Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis at 1,345 metres is the highest mountain in the British Isles and one of the most climbed mountains in the world.

The principal ascent route is the Mountain Track, beginning at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre approximately two miles east of Fort William town centre. The path is well-signed from the car park and climbs steadily alongside the Red Burn for the first two miles before zig-zagging up the broad southern shoulder.

At around 700 metres the gradient eases briefly at the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, known as the Halfway Lochan, a popular rest stop. Above here the path becomes rockier, ascending broad zig-zags over increasingly rough terrain to reach the summit plateau. The final approach crosses boulder fields to reach the trig point, the ruins of the Victorian weather observatory, and a war memorial shelter. The return is by the same route.

The full round trip is approximately 17 kilometres with 1,350 metres of ascent and takes most fit walkers between five and eight hours.

Navigation on the summit plateau is genuinely dangerous in poor visibility — the massive cliffs of the north face are invisible in cloud and several walkers die here each year by walking off the edge in whiteout conditions. A map and compass and the ability to navigate are essential at all times. Full waterproofs and warm layers are required year-round regardless of conditions in the glen below. The summit is in cloud for approximately 355 days per year.

Parking at the Visitor Centre is paid and limited; arriving early is essential in summer.