Ben Nevis
About
Fondly called "Ben" by the locals, Britain's highest mountain towers 4,406 feet above the town of Fort William.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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  • Andy t
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom57 contributions
    Great family achievement in climbing the BEN!
    After studying various forecasts for several days we decided to go for Monday 24th August to make our attempt on the summit of the UK's largest mountain. Staying down in Glen Coe we got up at 6am to get ready and drove up to Glen Nevis. After a 30 minute journey we managed to park on the main road just past the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, well worth getting up early to get parked there considering how busy the main car park is at the Tourist Information centre! We crossed the river Nevis footbridge & proceeded to walk on the flat for a few hundred yards before the the path started to climb quite steeply up the side of the valley via several zig zags to join the main tourist path which comes up from the Visitor centre. At this point we joined the masses who were making the early morning pilgrimage up the Ben. Everyone at this point were heading up a good but steep path towards the half way point of a waterfall above a small Lochan. There are several zig zags which offered really good views as we climbed higher due to the clear weather conditions. The one issue that effected all 4 of us on way up apart the the steep climb was the dreaded Midge! At every stopping point there was loads of the pesky things about. After a couple of hours we got to the waterfall, had a quick snack & prepared to reach the summit plateau via 4 very long steep zig zags! As we continued to climb the distance views got better & better as the early morning mist started to clear nearer the top. We finally reached the start of the stony summit plateau and despite you thinking you have made the top it actually involves several hundred metres of climbing to reach the end goal of the Ben. Finally after 4 hours of climbing we reached the summit and waited several minutes for the family photo on top of the cairn. We were so lucky with the weather on the top. The mist had gone & you could see for miles including part of the Outer Hebrides.It was cool and we needed another layer or two but hardly any breeze. After a 50 minute break it was time to join the masses heading down trying to keep a social distance with the masses still coming up. It took around three & half hours to get down and everyone was delighted to reach the car. We took the opportunity to stick our feet in the river to cool down which was great. After getting changed we headed for a thoroughly deserved burger and pint at the Glen Nevis Restaurant. The Ben is not a difficult climb technically but it is a long hard slog that will give you sore knees for a few days after but well worth it when you get the views we had!
    Visited August 2020
    Written September 10, 2020
  • Jools1979
    Scunthorpe, United Kingdom1,427 contributions
    Don't assume tourist route means easy
    A lot of reviews paint the tourist route as a nice stroll rather than differentiating the fact that being the easiest route to the top doesn't make it easy! People often warn of the dropping temps at the top but what you don't often hear about is it being red hot all the way to the top! When we booked this trip we never envisaged it being a heatwave and yep it was about 28.c when we went up Ben Nevis. The first half of the mountain didn't seem too bad going up, a rocky staircase but not too treacherous. Eventually the mountain turns into rocky, shale covered serpentines. So getting trickier at this point but OK. As we got higher and higher the heat just didn't drop, it got a little fresher higher up in terms of humidity but still very hot. The coats were never needed! We ran out of water because it was so hot, and on tired legs the way down was slow and slippy, I totally see why people say its far more painful and difficult getting down than up. Especially when you are 5 ft 2 and the crags and steps seem far wider and taller. We were very fortunate to get beautiful clear scenery but the heat was tough! Took us near 8 hours in all because we were nearly on our knees trying to get down as the heat didn't relent and there's next to no shade. Nobody should be cavalier about this mountain, there was a lot of people heading up with small kids treating it as a day out - it's the highest mountain in the UK! If your kid gets tired can you safely carry them down without falling yourself? Then there's those taking dogs up, some poor dogs look too senior and uncomfortable being dragged up and there's dogs wandering and peering over steep drops. There's those that head up with no equipment at all especially when we were almost back at the bottom and young guys were heading up in shorts and vest with no gear and other hikers were stopping them in awe to ask if they were actually going up, some had no clue how far away the summit was and were being told by concerned hikers that they'd be lucky to get there before dark. Respect the mountain because its a harsh place whatever the weather! Take plenty of water, a coat and hiking poles for extra balance and support.
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 19, 2020
  • Elaine H
    Burnley, United Kingdom37 contributions
    Mountain trail to Ben Nevis Summit: first time and great time
    We hit the trail just after 6.00 am, three intrepid adventurers first time on the mountain and determined to get to the top. Rain and mist and midges forgotten as the relentless climb began to bite. Setting off early we beat the crowds and enjoyed truly wagnerian scenery as the Nevis mountains breached forth from the mist into ragged cloud scapes bathed in brilliant August sunshine. Just short of the summit the mist came down again as we navigated between the sinister shadows of the cairns skirting Gardyloo and the last of the snow. At the top, selfies on the trig and time for cold toast and peanut butter to fortify us for the descent. On the way down the clouds thinned But the crowds got thicker as we made our way down. We were glad of our walking poles as we all agreed the descent was tougher than the climb, knees and hips taking quite a beating. 8 hours after kick off we staggered back along Glen Nevis, Tired, hungry and sore but absolutely proud of our achievement and a magical day. Looking forward to the Ben as an annual event and recommend it as a day out everyone should experience.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 17, 2020
  • Humphrey F
    6 contributions
    Do the climb but local amenities are limited
    We planned this trip about 9 months ago and have been very lucky. We did the climb on 15th August 2020 in fantastic sunny weather, but lets start at the beginning. We started out with breakfast at the Imperial Hotel (average but sufficient) at 07:30 and a quick trip to Morrisons for the days provisions (water, sandwich, energy bars). We arrived at the Nevis visitor centre at 0900 to find the car park full, so had to park in a lay-bye some 300m down the road. Very busy. The centre has public loo's which are handy before setting off in a procession with a lot of other people probably inspired by the good weather. There must have been 1000 people on the hill over the day. I started in shorts and a polo shirt with baseball hat and carried additional layers just in case which proved a good choice as it was hot all day. Sun cream was essential, so even though you may not get these conditions, you need to be prepared. The first stage of the climb is nice with well made steps until you get to about half way at the lake where the path deteriorates in the scree. The second stage to the top is hard but we made it and had to queue for our turn to get a photo on the cairn. Wonderful views all around and some wicked cliffs which could be hazardous in poor visibility. Took us 4.75 hrs up and 3.5 coming down. Very happy to make it but facilities at the bottom close at 4pm so I couldn't stick my head under a tap to cool down. Fort William is a mixture of beautiful older buildings and modern, cheap, ugly buildings. The town planners have made a real mess of a great location with big potential. Finding a pub or restaurant with a sea view or beer garden (for sunny days and dog walkers) appears to be a step too far. maybe the locals dont appreciate the vistas on their door step. Waste bins on the pavement also seem to be the norm.......not an attractive look.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 17, 2020
  • Jo P
    Brough, United Kingdom412 contributions
    Achievable for most if taken seriously
    Easy to follow path all the way to the top, we set off just after 7am and were one of the first up there, so no one coming down on the way up. It's a varied climb and steep in places but no scrambling on hands in knees thankfully. 10 mile to top and back from Ben Nevis visitor centre which took us 6.5hrs with plenty of stops on way. We found coming down a lot worse on the knees. Be aware it was mild at the carpark but it was a freezing cold mist at the top so make sure you take head coverings and gloves as they are required. We visited the Ben Nevis visitor centre the day before £2 for hour parking to find out nothing! Basically a small shop which I understand due to covid however I'm sure they could put some form of up to date info outside. Also parking is £6 for the day (not £4 as mentioned on their website). Overall this is achievable for most semi fit people as long as you check the weather and wear appropriate clothes
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 16, 2020
  • Gary N
    Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom23 contributions
    It's not Oxford Street
    Firstly may I say there are no McDonalds, Costa, m&s, gondola nor toilets on the route or at the summit. This is not Oxford Street. This is a wild mountain, the tallest in the UK, treat it as such, and with respect. The pony track ( tourist) is the easier route but it is still very challenging and very busy. Lots of rocks, loose ground and snow to negotiate but worth every step with the views you will encounter on your accent. My son 9yr wanted to give up half way but the positive encouragement from fellow walkers ( thank you) spurred him on to achieve his goal, the summit, which we reached in 5hrs . The sense of achievement was quite welcome as were the panorama. We had a clear day and the views were spectacular. The descent was a lot easier and also it was our turn to encourage walkers making their way up. My son was elated at what he achieved and would recommend this to anyone who wants an achievable goal, something that I don't think you will ever forget. A great hard 7hr slog but worth every 36000 steps.
    Visited June 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written June 7, 2021
  • Katie
    United Kingdom20 contributions
    Wow! Stunning!
    We started the trek at 6.30am. Plenty of spaces in the carpark ( £6 btw). The toilets don't open till 8.30am! First part of the walk is very steady and gradual. Steps within the track route. We were within the cloud for half the ascent so very drizzly and lots of pockets of midges that we passed through that like to nip! The clouds then cleared which left glorious sunshine and stunning views. Views from the top were stunning. Weather for the descent was hot hot hot! Descent hard on calf muscles and knees! We are still feeling achy and sore 3 days later ( we are all relatively fit). The whole climb took us 8 hour 15minutes..as a few stops for the kiddies! It was getting very busy on our descent with a steady stream of people climbing..I would definitely recommend going early and beating the crowds. We are pleased we did! We were able to enjoy a picnic at the top in our own little space, whilst taking in the views. Definitely walking shoes/boots. Trousers/shorts that have some give in them, layers and midgey spray! Plenty of fluids and snacks to keep you going! As for the current COVID situation, paths can be narrow so social distancing can be tricky and non existent despite best attempts. We have also done Scafell Pike and felt that Ben Nevis despite being higher was easier to climb! Just Snowden to encounter now!
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written August 19, 2020
  • Sally S
    London, United Kingdom84 contributions
    A Bonny wee climb
    Climbed on a beautiful August day and well worth the hike. Parked at the visitors centre (cost £6 for the day and worth it, we felt very happy upon our return that we’d invested in this rather than missioning it down the lane to free parking options (few spaces available) or walked from town). We arrived at 8.30am as had many others, you probably wouldn’t want to arrive much later for a parking space on a sunny Saturday in August. We were geared up appropriately, walking shoes/boots, plenty of water and snacks, layers, gloves, buff, hat for the top. And most were used/needed. It took us 3h with a couple of stops to summit. Well worth the hike for beautiful views between hazy clouds which moved to reveal new views. A nice orderly queue at the top to get pics by the weathervane, a few pics at the top and then we started our decent to slightly warmer altitudes for lunch. A more gentle return to the foot of the Ben and to the Inn for a well deserved drink in the beer garden (very warm and sunny) before returning to the car and back to our B&B. Stiff legs the next day but worth it. Lots of negativity around this climb on the web, you can’t do it unless you’ve climbed others etc. If you’re fit and healthy you can climb it, it’s hard work but it’s a walk over uneven ground at a gradient, it’s not ropes and karabiners!
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 8, 2020
  • Cheryl S
    Sheffield, United Kingdom44 contributions
    Beautiful hike
    We went on the 1st of July 2021. It was forecast to be 23c and sunny all day, so thought this was the best chance to go. If you have any weak joints, especially knees then do not do this hike. As even the easy route is difficult. The terrain is mostly rocks which you use as steps, but they are all uneven and lose. Meaning one missing footing and you go sliding. The closer to the top you get the smaller and loser the rocks get. We took with us 12 bottles of water between 3 humans and 1 dog and we could have done with more. This was because it was extremely hot and in direct sunlight for 90% of the walk. We’d pack layers as we’d been told the weather could change at the moments notice, which I definitely recommend, but for us it wasn’t needed. If you do this hike make sure you wear hiking boots, have plenty of water and food, a first aid kit and at least longer trousers and a rain coat, if you are going when the weather is hot. It was shocking how many people were attempting it, and having to turn back as they were wearing sandals or trainers, had no water or food, and then were struggling in the heat. We took our dog with us. I highly recommend using a halti lead that you can wrap around your waste. There were lots of streams for her to go in to cool down. She’s a year old cockapoo and managed the walk fine. I just had lots of treats to give her throughout the hike. If your dog is smaller and can’t manage a flat 10 mile walk, then this isn’t for them. Despite what some reviews on here say, there is no cafe at the top. There is one with toilets and the bottom. It took us 8 hours 30 minutes with about 2 and a half hours of breaks. This hike is not for tourists just wanting to pop out for the day. You need to be prepared for all weathers and have the right equipment. Also set off before 10am
    Visited June 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written July 3, 2021
  • DC
    5 contributions
    This is nothing like Snowden.
    Ben Nevis is a proper long walk (9hrs)and I’d recommend you get some walking miles into your legs before taking this on if you are a softy southerner. Take plenty of water as there is only really one waterfall on the way to get a top up if you run low and it’s just beyond mid way. There are zero amenities at the top. Views are amazing if you choose the right day which we did. Felt like we were in the alps. Even our crisp bag puffed up due to the air pressure difference. Glad I’ve done it and have the pictures to prove it.
    Visited August 2021
    Written September 4, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Andy t
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK57 contributions
Aug 2020
After studying various forecasts for several days we decided to go for Monday 24th August to make our attempt on the summit of the UK's largest mountain. Staying down in Glen Coe we got up at 6am to get ready and drove up to Glen
Nevis. After a 30 minute journey we managed to park on the main road just past the
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, well worth getting up early to get parked there considering how busy the main car park is at the Tourist Information centre! We crossed the river Nevis footbridge & proceeded to walk on the flat for a few hundred yards before the the path started to climb quite steeply up the side of the valley via several zig zags to join the main tourist path which comes up from the Visitor centre. At this point we joined the masses who were making the early morning pilgrimage up the Ben. Everyone at this point were heading up a good but steep path towards the half way point of a waterfall above a small Lochan. There are several zig zags which offered really good views as we climbed higher due to the clear weather conditions. The one issue that effected all 4 of us on way up apart the the steep climb was the dreaded Midge! At every stopping point there was loads of the pesky things about. After a couple of hours we got to the waterfall, had a quick snack & prepared to reach the summit plateau via 4 very long steep zig zags! As we continued to climb the distance views got better & better as the early morning mist started to clear nearer the top. We finally reached the start of the stony summit plateau and despite you thinking you have made the top it actually involves several hundred metres of climbing to reach the end goal of the Ben. Finally after 4 hours of climbing we reached the summit and waited several minutes for the family photo on top of the cairn. We were so lucky with the weather on the top. The mist had gone & you could see for miles including part of the Outer Hebrides.It was cool and we needed another layer or two but hardly any breeze. After a 50 minute break it was time to join the masses heading down trying to keep a social distance with the masses still coming up. It took around three & half hours to get down and everyone was delighted to reach the car. We took the opportunity to stick our feet in the river to cool down which was great. After getting changed we headed for a thoroughly deserved burger and pint at the Glen Nevis Restaurant. The Ben is not a difficult climb technically but it is a long hard slog that will give you sore knees for a few days after but well worth it when you get the views we had!
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jools1979
Scunthorpe, UK1,427 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
A lot of reviews paint the tourist route as a nice stroll rather than differentiating the fact that being the easiest route to the top doesn't make it easy!

People often warn of the dropping temps at the top but what you don't often hear about is it being red hot all the way to the top!

When we booked this trip we never envisaged it being a heatwave and yep it was about 28.c when we went up Ben Nevis.

The first half of the mountain didn't seem too bad going up, a rocky staircase but not too treacherous.

Eventually the mountain turns into rocky, shale covered serpentines. So getting trickier at this point but OK. As we got higher and higher the heat just didn't drop, it got a little fresher higher up in terms of humidity but still very hot. The coats were never needed!

We ran out of water because it was so hot, and on tired legs the way down was slow and slippy, I totally see why people say its far more painful and difficult getting down than up. Especially when you are 5 ft 2 and the crags and steps seem far wider and taller.

We were very fortunate to get beautiful clear scenery but the heat was tough!

Took us near 8 hours in all because we were nearly on our knees trying to get down as the heat didn't relent and there's next to no shade.

Nobody should be cavalier about this mountain, there was a lot of people heading up with small kids treating it as a day out - it's the highest mountain in the UK! If your kid gets tired can you safely carry them down without falling yourself? Then there's those taking dogs up, some poor dogs look too senior and uncomfortable being dragged up and there's dogs wandering and peering over steep drops.

There's those that head up with no equipment at all especially when we were almost back at the bottom and young guys were heading up in shorts and vest with no gear and other hikers were stopping them in awe to ask if they were actually going up, some had no clue how far away the summit was and were being told by concerned hikers that they'd be lucky to get there before dark.

Respect the mountain because its a harsh place whatever the weather! Take plenty of water, a coat and hiking poles for extra balance and support.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elaine H
Burnley, UK37 contributions
Aug 2020
We hit the trail just after 6.00 am, three intrepid adventurers first time on the mountain and determined to get to the top. Rain and mist and midges forgotten as the relentless climb began to bite. Setting off early we beat the crowds and enjoyed truly wagnerian scenery as the Nevis mountains breached forth from the mist into ragged cloud scapes bathed in brilliant August sunshine. Just short of the summit the mist came down again as we navigated between the sinister shadows of the cairns skirting Gardyloo and the last of the snow. At the top, selfies on the trig and time for cold toast and peanut butter to fortify us for the descent. On the way down the clouds thinned But the crowds got thicker as we made our way down. We were glad of our walking poles as we all agreed the descent was tougher than the climb, knees and hips taking quite a beating. 8 hours after kick off we staggered back along Glen Nevis, Tired, hungry and sore but absolutely proud of our achievement and a magical day. Looking forward to the Ben as an annual event and recommend it as a day out everyone should experience.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Humphrey F
6 contributions
Aug 2020
We planned this trip about 9 months ago and have been very lucky. We did the climb on 15th August 2020 in fantastic sunny weather, but lets start at the beginning. We started out with breakfast at the Imperial Hotel (average but sufficient) at 07:30 and a quick trip to Morrisons for the days provisions (water, sandwich, energy bars). We arrived at the Nevis visitor centre at 0900 to find the car park full, so had to park in a lay-bye some 300m down the road. Very busy. The centre has public loo's which are handy before setting off in a procession with a lot of other people probably inspired by the good weather. There must have been 1000 people on the hill over the day.
I started in shorts and a polo shirt with baseball hat and carried additional layers just in case which proved a good choice as it was hot all day. Sun cream was essential, so even though you may not get these conditions, you need to be prepared.
The first stage of the climb is nice with well made steps until you get to about half way at the lake where the path deteriorates in the scree. The second stage to the top is hard but we made it and had to queue for our turn to get a photo on the cairn. Wonderful views all around and some wicked cliffs which could be hazardous in poor visibility. Took us 4.75 hrs up and 3.5 coming down. Very happy to make it but facilities at the bottom close at 4pm so I couldn't stick my head under a tap to cool down.
Fort William is a mixture of beautiful older buildings and modern, cheap, ugly buildings. The town planners have made a real mess of a great location with big potential. Finding a pub or restaurant with a sea view or beer garden (for sunny days and dog walkers) appears to be a step too far. maybe the locals dont appreciate the vistas on their door step. Waste bins on the pavement also seem to be the norm.......not an attractive look.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jo P
Brough, UK412 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Easy to follow path all the way to the top, we set off just after 7am and were one of the first up there, so no one coming down on the way up. It's a varied climb and steep in places but no scrambling on hands in knees thankfully. 10 mile to top and back from Ben Nevis visitor centre which took us 6.5hrs with plenty of stops on way. We found coming down a lot worse on the knees.
Be aware it was mild at the carpark but it was a freezing cold mist at the top so make sure you take head coverings and gloves as they are required.
We visited the Ben Nevis visitor centre the day before £2 for hour parking to find out nothing! Basically a small shop which I understand due to covid however I'm sure they could put some form of up to date info outside. Also parking is £6 for the day (not £4 as mentioned on their website).
Overall this is achievable for most semi fit people as long as you check the weather and wear appropriate clothes
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary N
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK23 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Firstly may I say there are no McDonalds, Costa, m&s, gondola nor toilets on the route or at the summit. This is not Oxford Street. This is a wild mountain, the tallest in the UK, treat it as such, and with respect.
The pony track ( tourist) is the easier route but it is still very challenging and very busy. Lots of rocks, loose ground and snow to negotiate but worth every step with the views you will encounter on your accent. My son 9yr wanted to give up half way but the positive encouragement from fellow walkers ( thank you) spurred him on to achieve his goal, the summit, which we reached in 5hrs . The sense of achievement was quite welcome as were the panorama. We had a clear day and the views were spectacular. The descent was a lot easier and also it was our turn to encourage walkers making their way up. My son was elated at what he achieved and would recommend this to anyone who wants an achievable goal, something that I don't think you will ever forget. A great hard 7hr slog but worth every 36000 steps.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katie
United Kingdom20 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We started the trek at 6.30am. Plenty of spaces in the carpark ( £6 btw). The toilets don't open till 8.30am! First part of the walk is very steady and gradual. Steps within the track route. We were within the cloud for half the ascent so very drizzly and lots of pockets of midges that we passed through that like to nip! The clouds then cleared which left glorious sunshine and stunning views. Views from the top were stunning. Weather for the descent was hot hot hot! Descent hard on calf muscles and knees! We are still feeling achy and sore 3 days later ( we are all relatively fit). The whole climb took us 8 hour 15minutes..as a few stops for the kiddies! It was getting very busy on our descent with a steady stream of people climbing..I would definitely recommend going early and beating the crowds. We are pleased we did! We were able to enjoy a picnic at the top in our own little space, whilst taking in the views.

Definitely walking shoes/boots. Trousers/shorts that have some give in them, layers and midgey spray! Plenty of fluids and snacks to keep you going!

As for the current COVID situation, paths can be narrow so social distancing can be tricky and non existent despite best attempts.

We have also done Scafell Pike and felt that Ben Nevis despite being higher was easier to climb! Just Snowden to encounter now!
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sally S
London, UK84 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Climbed on a beautiful August day and well worth the hike. Parked at the visitors centre (cost £6 for the day and worth it, we felt very happy upon our return that we’d invested in this rather than missioning it down the lane to free parking options (few spaces available) or walked from town). We arrived at 8.30am as had many others, you probably wouldn’t want to arrive much later for a parking space on a sunny Saturday in August.
We were geared up appropriately, walking shoes/boots, plenty of water and snacks, layers, gloves, buff, hat for the top. And most were used/needed.
It took us 3h with a couple of stops to summit. Well worth the hike for beautiful views between hazy clouds which moved to reveal new views. A nice orderly queue at the top to get pics by the weathervane, a few pics at the top and then we started our decent to slightly warmer altitudes for lunch.
A more gentle return to the foot of the Ben and to the Inn for a well deserved drink in the beer garden (very warm and sunny) before returning to the car and back to our B&B.
Stiff legs the next day but worth it. Lots of negativity around this climb on the web, you can’t do it unless you’ve climbed others etc. If you’re fit and healthy you can climb it, it’s hard work but it’s a walk over uneven ground at a gradient, it’s not ropes and karabiners!
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cheryl S
Sheffield, UK44 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We went on the 1st of July 2021. It was forecast to be 23c and sunny all day, so thought this was the best chance to go.
If you have any weak joints, especially knees then do not do this hike. As even the easy route is difficult. The terrain is mostly rocks which you use as steps, but they are all uneven and lose. Meaning one missing footing and you go sliding. The closer to the top you get the smaller and loser the rocks get.
We took with us 12 bottles of water between 3 humans and 1 dog and we could have done with more. This was because it was extremely hot and in direct sunlight for 90% of the walk. We’d pack layers as we’d been told the weather could change at the moments notice, which I definitely recommend, but for us it wasn’t needed.
If you do this hike make sure you wear hiking boots, have plenty of water and food, a first aid kit and at least longer trousers and a rain coat, if you are going when the weather is hot. It was shocking how many people were attempting it, and having to turn back as they were wearing sandals or trainers, had no water or food, and then were struggling in the heat.
We took our dog with us. I highly recommend using a halti lead that you can wrap around your waste. There were lots of streams for her to go in to cool down. She’s a year old cockapoo and managed the walk fine. I just had lots of treats to give her throughout the hike. If your dog is smaller and can’t manage a flat 10 mile walk, then this isn’t for them.
Despite what some reviews on here say, there is no cafe at the top. There is one with toilets and the bottom.
It took us 8 hours 30 minutes with about 2 and a half hours of breaks.
This hike is not for tourists just wanting to pop out for the day. You need to be prepared for all weathers and have the right equipment. Also set off before 10am
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DC
5 contributions
Aug 2021
Ben Nevis is a proper long walk (9hrs)and I’d recommend you get some walking miles into your legs before taking this on if you are a softy southerner. Take plenty of water as there is only really one waterfall on the way to get a top up if you run low and it’s just beyond mid way. There are zero amenities at the top.
Views are amazing if you choose the right day which we did. Felt like we were in the alps. Even our crisp bag puffed up due to the air pressure difference. Glad I’ve done it and have the pictures to prove it.
Written September 4, 2021
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Ben Nevis (Fort William) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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