How long is ben nevis path

Find out today's forecast. 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.

Once on the path there are no signposts but in good weather it is possible to follow the mountain track. Near the summit cliffs there is a line of cairns, stone waymarkers, which guide you when visibility and cloud allow.

The ability to navigate with a map and compass is essential in poor visibility. You can minimise the risks by following the safety advice given here and from the staff at The Visitor Centre. However even the most experienced and well equipped walker is not immune from an accident on The Ben.

There is no registration procedure at The Visitor Centre and no obligation to register unless your group consists of 10 or more people.

However it is advisable to let someone know your route and the time you expect to be back. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass. Terrain Steep path throughout. Public Transport Bus service between May and September. Start Glen Nevis visitor centre car park. Hillwalking in Winter Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly.

Users' reports As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others. Grade key. Bog Factor key. Open in Streetview. Walk Description Stage 1 If you are not an experienced hillwalker, be sure to read all the signs at the visitor centre for precautions and equipment needed for the ascent. Stage 2 Cross a stile at the top of this and go ahead across a track to meet the original path which started at the Ben Nevis Inn on the left; turn right up the rising path.

Stage 3 The path crosses a couple of footbridges over small streams and curves round, climbing above the valley of the Red Burn. Stage 4 As the path begins to climb once more, a junction is reached. Stage 5 Much higher up, the path passes above the steep screes which fall to the right into the head of Five Finger Gully.

Stage 6 The gradient now eases as the beginning of the summit plateau is reached. Stage 7 The view is tremendously extensive and covers much of the Highlands, but there is nothing more dramatic than peering down the north side, across or down the massive cliffs; again, do not approach if there is snow as there could be cornices of overhanging snow which could collapse if you step on them..

Stage 8 The return is made by the same route. The path itself is impressive work. Kudos to those who made and maintain it. Lower slopes feature irregular stairways of large flat rocks mud not a problem, but no shuffling along here. Walking sticks and boots highly recommended, especially for the descent, when these stairs demand real concentration.

Higher on Nevis itself, the trail is frequently broken shards, a different challenge. You'll probably see summit mist, not vistas, but you'll feel summiters' "high" anyway. A grand adventure for anyone willing to endure some muscle aches and blisters.

I am a fit year-old, and my ascent took , my descent The reward was worth the effort, and I would do it again. Amazing trek, but hard. Path is clearly defined.

I started from the Visitor Centre. Takes about hours to summit. Last mile was the hardest. Had to dig deep. Start early, take sunset into account. Be safe, get down before it gets dark. Amazing but come prepared, it was cloudy with poor visibility on the top but worth it. Slipped half the way down with wrist sprain.

Nice hike overall. Definitely not technical, but challenging as the uphill way up burns in the legs and downhill kills your knees. If you have hiking poles, bring them! Converse and jeans are not the one for this hike. There are numerous opportunities to slip on the way down Use Navigator in the AllTrails app and join the other outdoor explorers who have completed this trail. Ben Nevis Mountain Path hard Length Sometimes rugged and rocky, this mountain track features wildlife, birding, a waterfall, and beautiful landscape.

Follow the Mountain Path to the summit. At the summit plateau, you'll find some ruins and a sweeping view. Come prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions and rocky, uneven surfaces. Reviews Sort by:. Kristen Sample. November 8, Easy to follow. Good trail. Jason Carty. November 5, Hiking Icy Rocky Snow. Dan Bateman. October 30, Simon Done. October 28, Weather held out today and the summit cleared to reveal amazing views. John Horobin.

October 27, Laura Evans. From here the path climbs steeply up some steps, before gradually evening out to a more moderate climb. The path continues to wind its way up the mountain, with many fantastic views along the way get your camera ready! You will eventually reach the Halfway Lake at m, a great spot to have a break and keep hydrated.

Continuing on, the terrain will change from lush green landscapes to grey rocky surroundings. Continue up the path, zig-zagging its way up the mountain — in bad weather conditions, visibility can become poor, so make sure you keep to the path.

At the summit you will find several memorials, a trig point and many cairns. On a clear day you will be able to see for miles and miles — the surrounding mountains, lochs and cliffs are an incredible sight!

After taking in the amazing views, descend back down the mountain via the same route, with a great sense of achievement at conquering The Ben!