There are several options for hikes: 1) Mountain Track or also Pony Track. If you are climbing Ben Nevis under your own steam, please pay attention to your safety at all times and never be afraid to turn back if conditions dictate. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Aviemore In the event that you require external assistance in an emergency, you should call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, Mountain Rescue. Conditions will be very different between these two extremes, so flexibility is key. It is perfectly normal for there to be snow on the summit plateau of Ben Nevis until well into the summer (Pic. The long reach of Loch Linnhe stretches away to Mull and beyond in the southwest (Pic. But even that would be sustainable, but not …. 3). Ben Nevis Mountain Path - Short Track is a 3.7 mile out and back trail located near Fort William, Highland, Scotland that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. If the time it takes you to get here is much longer than this, consider the implications on the likely time taken to get to the summit and return safely. Around 7 hours is a realistic target time to climb from Glen Nevis to the summit and return. Because of these hard-hitting facts, I feel confirmed in my decision to reverse and when I confess and speak openly, I get a lot of respect from the Scots. Ben Nevis by the Mountain Path. The remains of the observatory are still visible today. The visibility is really zero, as you can see in the photo …, Although I have checked compass and GPS device and find the way back, BUT …. It is not quite halfway, but the path does become easier for a time here, providing some welcome respite for the legs. I often say to clients that you don’t need to be fast to climb Ben Nevis, but you do need to be efficient. $242.30 per adult. This particular Scotland hike, on the island of Hoy, is just a quick ferry ride from the northern tip of the northeast… Anything you take up the mountain should come down with you. The name of the mountain track itself provides interest in that many people refer to it as the tourist route. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here. Walk at a pace that you can maintain comfortably. The chances of reasonable weather over this period are much greater than at other times, and the longer days are definitely reassuring. [email protected], Wilderness Scotland Looking after yourself starts with good preparation. Ascent to Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis… The walk up Ben Nevis begins at more or less sea level, finishing over a vertical kilometre higher. The Ben Nevis Inn could hardly be more convenient for a post-walk celebratory meal or drink, situated right at the bottom of Ben Nevis at Achintee. Pic 6 – Lochain Meall an t-Suidhe, “the halfway lochain”. The weather in the summit area is usually miserable and the conditions can suddenly worsen. Further information relating to access rights and responsibilities can be found at https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/. 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An extra warm layer or two available within the group, a spare hat or two, and perhaps an extra couple of pairs of gloves will be very welcome if you find yourselves having to stay put for any length of time. It is located in the Grampian Mountains (also Grampians), which are one of the main mountain ranges of Scotland, in the north of the country. Please stick to the route of the path and don’t be tempted to take shortcuts. Published: Apr 25, 2019More by James. Published: Sep 30, 2020 5 min read, Emy MacLeod | More By This Author Ben Nevis although a well trodden … It is worth bearing in mind that a covering of snow, particularly when accompanied by low cloud, can make route finding and navigation very challenging. It is strongly recommended that your first ascent of Ben Nevis be attempted during the summer months (approximately May to September). As already clearly expressed in the book Wanderführer Teneriffa and experienced on the way to Carrauntoohil and Schneekoppe again and again, I can only shake my head and do not understand such approaches! Take great care in this area as the path takes you very close to the edge of cliffs. 1), while close by, iconic mountains of the Mamores and Glen Coe dominate (Pic. No traces or recognizable path. Looking after the mountain environment is also incredibly important. The ascent of the mountain can be approached differently. Ben Nevis is one of those walks that you will remember forever, I do. Whichever starting point is chosen, all lead on to the pony track which climbs steadily along the lower flanks of the hill Meall an t-Suidhe. Check out our complete guide to what to wear hiking in Scotland. The impressive and imposing cliffs of the North Face are famous amongst climbers worldwide (Pic. Ben Nevis stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the region of Lochaber, close to the town of Fort William. I’ve long been in the area of the so-called zig-zags (similar to the ascent of the Carrauntoohil), but only two places are a bit wind-away and thus offer a little protection. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. A useful guide is to time how long it takes to walk to where the path crosses the Red Burn. Return to the glen is made by reversing this route. This helps to maintain footfall on the path and avoids eroding other parts of the mountain. We offer Guided Ben Nevis walks to the summit via the Ben Nevis Mountain path, year-round. At 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Islands and a perfect hiking spot that, although foggy and cold, attracts many visitors year-round. 7) is a very serious place, surrounded on almost all sides by very steep ground and cliffs. It is located at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of Scotland, and is only a short distance from the … Climb the Cuillins (Isle of Skye) The Isle of Skye is beautiful all over, but in one corner, the skyline is … Your Hiking Ben Nevis Scotland stock images are ready. The mountain will always be there – the trick is to make sure you can come back should you wish to do so! Scotland is very fortunate to enjoy a right of responsible access to most land for non-motorised recreational purposes, including walking. But the conversation with a Scotsman and a look at his weather forecast finally motivates me to face the forces of nature. Yesterday on my arrival it rained “cats and dogs” and also at night the rain pattered on the skylights. Get equipped for hiking and walking. There are several options for hikes: The “Tourist Route” is the most used hiking trail on the way to the summit. Scotland Road Trip: Hiking Ben Nevis and Exploring the Scottish Highlands by Car Our first trip to Scotland was completely ad-hoc. Ben Nevis: Hiking - See 2,457 traveler reviews, 2,362 candid photos, and great deals for Fort William, UK, at Tripadvisor. Published: Sep 10, 2020 5 min read, Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter, UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020 These give detailed information about expected conditions on the mountains as opposed to just a general forecast for conditions at sea level. Having the right clothing and equipment can quite literally be a life saver if conditions are really bad, but even in less extreme weather it can mean the difference between … The Fort William tourism board advises against hiking Ben Nevis from October to May. Glen Nevis Restaurant and Bar is another excellent choice, located in Glen Nevis between the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. This not only maintains morale, but it keeps group members together and avoids faster group members having to stop (and possibly get cold) whilst waiting for slower group members to catch up. But snow and ice I’m used to from the Schneekoppe in the Czech Republic. What makes orientation impossible is the dreaded fog up here (“Ben Nevis Fog”). Highland PRICE FREEZE - Book at 2020 Prices and £100-£300 Travel Voucher for Every Traveller ». Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland and the whole of the UK. 4). A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to hold a conversation whilst you are walking. Hike along rugged trails up the flank of mighty Ben Nevis with a private guide. Of course, I will soon aim for the next summit, but not at any price. But risking his life is not worth it for me anyway. If looking after a group, it is important to make sure that every member of the party is keeping as comfortable as possible. Glen Nevis Hostel is my direct starting point. While … Finally, I manage to put on my dry pants. And you’ll find plenty of options for places to stay. 1 review. In Gaelic, it is called the “mountain with its head in the clouds” and also “venomous mountain.”

The Basics
The hike … I will now continue my journey quickly. Quick View. Scotland (Ben Nevis & Glen Coe) hiking weekend The Mountains of Lochaber – (Hard/Strenuous) If you have ever dreamed of climbing the mighty Ben Nevis in Scotland, then join us on this holiday weekend … The mountain track can be accessed conveniently from three locations in Glen Nevis – either the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre (large pay and display car park, public toilets and information centre), the Ben Nevis Inn (limited free car parking, fabulous pub and bunkhouse accommodation), or the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (very limited parking, excellent hostel accommodation). Conditions will be very different between these two extremes, so flexibility is key. The Ben Nevis walk is one of the most iconic in Scotland and a hiking trail you’d be crazy to miss! Does this make any sense in the ice storm? Length 3.7 miElevation gain 1545 ftRoute type Out & back It’s easy to see … “Be bold, start cold” is a good rule of thumb as you will generate heat whilst walking uphill. Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in both Scotland and the British Isles. Additional items such as sunglasses and sun cream can be judged according to the weather forecast, and don’t forget any personal medication that you may require during the course of the day. On one leg I defy the forces of nature and keep my footing. US: 1-866-740-3890 This includes “biodegradable” waste such as bananas skins and apple cores. Considerable efforts go into maintaining and repairing the mountain track each year, often by volunteers working in some pretty tough conditions. It is right at the end of the West Highland Way and a great way to end Scotland's most popular long distance trail. I have always heard Scotland … Ben Nevis attracts walkers and climbers from around the world, and with good reason. 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