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

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

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Edinburgh

Viator

When exploring Scotland on your 1 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Tour, you will experience the very best of Scotland in a jam packed adventure. With breathtaking scenery and landscapes of unspoilt nature you’ll travel the 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. Make a visit to the iconic and Highland Cows (seasonal availability). 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. Please note, to meet demand and to prevent overcrowding in smaller Scottish towns, this tour may be provided in reverse in our peak season. Due to the large area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland. PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 7 ON TOUR.

Price £60

Min age 7

Rating 4.80 / 5 [5849 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

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

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 £68

Min age 18

Rating 4.61 / 5 [231 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

Ben Nevis Hiking Day Trip from Edinburgh

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:

Website >