Ben Nevis

Overview

Overview

Rising 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level, Ben Nevis is Scotland’s tallest mountain and a premiere destination for climbers. Once a massive volcano that exploded and collapsed inward, the summit is frequently shrouded in mist. In Gaelic, it is called the “mountain with its head in the clouds” and also “venomous mountain.”

The Basics
The hike to the summit of Ben Nevis can take up to nine hours round-trip, so it is only recommended for physically-fit hikers. If you’re interested in climbing Britain’s highest mountain, but don’t want to go it alone, join a guided hike from Fort William. 

There are also many ways to experience Ben Nevis without having to climb it: You can enjoy views of the mountain from Loch Eil or the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, or take a scenic gondola ride at the Nevis Range Mountain Resort. You can see the mountain on day trips to the Highlands from Edinburgh or Glasgow, or you can choose a multi-day trip that stops at Ben Nevis, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and other sights. 

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Make sure to pack proper hiking boots if you plan to hike Ben Nevis; the rocky path can be slippery.
  • Pack a hat and sunscreen as well as extra layers, gloves, and raingear. Weather can change quickly in the Highlands, and you’re likely to be exposed to both sun and rain.
  • The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is wheelchair accessible and offers panoramic views of Ben Nevis and the Great Glen. 

How to Get There
Ben Nevis is located in the Grampian Mountains in the Highlands of Scotland, near the city of Fort Williams. Most visitors start the climb up Ben Nevis from the trailhead at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. To get there, head west out of Fort William on Belford Road and continue straight on C1162; you’ll arrive at the visitors center in 2 miles (3.2 kilometers).

When to Get There
The vast majority of climbers attempt Ben Nevis during the summer months, but even then you’ll want to be prepared for cold, wet, windy, and even snowy conditions. Ben Nevis is also a popular winter climbing spot for experienced mountaineers. 

Scotland’s Munro Bagging
“Munro bagging” is a popular hobby in Scotland. A Munro is a mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) tall, and once you’ve reached the summit of any individual mountain, you’ve bagged a Munro. Once you’ve bagged all 282, you’re considered a Munroist. The list of mountains over 3,000 feet tall was first compiled by Sir Hugh Munro, in 1891, but he himself never actually reached all of the summits.

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Fort William, The Scottish Highlands

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Places of Natural Beauty

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Mountains

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