Is Ben Nevis walkable?

Once called the 'Tourist Path', the main route up Ben Nevis may be extremely popular but it's no walk in the park. It involves 1,352m of climbing over 10.5 miles of steep, rough, rocky terrain, probably taking seven or eight hours. It's only for the fit and well-prepared.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The ordinary route up Ben Nevis, the 'Mountain Path' (also known as the 'Pony Track' and, misleadingly, the 'Tourist Path') is a technically easy path as these things go. Someone with a reasonable level of walking fitness should be able to ascend in 4-5 hours and descend in a further 2-3 hours.

MORE DETAILS

How fit do you have to be to do Ben Nevis? Ben Nevis might not be Everest, but it's no joke. 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Can a 60 year old climb Ben Nevis? Take your time and he'll do ok. Go up the tourist path with him. There's room for two abreast on the lower section where someone could stay on his outside.

MORE DETAILS

The classic ridges of Ben Nevis are Castle ridge, Tower ridge, North East Buttress and Observatory Ridge. Although all of these routes are classed as rock climbing, there is a large proportion of the ground which is considered scrambling and only a very short section of climbing.

MORE DETAILS

The gondola is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with a wheelchair ramp to allow chairs up to 60cm wide onto the Gondola. Facilities and Services: Nevis Range has a range of facilities and services that are designed to be accessible to visitors with disabilities.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The dramatic effect of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, is emphasised by the fact that it begins its rise from sea-level on the shores of Loch Linnhe, to tower 4,406ft (1,344m) above the town of Fort William, providing an almost paternal presence.

MORE DETAILS