Over 130,000 people climb to the summit of Ben Nevis each year. It's a challenging but rewarding experience and anyone wishing to make the trip should be well prepared for changeable weather conditions.
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This mountain has its own living breathing environment, which should never be taken for granted. Since 1849 there have been over 100 fatalities that have been recorded. The number of fatalities could be higher than those that are known, as there may be lone climbers that were never reported as lost on the mountain.
The first thing to know is that there are two routes up and down Ben Nevis – the Mountain Track (or Tourist Track) and the Carn Mor Dearg Arête which is typically tackled by more experienced climbers. The Mountain Track is doable as a beginner if you have generally good fitness and go prepared for the conditions.
You need to be relatively fit to hike Ben Nevis. One way to illustrate the challenge involved would be to compare it to climbing stairs. Climbing Ben Nevis is the equivalent of climbing about 6,725 steps, or nearly 700 flights of stairs.
How many people attempt to climb Ben Nevis every year? Every year, over 150,000 people from all over the world, make their attempt to climb to the top and summit this majestic mountain. With the summit being 1,345m above sea level, it's a climb that will test your abilities, strength and endurance.
Toilet issuesPlease be discreet with your need to go to the toilet. If at all possible try not leaving excreta on the mountain. There are public toilets at the Glen Nevis visitor centre.
An average time to the summit and back is 7 – 8 hours. Walkers fit enough to try to climb The Three Peaks in 24 hours need to take 5 hours or less. The winner of The Ben Race each September gets to the summit and back in around 90 minutes.
Ben Nevis is purportedly the hardest mountain (and highest peak) of the Three Peaks Challenge. That's why people tend to do it first if they're taking the 24 hour challenge.
We offer Private Ben Nevis Guided Walks via the Ben Nevis Mountain path with prices starting at £33 per person. Or for people traveling on their own, we also offer Ben Nevis Guided Open Group Walks for £100 per person.
Don't forget, this is the highest point of the entire British Isles. You'll need good cardio fitness to keep walking uphill for 6+ hours, and strong legs, core, and upper body to carry your stuff.
The Gondola transports visitors from 100m to 650m up the mountain and takes approximately 15 minutes each way. The Doppelmayr Gondola system comprises of 80 six seat closed cabins running on a continuous 4.6km steel cable weighing 40 tonnes.
Ben Nevis sits with in the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic area, with Ben Nevis and large parts of Glen Nevis being also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The summit of Ben Neivs is owned by The John Muir Trust, with the North Face and lower slopes owned by Jahama Highland Estates.
Experience this 9.9-mile out-and-back trail near Fort William, Highlands. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
There are no toilets on the mountain, the only access you have to toilets is at the Ben Nevis Visitors center. The opening hours of these change during the year so it is worth checking with them if you have any questions.