Ben Nevis

The Ben is not only Britain’s highest mountain but also one of its most spectacular. Whether it’s your first time on a mountain or your thousandth, hikes to Ben Nevis’ summit are unforgettable adventures. This king of Britain’s high places is the objective of both the beginner and the seasoned mountaineer.

A huge mountain boasting some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery

Ben Nevis is a huge and complex mass, spread out across almost 16 square miles (25 km2) of the West Highlands. 

It has something of a Jekyll and Hyde nature. From many vantages, it appears as a monumental, rounded dome that rises to a flat summit plateau. But if you inspect the contour lines that little bit closer, you’ll see that its north and western flanks are a jumble of savagely descending crags, cliffs, gullies and buttresses. This is the north face of the Ben, undoubtedly its finest feature and the arena of world class climbs and daring scrambles.

The principle walking routes to Ben Nevis either ascend the zigzags of the old pony track up its gentle (but gigantic) eastern shoulder or take on the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête, a straightforward but thrilling grade one scramble. The former is suitable for mountain-going children, whilst the latter rewards your efforts with magnificent views of the savage north face. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a long day.

The summit is home to an abandoned weather observatory, multiple cairns, windbreaks and a sensational panorama. Below your stance, the Scottish Highlands stretch away in every direction. The Isles of Mull, Rum and Skye draw the eye to west, whilst the Cairngorms rise in the east as Ben’s only true rivals in terms of height. Astonishing.

Fort William is the nearest town and has a plethora of amenities, whilst Glen Nevis boasts campsites, guest houses and a youth hostel right at the starting point of most walking routes. To the west, the north face car park allows quicker access to the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête.

Winter conditions cling to the Ben for much of the year and make it probably the most insidiously brutal place in the UK. Only experienced mountaineers with solid navigational skills should attempt the peak during these times.