Soaring to 1,345m above sea level, Ben Nevis has the distinction of being the highest mountain in the UK. The famous peak attracts 125,000 walkers a year. Whether you're a keen rambler or you just love incredible landscapes, bagging 'the Ben' at sunrise should be near the top of your Scottish bucket list.

Ben Nevis was once a massive active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago. From the north, Ben Nevis's shattered north face bears witness to this volcanic birth. Many world-famous summer rock and winter ice climbs have been established on the steep and intimidating cliffs.

The popular Mountain Track (sometimes called the Tourist Track or the Pony Track) is the easiest route up Ben Nevis and travels 16km (10 miles) up and down the mountain's benign western bulk. The track begins at the Ben Nevis Inn, at Achintee on the east side of Glen Nevis about 2 km from the town centre of Fort William, just above sea level. The track starts with a steep climb to the halfway Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, zig-zagging on rocky paths up to the summit plateau.

At the summit, a cairn marks the highest point. Your reward on a clear day will be the incredible panoramic views as far as Northern Ireland. You may be able to spot other iconic peaks such as the Torridon hills, or south to Ben Lomond. A ruined weather observatory, which was opened in 1883, is also found on the summit. It closed in 1904 but can be used for shelter in emergencies.

If you are reasonably fit and conditions are good you should be able to walk up and down Ben Nevis in six to eight hours, but slower walkers may take longer, so good planning and preparation are vital. The weather conditions can change dramatically and the temperature can drop 1 degree C for each 100m of ascent. This is a full mountain walking experience, which requires proper footwear and good equipment. There can be snow patches on the route year-round and the winds on the summit plateau can be ferocious.

You'll be guided by Mountain Leader and Everest Summiter Ricky Munday, or one of our other qualified & experienced Mountain Leaders.

Virtual Tour

View Virtual Tour of Ben Nevis

3D Route Video

Open Event Dates

TBC

How do I pronounce Ben Nevis?

Price

£85 per person 

Our meeting time and location will be at 8 am at the Ben Nevis Inn, Achintee PH33 6TE

This is your opportunity to join a group (maximum of 12 people) to reach the summit of the UK's highest mountain. Individuals or groups are welcome to join us.

Once you have booked, you will be sent an information pack and kit list. We can also provide advice on local accommodation and other actvities.

Please contact us for pricing for private guiding.

Route Map & Altitude Profile

Weather on Ben Nevis

Southwest Highlands Mountain Forecast

Kit & Equipment

Download our UK summer hillwalking kit list below

UK Summer Kit List