The Complete Guide To Climbing Ben Nevis: Route, Tips, & Essentials

Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, is a bucket list moment for many travellers.

A popular hike amongst outdoor enthusiasts and novice walkers alike, the Ben Nevis climb is a challenge for anyone who takes on the mountain path. Fuelled by a boom in adventure travel, the number of people tackling Ben Nevis has grown in the last few years, and, like other nearby iconic mountains, it’s become an in-demand destination in its own right.

A big reason for this is undoubtedly the clear track from car park to summit, meaning it’s a surprisingly easy route to follow and you can enjoy the utterly stunning views with very little navigational effort.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy hike.

Planning a trip to Ben Nevis?

These are the best stays near Ben Nevis, each an easy walk to the trail start point:

Brevins Guest House: highly rated and cosy small stay in Glen Nevis.
Ben Nevis Guest House: popular and traditional small stay in Glen Nevis.
Nevis Bank Inn: small hotel with brilliant restaurant and cosy rooms, just outside Glen Nevis.
Achintee Cottages: highly rated cottage perfect for groups (sleeps 4) in Glen Nevis.
Glen Nevis Campsite: the closest campsite to Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis is a tough and challenging climb - one that requires a pretty decent level of fitness, good clothing, study footwear, and, frankly, grit.

Plus, not all days on Ben Nevis are created equal. And a positive mental attitude to often required, especially to handle the unpredictable Scottish weather, like driving rain, mist, and wind that whip up seemingly out of nowhere.

I’ve climbed Ben Nevis twice, in both spring and late autumn, and loved both hikes (though for different reasons). It’s easily one of my favourite Scottish mountains and if you make to the summit, very much worth the effort and sore legs!

In this post, I’m sharing all the key tips + information on climbing Ben Nevis, where to park, facilities, useful things to bring, and what to wear.

This is how to climb Ben Nevis.

Climbing Ben Nevis | The Essentials

Where is Ben Nevis?

Ben Nevis is located in Fort William, a small town in the Scottish Highlands. Walking Ben Nevis is one of the most popular things to do here and travellers visit from around the world just to hike Ben Nevis.

It’s also the end point of the equally demanding West Highland Way, plus a popular base for visiting nearby iconic Scottish attractions like wonderful Glenfinnan Viaduct and this magical island.

Why is Ben Nevis so popular?

On a sunny day, hiking Ben Nevis is a beauty; sea lochs, layers of mountains as far as the eye can see, rivers and waterfalls make for a classic Highland day out.

However, as beautiful as the scenery may be, the real urge to reach the summit lies firmly in the experience. Ben Nevis is not only Scotland’s highest mountain, but the highest in the UK. Reaching the summit is a test of resilience, a challenge, and ultimate bragging rights.

Arriving at the summit cairn, even in the rain and clouds, feels frankly incredible - a rightfully proud moment at an iconic summit and an all-round amazing experience.

How High Is Ben Nevis?

First up, how high is Ben Nevis and how much uphill are you looking at.

Well, the summit of Ben Nevis is 1345m (that’s 4,413ft for our US readers) making it the highest mountain in Britain. It’s also a Munro, perhaps the most popular of the 282 peaks.

What’s equally important is the Ben Nevis starting point - which at only 20m above sea-level means you’re in for a steep, unrelenting, uphill climb to the summit.

Be warned, it’s a leg burner!

How long does it take to Hike Ben Nevis?

Be prepared for your Ben Nevis hike to take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours.

That’s a big range, I know. But how long you’re on the mountain really depends on your: fitness, the weather, how busy the path is, how often you stop for photos, lunch, etc.

From experience, I’d say that personal fitness is the biggest factor in how long you’ll take to complete the hike. For me, I can get to the summit of Nevis and back down again in around 5 hours, but that’s because I live in the area and keep fit in the surrounding hills (more on that below).

If you’re not a gym-goer or keen walker, expect your Ben Nevis hike to take closer to 8 hours.

Do I need for a map for Ben Nevis?

Whilst there’s an obvious trail for pretty much all of the mountain, nonetheless it makes sense to take a map for your Ben Nevis walk. If it’s cloudy (which is often) visibility can quickly become poor and you might find it tricky to find your way off the summit. There’s a dangerous section around this area and a map will keep you on the proper trail.

Either carry a paper map and compass. Or, like me, download the this route onto your (fully charged) phone.

How difficult is the Ben Nevis Climb?

How difficult you find Ben Nevis is going to be wholly subjective. It depends on your hiking experience, your fitness, and the weather conditions.

You don’t need to be a vastly experienced hiker to climb Ben Nevis. And in terms of the route, the vast majority is easy to follow on a clear trail.

However, it is a steep and unrelenting mountain that will test both your legs and perseverance. Plus, underfoot is surprisingly tough, with rocky sections and boulders to contend with, and a few jaggy sections that require careful extremely foot placement.

Experienced hikers, especially Munro baggers, likely won’t find Ben Nevis overly difficult - though shouldn’t underestimate the gradient. However, novice walkers may struggle with a variety of factors on Ben Nevis, like the distance, steepness, and rocky terrain.

How fit do you need to be for Ben Nevis?

Whilst it isn’t the most difficult mountain, it is Britain’s highest, and that means it’s physically demanding.

So, I’d strongly recommend getting your fitness up before tackling Ben Nevis. Start with smaller hills, try some easy Munros, add incline to the treadmill, or simply make a point of walking more with a rucksack in the lead up to your hike.

It’s also important to prepare yourself mentally for Ben Nevis.

If you haven’t spent much time hiking, then walking uphill for 3+ hours (and the same back) is going to be a shock! I saw lots of people struggling and I think, honestly, it was lack of preparation. So spend time planning in advance, and I guarantee, you’ll have a far better experience on the day.

When is the best time of year to climb Ben Nevis?

The best time to climb Ben Nevis is generally from late April to late October.

Essentially, you want to avoid the winter months, or any months there’s snow on the summit (unless you have the skills and experience for winter hikes).

My favourite times of year for Ben Nevis are May, June, and early October, when the weather is at its mildest, driest, there’s enough daylight, and the crowds are at their quietest.

However, there’s nothing better than a summer’s day on Ben Nevis when the sun is shining, even with the crowds!

Do you need a guide to climb Ben Nevis?

In a word, no.

However, if you’re new to hiking in Scotland, worried about the weather, worried about the route, need help with outdoor confidence, or would like someone to take you wild camping, then book yourself a mountain guide. It’s their job to plan the day, deal with the weather, give you a kit list, and generally take away the stress of such a big day outdoors.

I’m currently researching the best guides in the area (coming soon).

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Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Start Point, & Amenities

The vast majority of walkers will start their Ben Nevis climb from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre.

Situated in the Great Glen, it’s around a 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk from the centre of town.

At the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre you’ll find parking (£8 per day), toilets, a small shop with drinks and snacks, helpful & friendly staff, and outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends before tackling the mountain, though it can get busy.

The centre, and toilets, are open from 8am till 4pm, daily between mid-April and October (check the opening times here). Note this is the last place to use the loo; there’re no facilities on Ben Nevis itself.

After your hike, head to this wonderful inn at the end of the trail for a much deserved beer and bite to eat!

The Ben Nevis Route

I’ve outlined the main route on Ben Nevis, taking the trail known as the Mountain Path. Though there are other ways to the summit, the Mountain Path is the one you’re most likely to take.

For directions, I recommend downloading this route onto your phone - you’ll know exactly where you are, how high, and how much further to go. Plus, it’ll help you with the aforementioned tricky summit section.

Start: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre

First section: cross the bridge, take a left, and follow the path to the Ben Nevis signpost. This is the starting point proper. From here, follow the clear but rocky trail as it winds its way uphill, passing a waterfall and stunning views.

Halfway lochan: around the half way point you’ll arrive at a small, flat area and a little lake - this is called the Halfway Lochan. This is the perfect spot to stop and take a breath, have some food, and soak in the landscape.

Second section: the final section is a steep push to the summit, following a rocky trail as it zig-zags uphill. This section can be difficult to navigate in bad weather, so it flanked by cairns to help you find your way.

Summit: the summit of Ben Nevis is surprisingly large, extremely rocky, and often busy. There’re the remains of old buildings, a large cairn, and the iconic prayer flags. Be sure to spend time taking photos on the summit; you’ll want to remember this hike!

Return: to return, simply retrace your steps. If the weather is bad then take extra care when leaving the summit. The route back through the cairns can be tricky - and potentially treacherous - if visibility is poor, which is a lot of days. For this reason, I strongly advise you have the route saved on your phone (or carry a map). Otherwise, the rest of the route is a reasonably straight-forward hike downhill.

Ben Nevis Weather

The weather on Ben Nevis is often unpredictable and with only 14 days of clear summits, there’s a high chance of rain and cloud.

I’ve been extremely lucky and climbed Ben Nevis on a clear, sunny day and the views were breathtaking. But I’ve also been up in the cold and wind and that type of weather makes for a tough day.

The biggest challenge with the weather on Ben Nevis is that the conditions vary massively from the car park to the summit. It can be lovely and sunny at the start, then freezing half way, then raining on the top.

That means having warm layers and waterproofs in your rucksack, that you can easily pull on & off as required.

Check the Ben Nevis weather here.
Read a more detailed report of conditions on the mountain here.

What to wear & pack For Ben Nevis

You don’t need any special equipment to hike Ben Nevis, but some outdoor gear will make your day easier and far more enjoyable.

Firstly, the path is incredibly rocky, and trainers are not a good idea. You’ll want hiking boots, trail shoes, or walking shoes. Also essential on any Scottish mountain are a good set of waterproofs.

And whilst walking poles aren’t for everyone but honestly they saved my knees and ankles on Nevis!

Finally, layer up depending on the time of year. I prefer to wear a merino wool base, fleece, and carry (or wear) an insulated jacket.

For women climbing Ben Nevis, I recommend:

Rucksack: either 26L Osprey rucksack
Footwear: sturdy Scarpa Terra boots or comfy Merrell Moabs.
Waterproofs: this waterproof jacket is always reliable.
Poles: I highly recommend these Black Diamond poles.
Jacket: either this Patagonia jacket or this Montane jacket ((spring to early autumn) or this Rab jacket (for really cold days).

Ben Nevis Camping

There are two options for camping around Ben Nevis: wild camping on Ben Nevis itself. And the campsite at the foot of Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis campsite

There’s are a ton of great campsites in the area but the best Ben Nevis campsite is absolutely this site in the glen.

This is the closest campsite to the mountain - it’s only a 5-minute walk from the site to the Ben Nevis start point at the visitor centre. It takes tents, car campers, caravans, and campervans, there’s a bar and restaurant onsite, plus great facilities.

I’ve stayed here heaps of times and it’s perfect for hiking, visiting Glen Nevis, and walking into the town centre.

Wild camping on Ben Nevis

If you’re looking to wild camp, the best spot is undoubtedly Halfway Lochan (here on Google Maps).

Here you’ll find a large, reasonably flat, grassy area and plenty of areas to pitch your tent away from the path. Sunset is especially beautiful from this lochan and it’s a gorgeous place to spend the night. It is quite exposed though so be prepared for the wind and pack extra tent pegs etc.

Remember, wild camping is legal in Scotland but you should follow the outdoor code.

Parking for Ben Nevis

Parking for Ben Nevis tends to be at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. You can park as early as you like and a full day costs £8.

However, a word of warning: though there are heaps of parking spaces at the centre, it’s frequently completely packed at weekends and during the summer months. My advice is to arrive early (around 7am) to guarantee a space.

You’ll also find parking in this private car park (£5), just across the road.

Alternatively, there’s also a small amount of free parking in lay-bys along the Glen Nevis road; please park responsibly if using these.

Ben Nevis bus

Alternatively, take the bus to the Ben Nevis start point and avoid the parking chaos.

The bus only takes 10-minutes, and you can find the timetable here.

The reasonably frequent local service (the N41) leaves from the centre of town and stops at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (not the visitor centre).

Either walk back to the visitor centre to start your hike (this only takes around 5-minutes.) Or, from the Youth Hostel, cross the road, cross the footbridge, and follow the signs for Ben Nevis - you’ll eventually reach the same mountain trail, just slightly higher up the path. This is actually a slightly quicker route and skips the frequent crowds leaving from the car park.

How to climb Ben Nevis: Wrap Up

I hope you find this guide on climbing Ben Nevis helpful - it’s an incredible experience and one of the best things to do in Fort William!

After your Ben Nevis hike you’re going to be looking for a celebratory meal & some well deserved drinks. Read my Fort William Pub Guide and Fort William Restaurant Guide for the best spots.

The Complete Guide To Climbing Ben Nevis (In 2024): Route, Tips, & Essentials

Planning a trip to Ben Nevis?