. If youre planning to conquer the epic walk up ben nevis, youre putting your thighs to the test with scotlands highest mountain a true icon.
The route is a real treat, passing glistening streams and breathtaking views, leading to a peak shrouded in the clouds. But be sure to book in advance, ben nevis walk is popular destinations for people doing road trips in scotland so places can book up especially in peak season. Be bold, start cold is a good rule of thumb as you will generate heat whilst walking. At the end, its hard to imagine trailing a tired but content body far off to. Ben nevis is one of the best walks in the highlands of scotland, though it does suffer from being rather popular. So the first thing nobody told us about ben nevis was the path isnt really a path. How to get to ben nevis by road and public transport.
A very good friend was taken too soon, these guys gave him the best care support this. The walk is just under 11 miles but with over 0 metres of ascent it is a strenuous and challenging day. Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. In fine weather the ascent of ben nevis by the mountain footpath from achintee is a relatively straightforward day out. Height gained 0 metres, distance 8 km, time 45 hours one way only. Take advantage of our lowseason offer for caravans and tents. The novice walker should not attempt to walk up ben nevis between november and may, or during bad or cloudy weather. Around 9km or just over 5 miles from start of the mountain track to ben neviss summit.
Getting to ben nevis by sleeper train if you are travelling up from london the easiest way and surprising neednt be expensive is to take the sleeper train. By climbing to its peak youll be mesmerized by views that stretch for over 100 miles from the grampian mountains toward glencoe and the atlantic coast. Take part in our two day ben nevis winter ascent, guided by a qualified winter mountain leader. Once the team reaches the summit, you can expect to enjoy panoramic views of glen nevis, loch linnhe and loch eil, as well as the ruins of the observatory at the top of the mountain. What nobody tells you about climbing ben nevis lookers.
Here i tell you about my ben nevis walk, including tips for hiking solo, what to wear for the hike. Ben nevis stands at the western end of the grampian mountains in the lochaber area of the scottish highlands, close to the town of fort william. Situated at the foot of ben nevis, the longestablished glen nevis youth hostel is just 3 miles from the large town of fort william. Guided walks up ben nevis with professional mountain leaders ben nevis, the highest mountain in scotland and the uk.
You will meet your professional mountain guide for the day who will lead you on your opportunity to climb the highest mountain in great britain. The path is quite straight forward and it is not an extremely steep hike. Your chance to join a group and together with your guide, climb to the summit at 44 metres 4411 feet. The normal time taken to climb to the top by the tourist path is three and a half to five hours coming down is much faster, between one and a half to two and a half hours. How to get to ben nevis mountain walks for novice walkers. Our awardwinning touring caravan and camping park near fort william is set in a magnificent location in glen nevis, with stunning views to ben nevis and the surrounding mountains. All walks start from the ben nevis inn two miles from fort william at 08. The first stage of the climb up ben nevis is a relatively easy walk starting from achintee on the east side of glen nevis, approximately 2km from fort william. Fort william campsites glen nevis campsite is where i stayed in my lovely vango banshee 200 tent, perfect for microadventures. You can also travel on the famous jacobite steam train and follow in the tracks of the hogwarts express to mallaig.
Its summit is at 44 meters and you start the ascent at or very near sea level. Another early ascent was in 1774 by john williams, who provided the first account of the mountains geological structure. Reduced rates for three or more walkers available on public group walks please contact us. The walk up ben nevis begins at more or less sea level, finishing over a vertical kilometre higher. Try the gondola lift 2,000ft up aonach mor, climb ben nevis, visit the west highland museum or enjoy a dram at the ben nevis whisky distillery. Walk up ben nevis the online guide to walking up ben. Ben nevis is the highest peak in scotland, located at the western end of the grampian mountains in the lochaber area of scotland, close to the town of fort william. The last mile had been gruelling and we had experienced our biggest. This walk is another marvellous contribution by ken brockway, a regular guest contributor whose walk reports are always a full of interest. Guided walks up ben nevis i lakeland mountain guides.
863 1541 770 1058 830 990 364 82 1356 1139 1494 416 1082 777 87 1074 1064 327 1038 217 1039 1003 139 493 306 597 242 48 614 1166 1338 1361