Ben Nevis walking itinerary

Distance:
4400 feet (1300m)
Airports: 
Glasgow

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

The path is easy to follow although there are some steep parts and the climb goes from sea level to over 4400 feet / 1300m. You should be sensibly equipped with walking boots, maps, compasses and warm clothing. Visibility can be poor, and it can be cold on the summit, even in summer. The local rescue team and others produce an excellent "Ben Nevis - Essential Information" leaflet which is recommended.

Ben Nevis Mountain Track

There are many ways of scaling Ben Nevis, but the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Track) is the fastest and safest for most walkers. It takes 3-5 hours to ascend Ben Nevis depending on your walking experience, and 2-3 hours to descend.

Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

Your walk up to the summit of Ben Nevis starts here, at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. Here, you can get information about your walk, and buy essentials such as maps and snacks. You can also learn about other walks around the area, or enjoy a picnic on the riverside.

The Summit

The summit of Ben Nevis is very flat and could almost fit 2 football pitches on. When you reach the top, you'll find a large cairn and trig point marking the highest point. There's also an old meteorological observatory at the summit, which is now in ruins. The summit is usually covered in snow, even in the summer months. Descending from Ben Nevis can be extremely dangerous, so follow the safety advice given by guidebooks and the local rescue team.