The Ben Nevis Tourist Path often called the Mountain Track is the only path which should be attempted by the novice walker. It is strongly advised that you return by the same route and that you take a map and compass with you. How to get to Ben Nevis. More detailed information about traveling to Ben Nevis by car or public transport can be found on here. From the Beginning Before you start your walk up Ben Nevis, make sure you are properly prepared. The most important item is proper footwear.
Trainers are not suitable footwear for this path as it can become very slippery when wet. The temperature at the summit is just below freezing on average, so make sure you take warm clothing with you. Tip: Take a camera with you and start snapping those breathtaking views as you go up! The weather will probably change as you climb, and you'll be able to take some beautiful shots as the clouds move over the mountains.
You may find that the cloud cover has come down by the time you reach the top, and you can't see anything! Achintee To get to the start of the walk follow the signs for Achintee, Claggan Industrial Estate, and then take the turn to Achintee where the Tourist Path starts. Your starting point is about 20 metres above sea level, so you'll be ascending 1, metres.
The Ben Nevis walk lets you know what you are in for from the beginning. After crossing the bridge over the River Nevis, you will start to climb steeply using the steps conveniently provided. After the initial steepness, the path does even out to a more moderate slog. The path is very well trodden, and apart from in very poor weather hard to miss. You will also find yourself amongst other walkers - this is not a walk if you like to be completely alone!
Rising Higher The path winds up the mountain, presenting you with different views and photo opportunities. It is fascinating to stop and look around you, gradually seeing the hills opposite you, and then starting to rise above them, until eventually you are higher than anything else.
You'll be climbing steeply to the saddle by Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe at around metres. This is the Halfway Lake. Apart from your human companions, you will pass sheep and more sheep on your way - when your legs are aching they will seem to mock you with their effortless agility on these rocky slopes. As you take your rest breaks, you can look up to the Ben and see the path zigzagging above you. Once at the end of the switchbacks, you will think you are nearly at the summit - your legs will be telling you that you cannot go much further, the terrain changes from pleasant green to the grey of rocks.
Rising higher and above the neighbouring hills - note the clearly marked path laid out below and the ever present sheep! The return is made by the same route. In misty conditions and with snow covering the path, very careful navigation can be required to steer a course between Gardyloo Gully and Five Finger Gully. Follow a bearing of degrees for metres, and then a bearing of degrees, to pass the most dangerous section.
Once down - a celebration will be in order. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Please let us know by clicking here. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk.
Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass. Terrain Steep path throughout. Public Transport Bus service between May and September. Start Glen Nevis visitor centre car park.
Hillwalking in Winter Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Users' reports As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others. Grade key. Bog Factor key. Open in Streetview. Walk Description Stage 1 If you are not an experienced hillwalker, be sure to read all the signs at the visitor centre for precautions and equipment needed for the ascent.
Stage 2 Cross a stile at the top of this and go ahead across a track to meet the original path which started at the Ben Nevis Inn on the left; turn right up the rising path. Stage 3 The path crosses a couple of footbridges over small streams and curves round, climbing above the valley of the Red Burn.
Stage 4 As the path begins to climb once more, a junction is reached. Stage 5 Much higher up, the path passes above the steep screes which fall to the right into the head of Five Finger Gully. 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.
As the climb is also 5. Total beginner? Check out my guide to hillwalking in Scotland. Do not attempt the much more difficult CMD Arete without the experience of ridge walking. 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. There are a series of large summit cairns to follow in bad weather.
Cheers from Texas! Thanks for the wonderful article. I cannot wait to attempt the Ben and your journey and tips have been most helpful! Your pictures are stunning! Great advice and tips. Any advice on how the two compare? I know Ben Nevis is higher though. 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.
Climbing Ben Nevis is my dream thing to do and I really hope to cross it off my bucket list soon. How long did you train before the actual climb? 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!
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