Bucket list experience:
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Edinburgh
£55 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [1796 ratings]
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£425 | Rating 5 / 5 [13 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[6 miles]
Luxurious 19th-century castle hotel in stunning scenery offering an extensive range of traditional country pursuits.
Official star rating:
Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[13.6 miles]
A grand Victorian mansion surrounded by heart-stopping scenery with a distinctive all-suite in-room dining concept, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[6.8 miles]
One of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys – 165 miles (5 hours) through Scottish mountains, moors and lochs from Glasgow, Fort William and finally Mallaig.
Best for ages: 6+ | £15 | 4-5 hours
Ballachulish , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[14.8 miles]
A magnificent brooding glen that was the scene of Scotland’s bloodiest historic massacres – the slaying of the unarmed MacDonald Clan.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
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.
