Firstly, the Mountain Path route is 11 miles from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, so I suggest getting used to walking at least 10 miles on a regular basis. A wee loch on Ben Nevis. If there is an accident and you are in need of professional help, dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police and Mountain Rescue. whistle, First Aid Kit and emergency shelter. Climbing Ben Nevis? Follow the path, with the River Nevis on your right-hand side. Climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain was a great day. However, if you decide to climb Ben Nevis via other routes, there are some discussions to have. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. “Who me? I climbed Snowdon in Wales via the Watkin Path this year so I'm wondering if I'm up for the challenge of Ben Nevis. Considerable efforts go into maintaining and repairing the mountain track each year, often by volunteers working in … Thankfully, being surrounded by hundreds of people going through exactly the same thing kept me going. Everyone should have a map and compass with Don’t forget to check out the wind speed. This was our second climb up Ben Nevis, and thanks to unbelievably clear weather, it was far better than our first climb, which was shrouded in mist and a chill wind. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. The best way to get to Ben Nevis is to stay in a hotel or BnB in Fort William or in Glen Nevis where there is a campsite and hostel. Photo by Daniela Frendo. I know Ben Nevis is higher though. Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is attempted by thousands of people every year. Once you have reached the zig-zags, if there is snow about you must still be careful to avoid drifting into the Red Burn area, which is a known avalanche danger area. The Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (NN 127 717) is a really convenient place to stay if you're planning to climb Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. Cotton clothing such as jeans and T shirts is not recommend I am not sure there is a ‘best time’ to climb Ben Nevis. It’s the highest mountain in the British Isles. Cheers from Texas! Ben Nevis is famous for being Britain's highest mountain, but notorious for being Britain's highest rubbish dump. Continue to use the site as normal if you're happy with this, or, Further information can be viewed at Ben Nevis' own website, If there is an accident and you are in need of professional help. Winter, spring, summer or autumn, Ben Nevis is always available for climbing. The climb took us 5.5 hours, but we are used to hillwalking (despite my struggles!) Depending on your level of experience, taking one of the winter climbing courses on offer may be a good idea. Take a righ… ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited During the winter months or early summer when Your pictures are stunning! Getting to And Climbing Ben Nevis Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK at 1344m (4406 ft), lies a fair way up the western side of Scotland, about 130 miles north of the city of Glasgow. The familiar whaleback of Ben Nevis rising over surrounding mountains. Even Search and Rescue Dog Millie looks cold on the upper slopes on Ben Nevis. difficulties when the cloud lowers or snow covers the track making the route fully waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers and spare clothing such as a $67.48 per adult. Thousands of people climb Ben Nevis every year and, like it or not, all those pairs of boots have an impact on the mountain environment – even yours and mine! Popular: Booked by 428 travelers! It is of major importance for British winter climbing, with many of … I've been climbing hills since May last year, but must admit, I'd had a couple of months off before the big climb (which is why I think I struggled!). specialist equipment. This was our second climb up Ben Nevis, and thanks to unbelievably clear weather, it was far better than our first climb, which was shrouded in mist and a chill wind. There are toilets at the Inn at the bottom of Ben Nevis. To the South and West, a relatively gentle slope with a well-maintained footpath take you easily from Fort William to the summit. Many people get into Ben Nevis Mountain in Scotland. snow covers the upper part of the mountain you will also need an ice axe, rigid less obvious. You can see just why Ben Nevis is so dangerous and deserves its name ‘the venomous’ mountain. The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and the return 3 hours. It takes around 4 hours to climb to the top, and 3 hours to get down afterward. Do not underestimate how challenging this climb is: it starts virtually from sea level and ascends a rocky and rough track to 1344m - then you have to come all the way back down again. The hostel sits at the foot of the mountain just opposite the start of the Pony Track/Tourist route , so the climbs on both the North-East Face and Southern Slopes are easily accessible. Whilst there is a steep path most of the way, there are some horrible drops near the top – including the vertiginous Gardyloo Gully – just as the path disappears. 130 reviews. Congrats! Yes, While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that Ben Nevis is not to be underestimated. Does that mean you need a guide to do the Ben Nevis walk? However it is a demanding walk with many potential hazards and there are also accidents every year, many of which could have been avoided had the people involved been aware of the challenges involved. Climbing Ben Nevis As Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis attracts a lot of attention, with people from the UK and overseas coming every year to make the climb. Highland Council has a dedicated ranger base right at the foot of the main mountain track in Glen Nevis, with toilets and car parking facilities. There is a variety of routes to choose from, including the Ledge Route and Tower Ridge. wind and waterproof clothing is essential. Then follow a bearing of 282 degrees, which will take you down to the zig-zags on the mountain track, avoiding Five Finger Gully with its deceivingly gentle upper slopes but which has been scene of many accidents. Take I left a longer comment on the Female Travel Blogger FB page. Despite all the hills I’d clocked up, the ease that I could walk 10 miles, and that our last outing (14 miles in the rain over most of Beinn a’Ghlo) was a much tougher challenge than Ben Nevis, I climbed the next 500 meters at a snail’s pace. Dave MacLeod writes: "First winter ascents of one grade VIII and two IX mixed routes on Ben Nevis and Glen Coe which I did during December. I couldn’t help stopping for photos, the views across to Loch Linnhe, down to Lismore and as far as the Isle of Mull were absolutely stunning. There is a man-made track Do not attempt the much more difficult CMD Arete without the experience of ridge walking. Don’t be fooled by the weather conditions down in Fort William, it will be very different on the upper slopes of Ben Nevis, so make sure you take warm and waterproof clothes including hat and gloves. The best time to climb Ben Nevis is from late spring to early autumn. Taiwan's export orders likely rose in December for a 10th straight month, a Reuters poll showed, buoyed by continued demand for technology products during … Watch 3 Hard, Winter First Ascents in Scotland by Dave MacLeod climbing.com - Climbing Staff. At the top of Ben Nevis is a rocky plateau of about 100 acres, a trig point denotes the highest point, while there is also a ruined observatory (now a shelter for those caught out by the weather). The north face of Ben Nevis is riven with buttresses, ridges, towers and pinnacles, and contains many classic scrambles and rock climbs. And if you can take down more litter than you took up? And thanks for including tips!! After a short walk you will reach a three-way signpost for the Visitor Centre, Youth Hostel and Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis by the Mountain Path. However, from the halfway point on I struggled. This is often due to lack of preparation, knowledge and accidents. Climbing Ben Nevis may not be as perilous as, say, Annapurna or Everest, but it is a wild place and things do go wrong. Even though I have climbed over 15 hills, knowing that Ben Nevis was the biggest one in the UK, my tummy was going. Beware of organised events as the car park only has spaces for 80 cars. I've not climbed Snowdon, but I do know its a shorter and lower climb, comparable to most of our Munros, Ben Nevis is quite a lot higher, but the path is very easy. With a very wet and very windy alpine climate, you are never guaranteed views on the Ben. The Mountain Track is also known as ‘the Ben Nevis tourist route’ which makes it sound easy – it is not. Please don’t build cairns on Ben Nevis, as you might inadvertently direct someone the wrong way in the fog. Standing as the highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis is located in Inverness-shire in Scotland’s Highlands. Thanks for the wonderful article. Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited, Our website uses cookies throughout our system and to help us provide a better service. 130 reviews. The morning of climbing ben nevis I was extremely nervous. warm sweater or fleece. Always carry an extra battery pack if you plan to use an app. $67.61 per adult. Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh. Ben Nevis has experienced avalanches, rockslides and blizzards in the past. It would be wise to climb some lower hills first to build up your hill fitness levels. How long did you train before the actual climb? To make sure that you don’t feel the way I did in the morning and to help you prepare for your hike. mountaineering boots and crampons and know when and how to use this One of the most popular hikes in the country given its status as Britain’s highest peak, it is also surprisingly straightforward, even for hiking novices. and the weather was on our side.To the bar to celebrate the Big Ben! Find out more about about Mountaineering Scotland membership and join today from just £24.50 for your first year PLUS a free gift. Anything above 20mph will be arduous at 4000ft. to the summit, but higher up above the Half Way Lochan snow cover and rocky As the climb is also 5.4 miles uphill, I would also suggest climbing a few beginners hills or beginners Munros in advance. The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and the return 3 hours. You might think they'll break down quickly, but they take a lot longer than you think because of the conditions up there and upset the ecology on the plateau. Staff at the ranger base can provide you with all the latest information regarding conditions on the mountain (tel 01397 705922). Yes, Climbing Ben Nevis is my dream thing to do and I really hope to cross it off my bucket list soon. The best place to fly into to climb Ben Nevis is Glasgow. We were sailing the Caledonian Canal so tied up at nearby Banavie and jumped in a taxi (£9 from Banavie, £7 back into Fort William) to the start of the walk at the Glen Nevis Visitor Center. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Get a FREE Harvey's Ben Nevis Ultramap when you join Mountaineering Scotland - find out more here. Description At 1343m (4400feet), Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. It was freezing at the top, and after a quick summit selfie we wrapped up (I was very thankful for my hat, gloves and my down jacket!) Navigational skills are crucial for a safe return. There are a series of large summit cairns to follow in bad weather. Ben Nevis although a well trodden trail still incurs several deaths a year. For Ben Nevis weather forecasts, I recommend you check out all the following sites before your walk. That includes items like banana skins, apple cores and other organic materials. Yes, you need to have a reasonable fitness level and stamina. While even this route is over 4 miles long it is one of the most direct to the peak, unlike many others on this list that require climbing others to get to them. For climbers and mountaineers the main attraction lies in the 600-metre (2,000 ft) high cliffs of the north face. Click here to find out about digital map subscription* with Ordnance Survey and always have a map in your pocket. Facing the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, head left and cross the bridge over the River Nevis. Getting there is relatively simple by train or coach and a short taxi drive will take you right there. How hard you will find climbing Ben Nevis will totally depend on your fitness – and the type of exercise you are used to. Hill walking boots with a ‘Vibram’ sole are strongly recommended to protect your feet from the rocky terrain, prevent slips and to keep you warm. Further information can be viewed at Ben Nevis' own website. We started our climb at 9 am. No. them and know how to use them in the event of poor visibility. What an accomplishment. The route described here is the most popular ‘tourist’ route and suitable for most ability and experience levels. The route described here is the standard way up the mountain; it is straightforward, if strenuous, by hillwalking standards, but the less experienced should be … Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route. Mountaineering Scotland Participation Statement. It’s smaller than Ben Nevis and Swindon at 978m, but the almost non-stop elevation of the climb means that it’s every bit as tough. Warm, Suitable maps of Ben Nevis are produced by OrdnanceSurvey and Harvey Maps. There is also parking available at the Glen Nevis Centre for £3. Then at 1200m, the views disappeared, leaving us in the fog to follow the crowds to the summit. Your pictures along the way are stunning. Most of the time the Ben is hidden in deep cloud. Even in summer, Ben Nevis can be very cold, wet, windy and covered in snow; and remember, it will get colder and windier the higher you climb. If you aren’t an experienced hillwalker, then the ‘Mountain Path’ or the ‘Pony Track’ is for you. We made fast progress, reaching the halfway point of the Red Burn and the Lochan Meall a t-Suidhe at 570m in just 1 hour. A minimum of two litres of fluid per person is recommended. high energy foods are best (e.g. Take a left turn following the sign for Ben Nevis. and perched on a rock for a wee dram and a good old-fashioned cheese sarnie before we turned for home. Climbing on Ben Nevis Major features of the north face summit region. carry equipment for use in an emergency such as a torch, It’s a tough, relentless climb and there’s much more scree up there than the others, but it’s still great preparation for climbing Ben Nevis. The Ludwig Autograph Letter Signed "Beethoven" roared past its pre-auction estimate of $60,000+ to reach its final result, which was the most paid for a Beethoven-signed … I also use the Viewranger App which is a GPS tracker. As well as exploring Ben Nevis, be sure to check out nearby Cairngorms and Glencoe mountain ranges. Rock Climbing A rock climber's paradise, the North Face of Ben Nevis has steep jagged cliff edges which are 600m high in places and perfect for rock climbing. Any advice on how the two compare? It is rare to get clear views from the top, and indeed the cloud had closed in. Ha, never in a million years… I’m not ready for that” If like me, that thought is going through your head, then this post is for you. enough food and drink for each member of your group. 1 – Ben Nevis – 1344 m (4409 feet) Located in the Grampian Mountains … Learn how your comment data is processed. With an average of only 14 clear days a year on its summit, getting a good day on Ben Nevis is a wee bit of luck! Find out more about Mountaineering Scotland's #TakItHame anti litter campaign. Popular: Booked by 428 travellers! Ben Nevis in Scotland is the UK’s highest mountain at 1,345 m/ 4,411 ft high.. Not quite as high as the mighty Mt Everest in Nepal at 8,848 m/ 29,029 ft. If you are unsure about how to follow these directions you can refer to our navigation pages for more information, but it is vital that at least one of your party is confident about their navigation skills. Climbing Ben Nevis – Map the Route. I cannot wait to attempt the Ben and your journey and tips have been most helpful! However, I find Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. The cable car or the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola goes up Aonach Mor which is also in the Ben Nevis Range. The summit of Ben Nevis, perched on the edge of cliffs. © 2021 Mountaineering Scotland But still pretty high. From the summit cairn, walk for 150 metres on a bearing of 231 degrees, which will take you safely past Gardyloo Gully on your right. There’s a small fence you need to climb over, but it’s a small and clear path leading to the next three-way signpost for Achintee, Ben Nevis and Visitor Centre. It's a long slog, but not technically challenging. Dallas, TX — An extremely rare letter written and signed by composer Ludwig van Beethoven sold for $275,000 to lead Heritage Auctions' Historical Manuscripts Auction to $1,762,995.50 in total sales Nov. 12.. I must admit I’ve never been happier to reach the summit of a hill, you can tell by my face just how much I was still grimacing. Ben Nevis attracts an estimated 125,000 complete and a further 100,000 partial ascents per year, most of which are made by walkers using the well-constructed Mountain Track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain. secure grip. as it absorbs moisture and draws the heat from your body. Total beginner? Liability insurance is included in membership, so you have peace of mind when you're enjoying the outdoors! Join Mountaineering Scotland to get exclusive discounts and offers at outdoor shops, online retailers and accommodation providers as well as other useful services including digital maps. 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