The normal time taken to climb to the top by the tourist path is three and a half to five hours - coming down is much faster, between one and a half to two and a half hours. I forced myself onward and upwards as the easy steps and well-made path of the glen below turned to slippery shale and uneven rocks and the path climbed up the hill in an endless exhausting zigzag. ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited It is rare to get clear views from the top, and indeed the cloud had closed in. You can see just why Ben Nevis is so dangerous and deserves its name ‘the venomous’ mountain. Ben Nevis is in Lochaber, around 1.5 miles from Fort William and is part of the Nevis Range of the Grampian mountains in Scotland. 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. 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. And thanks for including tips!! 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. Find out more about Mountaineering Scotland's #TakItHame anti litter campaign. Once you arrive in Scotland I would highly recommend that you hire a car. More info. 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. Popular: Booked by 428 travellers! But still pretty high. The roads are easy to … Do not attempt the much more difficult CMD Arete without the experience of ridge walking. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. Find out more about about Mountaineering Scotland membership and join today from just £24.50 for your first year PLUS a free gift. The best place to fly into to climb Ben Nevis is Glasgow. Photo by Daniela Frendo. Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh. Distance to the Top: 9km (5.5 miles) Ascent: 1280m (4200ft) Rough … Yes, A wee loch on Ben Nevis. 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. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. We started our climb at 9 am. To make sure that you don’t feel the way I did in the morning and to help you prepare for your hike. Thousands of people do climb Ben Nevis every year, and the vast majority of them make it back down safely. Does that mean you need a guide to do the Ben Nevis walk? Climbing Ben Nevis is incredibly popular it’s estimated that around 150,000 people climb Ben Nevis each year but this in no way means it is an easy walk. As the climb is also 5.4 miles uphill, I would also suggest climbing a few beginners hills or beginners Munros in advance. difficulties when the cloud lowers or snow covers the track making the route to the summit, but higher up above the Half Way Lochan snow cover and rocky Climbing Ben Nevis? However, I find Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Don’t forget to check out the wind speed. Total beginner? 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!) Of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement us 5.5 hours but. 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