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Climb Ben Nevis

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: Any
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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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Viator

PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 7 ON TOUR WITH US. When exploring Scotland on your 1 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Tour, you will get to experience the very best of Scotland in a jam packed adventure. This tour is perfect for those who might have limited time and want to get the most for their money. With breathtaking scenery and landscapes of unspoilt nature you’ll travel the Scottish highlands, getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Experience Scottish culture through the folklore of Scotland’s myths and legends, historical sites and learn about the history of our wonderful country. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had.

Price £61

Min age 7

Rating 4.82 / 5 [4059 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & The Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

Viator

Explore some of Scotland's most iconic sites and stunning scenery with this unique guided day tour from Edinburgh and witness the unique site of Glencoe, the beauty of Ben Nevis and the Loch Ness, where you might even be able to spot the famous monster that is said to inhabit it's waters.

Price £50

Min age 18

Rating 4.60 / 5 [212 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Website >

Ben Nevis Hiking Day Trip from Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh

Ben Nevis Hiking Day Trip from Edinburgh

Viator

Intrepidus Outdoors is an adventure tourism and outdoor education provider based in Edinburgh. We specialise in canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and mountaineering, and deliver these adventurous experiences across Scotland and the North of England. The experiences that we provide take clients into some of the most exquisite, incredible and extreme environments the UK has to offer.

Price £425

Min age 13

Rating 5 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

  • Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Ruins of Kilchurn Castle on the edge of Loch Awe with brown hills behind

Destination guide

Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience

  • Multiple countries

China travel at Great Wall. Tourist in Asia walking on famous Chinese tourist destination and attraction in Badaling north of Beijing. Woman traveler hiking great wall enjoying her summer vacation.

Inspiration

From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.