Travel bucket list idea:

Climb Ben Nevis

Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain seen from Fort William. A lake and shipwreck in foreground

Last updated: 12 March, 2024

It might be known affectionately as ‘the Ben’, but don’t think a tramp up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, is a walk in the park. Its summit, at over 4,400ft, can be clad in snow in summer, the weather changing in a second as you zigzag up the rocky Mountain Track. However, around 125,000 people make it each year and the sense of achievement – and the views – are second to none. ‘The Ben’ is the most challenging but rewarding Munro ‘to bag’.

Go prepared though, it can be cold on the summit even if it’s sunny below so take a fleece and waterproofs. On sunny days beware of dehydration, wind and sunburn.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Duration: Full day

Getting there & doing it

Climbing Ben Nevis is free, though there’s a parking charge at the Visitor Centre, about a mile and a half from Fort William. From there, cross the bridge to Achintee and the start of the Mountain Track, the old access and pony route that winds up to the now ruined observatory at the summit. The stony track climbs in a series of zigzags and is well-maintained but does peter out towards the top into rocky scree.

Take plenty of water, a picnic lunch and snack bars for energy food. Also take a map and compass in case the fog comes down.

When to do it

Hiking to the summit is possible all year round but depends on the weather and climbing conditions. Do not attempt in cloudy or bad weather – walkers have in the past got ‘lost’ on the mountain.

Who to go with: organised tours

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