The UK’s highest peak, climbing Ben Nevis had been on my bucket record for a looooong time!
And eventually, this summer season, I made it to the highest!
Positioned in Scotland, within the lovely West Highlands, Ben Nevis makes for the proper in the future hike.
To get there I travelled to Glasgow with a bunch of mates after which on to Fort William, from the place Ben Nevis is most simply reachable.
We woke as much as essentially the most beautiful blue sky day and knew we have been set for an epic hike!
So learn on to study all the pieces I learnt (and you must know) about summiting Ben Nevis, together with get there, which route up this mountain to take, what you must prep and pack and the place to remain throughout your journey.
It’s time to get caught in…
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Ben Nevis Climb Fundamentals
First up, it’s time to get caught in with some Ben Nevis info.
As soon as an enormous volcano, “The Ben” (as this peak is usually referred to), rises some 1345m above sea stage.
The very best peak in Scotland, in addition to throughout the British Isles, Nevis lies on the western fringe of the Grampian Vary within the Western Highlands.
However regardless of its rural location, this rocky large is fairly well-liked, with an estimated 130,000 ascents going down yearly… so don’t anticipate the place to be crowd-free once you go!
There’s a number of totally different routes you’ll be able to take to climb Ben Nevis – extra about this later – and nearly all begin from the Ben Nevis Customer Centre in Glen Nevis.
Glen Nevis is a brief distance from the city of Fort William, which is the perfect place to base your self for the climb, and in addition makes an awesome entry level for wider exploration of the Western Highlands.
No query that sure instances of the 12 months are higher to make the ascent of Ben Nevis than others.
Certainly I can not impress on you adequate how a lot checking the climate and forecast is vital earlier than you begin your climb.
Issues can get very harmful out right here, in a short time, particularly if you’re ill-prepared or inexperienced, so all the time do correct analysis and make sure you come dressed and prepped for the duty.
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Ben Nevis Climate Situations
The important thing factor to think about when planning your Ben Nevis hike is the climate circumstances.
These have to be checked each 48 hours, 24 hours and on the day of your meant hike, even in the summertime.
You possibly can verify the most recent forecast on-line right here, at your lodging, or on the Ben Nevis Customer Centre.
Don’t try and hike in hostile circumstances – you’ll completely remorse it and, greater than that, it may be extremely harmful.
Individuals do lose their lives on Ben Nevis and Mountain Rescue are reporting an increasing number of circumstances of individuals trying this hike with out being ready for the climate and circumstances.
Don’t be considered one of them!
If you’re, your probabilities of survival could be significantly elevated by guaranteeing you could have notified your lodging of your plans for the day (in order that in the event you don’t return they know why), and by storing the cellphone quantity for Mountain Rescue in your cell.
I additionally recommend downloading and making use of the What3Words app, as this may give your exact coordinates in the event you do must contact the emergency providers for any motive.
When to Climb Ben Nevis?
To make it crystal clear, I might completely not advise mountaineering Ben Nevis throughout the winter months between November and March.
That’s as a result of, at the moment of 12 months, you actually threat encountering snow, freezing temperatures and worrying storms that make climbing this large very harmful.
Certainly lack of entry, lined trails, harmful snowstorms and an lack of ability to see, plus the excessive chance of getting misplaced, make climbing Ben Nevis throughout the winter months very harmful.
As such, I’d solely try this hike between the months of April and October.
Given how far north you might be right here within the UK, even throughout these instances of 12 months, the climate could be moist, windy, cloudy and overcast, to not point out chilly.
If you wish to punt for the perfect climate, June by August (aka summer season), are the perfect time to hike Ben Nevis.
I made the climb in August and was actually glad that I did as a result of, even at this heat time of 12 months, it was actually chilly up on the summit.
The one counter-argument for strolling up The Ben in summer season is {that a}) the crowds can be thickest and b) the midges!
Sure in the event you weren’t within the know, the midges within the Scottish countryside are an actual factor… and it’s not good!
Fortunately, we solely encountered midges throughout a small part of the ascent – they appeared to gather at a sure altitude and didn’t exist above or under that.
Weirdly, on the way in which down The Ben, the midges had disappeared, so it’s actually hit or miss / inconceivable to foretell. I suppose the wind, or lack thereof, has lots to do with it too.
No matter time of 12 months you intend to climb Ben Nevis, do be sure you are sufficiently match (I positively advise some coaching within the weeks prior in the event you’re not) and in addition be sure you obtain a map of the world that works offline.
Maps.me or AllTrails are my really helpful apps in the case of downable maps that can work and not using a wifi or information sign connection.
How you can Get to Ben Nevis?
So now that we’ve lined when to climb Nevis, it’s time to speak about get there.
As I discussed within the intro, the closest city to Ben Nevis is Fort William.
That is the place I like to recommend basing your self earlier than and after your hike, as there’s loads of lodging choices right here, together with facilities together with supermarkets, cafes, banks, pubs and outlets.
And, most essential, there’s a practice station right here, which additionally makes reaching Fort William simple in the event you’re travelling on public transport as my group have been.
However get to Fort William?
Effectively, the practice to this city arrives from Glasgow, so the very first thing you must do is get your self to this Scottish metropolis.
Glasgow is accessible simply through practice from across the UK (I all the time use Trainline to guide my UK rail tickets) and by air too, because of a home and worldwide airport.
In relation to reserving airplane tickets to Glasgow, I all the time use Skyscanner to search out the perfect costs.
And when you arrive in Glasgow, you’ll be able to then catch one of many 3 each day rail providers to Fort William.
Be taught extra in this text I wrote all about journey from Glasgow to Fort William.
In any other case, you can too rent a automotive in Glasgow and drive to Fort William (which takes roughly 3 hours).
Vehicles could be rented from Glasgow airport or town centre, discover an awesome deal right here.
In any other case, you can too fly to Oban and from there drive to Fort William – Oban is nearer than Glasgow, nevertheless it’s a a lot smaller, home airport.
The place to Keep?
I recommend arriving into Fort William the day earlier than you intend to climb Ben Nevis – this may mean you can settle into your lodging, get any provides you want after which get a superb night time’s sleep, permitting you an early begin within the morning – an excellent thought!
I’d additionally suggest staying the night time in Fort William instantly after your hike – it’s unlikely, after such a momentous climb, you’ll wish to go far afterwards, besides possibly to the pub!
However the place to remain in Fort William?
As a funds traveller, I stayed in Fort William Backpackers, which was an awesome selection and comes extremely really helpful for solo travellers, in addition to teams.
With a visitor kitchen, comfortable dorms, a stunning lounge space with a roaring hearth and a cute backyard with beautiful views, this transformed interval home is the proper place to mattress down on a shoestring.
If you happen to’re searching for one thing a bit of extra personal nonetheless, then there’s an enormous vary of guesthouses and lodges in Fort William (in addition to campsites).
Take a look at my record of the ten spots to remain right here for extra high picks.
Ben Nevis Customer Centre
When you’ve reached Fort William and spent the night time, it’s time to rise up early to start your hike.
One of the best place to move for early is the Ben Nevis Customer Centre, which lies roughly 3km from the centre of Fort William.
It’s value noting that this centre was once referred to as the Glen Nevis Customer Centre, however modified its title in 2015 to the Ben Nevis Customer Centre.
Don’t get confused, they’re now the identical place!
The postcode to your sat nav is PH33 6PF.
To get right here from Fort William, you’ll be able to both take a taxi, stroll, drive or get the summer season bus which operates 5 instances a day and prices £3. The journey takes 25 minutes.
As soon as on the customer centre, you’ll discover parking for 80 automobiles (though you’ll have to be early to seize a spot), together with bathroom amenities, a small present store and many details about mountaineering routes and the forecast, in addition to Ben Nevis itself.
Parking must be paid for.
This operates on a pay and show foundation and particulars are given in each the automotive park and customer centre.
Parking could be paid for utilizing contactless card, however generally this isn’t working, so deliver money too simply in case.
If you happen to haven’t completed so already, now can be the time to obtain a map of the world, and the path you want to take, onto your cellphone – this can be the final sign you get!
Ben Nevis Routes
When you arrive on the Ben Nevis Customer Centre, it’s time to decide on your Ben Nevis route… in the event you haven’t already.
The route you’ll take requires cautious consideration, so please bear not solely your health and expertise in thoughts, but additionally the climate.
Situations can change shortly up within the highlands, particularly close to the summit, and might simply develop into treacherous.
Seek the advice of your lodging for an area forecast the day earlier than and verify the Customer Centre on arrival too for the most recent updates.
There are 2 essential routes I recommend you select from if you wish to climb Ben Nevis, right here’s the main points…
The Mountain Path
That is the best and hottest path to the summit.
It leaves the customer centre through a well-marked path that’s simple to observe in good climate circumstances.
Although there’s no signage, if visibility is nice, you received’t want a map for this man, simply observe the one path and the crowds!
The ascent takes round 4 hours on the way in which up and three on the way in which down in case you have an affordable stage of health.
The terrain is mostly simple and good, though turns into a bit unfastened close to the summit.
You’ll nonetheless must put on good mountaineering footwear although – I actually recommend boots like these for the job.
The primary factor you want to concentrate on on the Mountain Path, is the junction after the darkish water lochan. Right here you must fork proper.
It’s value checking in with the climate at this level – it’s solely more likely to worsen as you ascend from right here, so do guarantee circumstances are secure.
If they’re good, and you are feeling snug and assured, you ought to be okay to proceed – issues get more durable from right here too i.e. steeper, so be ready.
In relation to the return journey, you’ll observe the precise path again down, which truly takes a good period of time as a result of it’s so steep partly – enable not less than 3 hours.
You’ll return to the Glen Nevis Inn (not removed from the Customer Centre) – the proper place for a celebratory pint!
General, regardless of being the so-called “vacationer path”, the Mountain Path nonetheless makes for an awesome hike and a number of the views you’ll get on a transparent day are spectacular.
The North Face Path
First phrase of warning, this path is for skilled hikers solely. There’s some scrabbling concerned and it’s an extended hike that took some in our group as much as 10 hours to finish.
It’s exhilarating, however not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, so don’t let your ego get the higher of you, this path is not any joke.
If you’re geared up for the problem nonetheless, then initially you’ll observe the identical path because the Mountain Path from the Ben Nevis Customer Centre, forking left after the small lake.
Don’t try this path in snow or ice, as there may be some scrabbling concerned and it’s doubtless you’ll slip and fall.
Basically, the trail is evident for many of this path and also you’ll encounter combined terrain and a few beautiful views.
The path does get unclear as you head in direction of the summit nonetheless, so do guarantee you could have a downloaded map (sources talked about earlier) that can provide help to keep away from getting misplaced.
You’ll attain the summit of Ben Nevis from the opposite path that these taking the Mountain path will (and it’ll additionally take you numerous longer to get there – assume 6-8 hours, relying on stops, so don’t anticipate to satisfy mates taking the opposite path on the high!)
You’ll then return to the Customer Centre through the Mountain Path – one other 3 hours.
Ben Nevis Summit
Sorry to disappoint, however in the event you’re anticipating a grand fanfare once you’ll lastly hike to the highest of Ben Nevis, chances are you’ll be barely disenchanted!
After fairly the climb, you’ll ultimately attain the summit plateau (there’s no peak right here per say) and should, or might not, be greeted by a view relying in your luck!
I used to be out of luck as a result of, regardless that it was a shocking day and views had been nice the entire ascent, the summit was shrouded in cloud and I couldn’t see a factor!
Such is life at 1435m and one other reminder that circumstances can change shortly up right here.
The clouds additionally meant it was fairly chilly up on the summit (okay, so it’s all the time chilly up right here) and it’s doubtless you’ll must chuck on just a few additional layers as quickly as you get to the highest and cease mountaineering.
On the Ben Nevis summit you’ll discover a stone monument, which signifies your achievement and is the prime selfie spot!, in addition to a bit of stone hut, which was once an observatory.
Nothing to see in there now, however folks prefer to stroll the steps up and take a peek in anyway!
In any other case, immerse your self with the opposite picnic-ers and photographers up right here and take all of it in – you’re on the roof of the UK!
If it’s clear and also you’re not late within the day, hanging round on the Ben Nevis summit, to essentially soak all of it in, is certainly value your time.
Simply control the climate, the daytime and the return journey period.
Gear You’ll Want
And with all of the climate circumstances, customer centre, entry and route data out of the way in which, the very last thing that continues to be for me to speak about is the gear you’ll must climb Ben Nevis.
Just like the climate, this shouldn’t be underestimated.
Right here’s my record in the event you’re planning to hike as much as the summit…
Climbing Boots or Footwear
Some individuals are proud of good mountaineering footwear, however personally I used to be glad of the ankle help my boots gave me.
I really like my North Face Hedgehogs and def price them as a number of the high mountaineering boots round.
Get your palms on a pair right here.
Backpack
You need a backpack massive sufficient to hold your water, snacks, digicam, cellphone, paper maps and additional layers, however I additionally recommend preserving it light-weight to make mountaineering Ben Nevis simpler.
I really like my Marmot Kompressor, which was the perfect for the job.
Activewear
I climbed Ben Nevis throughout the summer season, when it was actually heat at floor stage, so lively leggings, mountaineering socks, a singlet, a skinny long-sleeved high and a skinny windproof jacket was completely enough for my method up.
As soon as on the summit, I placed on a merino layer, a thick fleece and a hat I had introduced with me.
Word, I used to be nonetheless chilly!
A packable down jacket would subsequently even be a good suggestion for my part.
If you happen to’re mountaineering within the cooler months, then you’ll completely want some first rate heat gear, together with merino base layers and a thick waterproof jacket.
In the summertime, don’t overlook a hat to maintain the solar off your face and a buff.
Different Bits
Snacks, enough water, digicam, cellphone, bug spray, sun shades and sunscreen. may even be wanted to your climb.
Don’t skimp on any of this stuff.
Journey Insurance coverage for Scotland
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And there you could have it, all you must find out about climbing Ben Nevis.
An absolute UK bucket record should, I can’t suggest tackling this hike sufficient, however please do your analysis and preparation accordingly.
Security can’t be underestimated and also you wish to be sure that that is an incredible journey to recollect… belief me!
Have you ever hiked Ben Nevis?
Have any recommendation so as to add to the above that might assist a fellow traveller out?
Then please add into the feedback part under….
I’d love to listen to from you!