View our montain FAQs. The weather on the mountain can be very different from lower ground and can change quickly. Find out today's forecast. An average time to the summit and back is 7 — 8 hours. Walkers fit enough to try to climb The Three Peaks in 24 hours need to take 5 hours or less. The winner of The Ben Race each September gets to the summit and back in around 90 minutes.
Once on the path there are no signposts but in good weather it is possible to follow the mountain track. Near the summit cliffs there is a line of cairns, stone waymarkers, which guide you when visibility and cloud allow.
The ability to navigate with a map and compass is essential in poor visibility. You can minimise the risks by following the safety advice given here and from the staff at The Visitor Centre. However even the most experienced and well equipped walker is not immune from an accident on The Ben. We started our climb at 9 am. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind.
We made fast progress, reaching the halfway point of the Red Burn and the Lochan Meall a t-Suidhe at m in just 1 hour. However, from the halfway point on I struggled.
Thankfully, being surrounded by hundreds of people going through exactly the same thing kept me going. I forced myself onward and upwards as the easy steps and well-made path of the glen below turned to slippery shale and uneven rocks and the path climbed up the hill in an endless exhausting zigzag.
Then at m, the views disappeared, leaving us in the fog to follow the crowds to the summit. But in 3 hours we had climbed m — and were on top of the UK. It was freezing at the top, and after a quick summit selfie we wrapped up I was very thankful for my hat, gloves and my down jacket! It was time to face those horrendous zigzags again, but with my trusty Leki walking sticks, I found the going down much easier, and just 2 hours later the welcoming sight of the Ben Nevis Inn appeared into view.
The climb took us 5. To the bar to celebrate the Big Ben! My head has still to come back down out of the clouds…. With a very wet and very windy alpine climate, you are never guaranteed views on the Ben. The top of the Ben is very flat and big enough from two football pitches.
It is not the traditional mountain peak you imagine, and the actual highest point is the cairn - you will have to take your turn to stand on the top, but cameras will be passed around, and someone will always take your photo for you to prove you have reached the top! Once back in Fort William you can get T-shirts printed or buy a certificate to record your feat, but nothing is the real proof of a photo.
Sit down a while, take a break, explore the ruins of the old observatory you may find you need to take shelter within the walls on a windy day and then start to think about making your way down. The Descent Coming down won't require as much stamina as going up, but it is still very hard on your legs. If you are unused to hill walking, by the time you're at the bottom, you will probably be feeling every stone on the path through the soles of your boots, and will be very pleased that you invested in a good pair!
Don't plan on doing anything very strenuous that evening or the next day - your legs won't let you. Depending on your level of fitness and how used to walking up and down steep slopes you are, you may find it takes a few days before you can easily tackle even the gentlest of inclines again. But who cares? You have reached the top of the highest mountain in the UK - be justifiably proud of yourself and have a good rest. You have earned it! Why did you climb Ben Nevis?
The mountain is there to be conquered, and inspires people every year to make it to the top. For every person who makes it they've achieved a personal challenge. Some make it harder for themselves on purpose by carrying strange items or in fancy dress, and some because they start at a disadvantage to the rest of us.
One such person is Robin Beadle, a physically challenged ex-serviceman who climbed Ben Nevis on crutches. Read his story by here - Ben Nevis on Crutches. It's also a brilliant guide to the walk. If you haven't yet read about the history of the Ben check out Ben Nevis Facts. If you've walked up the mountain once, think about walking up and down every day like Wragge, the meteorologist in the 19th Century!
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. 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. 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. 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? Check out these 9 alternative must-climb hills to Ben Nevis in Scotland. Walk Highlands. Ben Nevis Weather.
Mountain Weather Information Service. Mountaineering Scotland. Walking in Scotland. John Muir Trust. Visit advice page. Page Introduction Walking routes FAQs Find your next Munro adventure.
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