summer Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge. It is lower than the other peaks but the path from Wasdale isn't as good as Ben Nevis tourist track or Snowdon's tourist track. It is much better to bring too many than not enough. While the view from the top is nearly always hidden in clouds, the views from your journey up will astound you and will give you many opportunities to take stunning photos as you take a break from walking. Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route is another option that offers some fun scrambling opportunities. Answer Save. Before you set off, remember to stretch! Weather up the mountain is also unpredictable and … You can buy and claim online, even after you've left home. If you climb Ben Nevis in June or July you may well find that you’re in summer at the base and in winter at the summit! Would you like to try out a summer Ben Nevis ascent? He guides groups throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that Ben Nevis is not to be underestimated. A: Ben is climbed year round but is famous for difficult weather with clouds covering the summit nearly 80% of the time in winter and 50% in summer. Climbing Ben Nevis: Finding a Guide. How hard is it to climb Ben Nevis? As I was travelling solo I decided to find a guide to help me in climbing Ben Nevis – thank goodness. The hard-day’s walk involves a stroll up neighbouring Munro Carn Mor Dearg before a slightly exposed scramble along the knife-edge ridge linking the two mountains. Ben Nevis by the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. In summary we climbed 4,042 feet in a little under seven hours. As someone who knows Ben Nevis inside out, Ken tells us: “It’s a spectacular mountain. Check out all our options for guided mountain ascents of Ben Nevis. You must have good boots as the descent can be very painful on your toes. Also the second part of Ben Nevis is a terrain of scree, loose stones which can be hard on a dog’s pads. Ben Nevis is the UK’s largest mountain. For experienced mountaineers: Another option is to start from the CMD Carn Mor Dearg Arete. h154 Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg from The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola - in February, obliterating the path and forming very dangerous cornices. The fitter you are and the more you train prior to the challenge, the more you will enjoy it. Hopefully this article won’t have put you off making an attempt — climbing Ben Nevis is definitely a serious challenge and not to be taken lightly, but as long as the visibility is not too bad and the path can be clearly found, it can be completed by most people. This allows for a steady ascent, up a well maintained path. We are in training by walking in the Peak District. It takes around 4 hours to climb to the top, and 3 hours to get down afterward. Click here for more information on the Ben Nevis, CIC Hut, 5 Day Guided Winter Climb. You will almost definitely encounter rain at some point during your climb, so waterproof trousers can be a good way to avoid having heavy wet trousers chafing your legs. will we die if we climb it? Staying Safe When Climbing and Walking up Ben Nevis Mountain. If you are feeling more adventurous, Ken recommends rock climbing, sea kayaking, white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, and even skiing, in the winter. . This is a truly spectacular route incorporating two Munros. To find the answer to all of these questions, we spoke with expert guide, Ken. me and my mate want to climb it this summer, we are non experienced climbers but are relatively fit? It really can make all the difference to how your legs feel. During the warm months, a Ben Nevis ascent can be tackled with little climbing experience, as long as you are physically fit and up for an adventure. During this program, you will usually stay at the CIC hut (680 m), the highest mountain hut in the United Kingdom. The issue is that a straight line from the summit to the zigzags on the mountain path takes you straight over the edge of Gardyloo Gully, a steep, icy gully on the north face, so in order to avoid that, you must walk on a bearing of 231 degrees for 150m before then walking on a bearing of 282 degrees to reach the top of the zigzags. Allowing for lack of fitness, and multiple rest breaks, the walk will take nearr eight hours. This Ben Nevis training guide is long, but it’s complete. The summer ascent can be done from May to October, and winter ascents, from November to April. Keep in mind that although Ben Nevis offers options for beginner/intermediate mountaineers to advanced climbers, it is always best to go with a guide as the routes are not always straightforward, especially in winter. Ben Nevis: Not that difficult to climb - See 2,456 traveller reviews, 2,362 candid photos, and great deals for Fort William, UK, at Tripadvisor. Nevermind the spectacular views of the beautiful Scottish Highlands from the top! At 1,345 m (4,413 ft), the tallest mountain in the British Isles is an inviting peak to climb for those who like a true adventure. The main route up the UK’s highest peak is long, dull and monotonous. From the A82 roundabout, south of the river bridge is the Glen Nevis Lane. It is called the Tourist Path only because it is the route most people take when they want to climb Ben Nevis - not because it is is easy in any way shape or form. More relaxed options include taking the Jacobite Steam train out to Mallaig. The closest town to Ben Nevis is Fort William which is accessible via the A82. More than one hundred people climbed Ben Nevis at the weekend, to pay tribute to a young man from West Lothian who died from a rare form of cancer.. On Saturday, over 150 people gathered in the West Lothian village of Fauldhouse at 5.50am to board coaches to Britain’s highest mountain as part of a fundraising effort in memory of young Marc Quipp. He reached the summit in good time – a brilliant achievement. Ken is a British MIC-certified mountain guide. To begin with, if you have fair skin you might want to consider bringing sun cream and sunglasses to avoid getting burned or dazzled by the sun. You might also need extra equipment, like crampons and an ice axe (usually provided by your certified guide). Where is Ben Nevis, how tall is Ben Nevis & How do I get there. However, if you decide to climb Ben Nevis via other routes, there are some discussions to have. Going with a certified mountain guide is also extremely important for a safe ascent. We asked him what his most memorable experience while ascending Ben Nevis was. the weather like in each? Furthermore, make sure you have plenty of water and high-energy snacks, as well as a map and compass, which could prove vital should you become lost near the summit. follows the 'Tourist Path' to the summit but it is far from easy - particularly if you are not very experienced. This is what this article is about: helping you to choose a route, plan your trip, and reach the summit of Ben Nevis. Descending Ben Nevis in summer generally takes around 2½ hours to 3½ hours. It is a difficult and potentially dangerous climb, and takes an average of 4 hours to climb with a further 2-3 hours to climb back down. ©2020 Explore-Share - All rights reserved. However, this does not mean it is easy. When is the best time to climb Ben Nevis? Check the forecast beforehand to make sure the visibility will not be too bad at the top. That’s not to say it’s a walk in the park, as it’s still a fairly rock path in places, but there’s no exposure along the … When climbing, take the time to keep checking your map so you know where you are, both for safety’s sake and also so you know how far you’ve come and how far there is to go. A 5-day program will take you on different climbs close to the star peak, Ben Nevis. Which are the best routes? This area has a lot to offer, from the finest mountains to incredible lochs (lakes) and coasts in the UK. This promotional code cannot be used with any other discount offer, including World Nomads Members’ discount for travel insurance policy holders. Oh, and we raised over £8,400 for Marie Curie! Given the often wet conditions, you will need to plan your clothing accordingly. So, is it easy to climb Ben Nevis? If it is a sunny clear day, all three mountains would have a lot of other walkers going for the summit. Then check out this summer Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge. Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is attempted by thousands of people every year. The average summit temperature is around freezing and it … It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. Ben Nevis with kids My friend and I are planning to climb Ben Nevis in August, along with our three children (aged 12, 13 and 15). I cover fitness, nutrition, kit and recovery. You can also choose a program via Tower Ridge. Ben Nevis was quite tough, and they said this is easier than Snowdon, so I am dreading it. For this program, you will need to travel to Fort William, which is around a 3.5 hours drive from Edinburgh (Scotland) and around 2.5 hours from Glasgow(Scotland). What’s the weather like in each? If you didn’t already know, Ben Nevis is 4,413 feet high. The descent from the summit back to your starting point will normally take approx. Take your time and take as many breaks as you need — climbing a mountain this high is a fantastic achievement in itself, and is definitely a marathon not a sprint! Even at the height of summer there is a high chance you will still come across snow near the top, and the clouds and drizzle that frequently roll in can cause the temperature to plunge still further. In the summer, it is suitable for fit beginners, but can also be adapted to more experienced mountaineers in the winter. Moreover, while a small amount of snow on the mountain should not cause you too many problems, the more there is, the more dangerous the climb becomes. It is rare to get clear views from the top, and indeed the cloud had closed in. Most hiking ascents of Ben Nevis start from either the Achintee Inn or theVisitor’s Centre, both in Glen Nevis. It is said the summit is clear only one out of every ten days. What he loves the most about his job is “sharing real adventures with the people”. What he loves the most about his job is, This goes to show that even in the harsh winter conditions, with the help of a certified guide, physical preparation, and determination, almost anyone can climb, To climb Ben Nevis, you need to travel to, “this alternative involves more ascent and a bit of exposure higher up. He has been working in this area since 2003. The Novice Walker should not attempt to walk up Ben Nevis between November and May, or during bad or cloudy weather. You may well find that the challenge is too much for you, and that’s okay — if you want a target that’s less intimidating than reaching the summit, there is a lake halfway up the climb that makes a great place to aim for. Despite all of the above, I did it. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The boy did fantastically well! Climbing the UK’s tallest mountain, which stands at 1,345 m (4,412.73 ft) tall, will give you an enormous sense of achievement. A great way to exercise, reach a mountaineering goal, and help the community on each step of the way. Ken is a British MIC-certified mountain guide. Climbing Ben Nevis when there is snow on the ground or the weather is less than ideal is an entirely different ball game and you should allow up to 8 hours (or more) for the ascent. When planning the ascent, it is crucial to check the weather forecasts regularly and carefully. I spent time in Santiago de Compostela and Valencia on my year abroad, and... (Do a quick search on the following sites), Top Tips For Climbing Ben Nevis As An Amateur, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, 10 Short And Sweet Day Trips From Glasgow, Scotland, 14 Airbnb Houseboats In London - Updated 2021, 15 Best Airbnbs In London (Updated) - Updated 2021, 14 Best London Hotels For New Year's Eve Celebrations, 11 Best Spots For Halal Breakfast In Birmingham, UK. TahoeT. 1 decade ago. These where my first question when trying to research all about this mountain. The Ben Nevis ascent can be done in 1 day in both winter and summer and takes around 8 hours to complete. The ascent of Ben Nevis is quite straightforward technically (Intermediate level recommended), but it is considerably long and starts almost from sea level. Stroll In The Sunshine In The Palacio De Cristal Gardens, Porto, Three Highlights Of Beautiful Belém, Lisbon, Celebrate Spanish-Style At Valencia’s Craziest Festival: Las Fallas, See The World’s Only Tudor Warship And Much More At Portsmouth Dockyard, Enjoy Panoramas Of Florence From The Pool At The Grand Hotel Minerva. "In fine weather the ascent of Ben Nevis by the 'mountain footpath' from Achintee is a relatively straightforward day out. A great way to exercise, reach a mountaineering goal, and help the community on each step of the way. If you are an amateur walker, it is strongly recommended that you only attempt to reach the summit of Ben Nevis during the summer months. Whatever month you go in, you will also definitely need to prepare for the freezing temperatures near the top, so make sure you bring gloves and a hat with you. If you feel you can go ahead, prepare for the challenge ahead by having a big, energising breakfast. It’s more suitable for those with plenty of hill-walking experience and requires a head for heights”. Thousands of people climb the UK’s highest mountain every year on a number of different routes. When you reach the mountain you can park in a car park right at the base of Ben Nevis (parking costs just 3 GBP / 3.94 USD). Ben Nevis can be explored during winter or summer. This may impede progress. If you have a few days to spare in Scotland, it would be a good idea to plan to go near the beginning of the week so that if the weather turns out to be unsuitable you will still have further opportunities. Climbing the highest mountain in the UK was never going to be easy! *5% off when you book with our promo code: TRIP101. I emailed the hotel I was staying at (The Lime Tree) and asked for a recommendation.. 2½ - 3½ hours. Are there other ways to the summit besides the Mountain Track? It wasn’t easy by any means, and I had regular bursts of doubt in the months prior to the climb but if I can climb Ben Nevis, there truly is hope for everyone. Have a question? Ben Nevis, the highest of the three peaks at 1345 metres (4413 ft), has one main path, marked clearly on the OS Explorer 392 Map (on Amazon).Unlike Snowdon and Scafell Pike, the path to Ben Nevis starts close to sea level, meaning much greater vertical ascent. The Ben Nevis Inn could hardly be more convenient for a post-walk celebratory meal or drink, situated right at the bottom of Ben Nevis at Achintee. It winds past “Braveheart” car park to Ben Nevis Visitor Centre where the walk begins. Climbing Ben Nevis is an exciting experience and a great way to discover the beautiful Scottish Highlands and its surrounding “Munros” (mountains over 3000 feet). I’m Ellie, I’m 22 and I spent the first 18 years of my life in Portsmouth, UK, before doing a languages degree in Exeter. Are you thinking of giving it a go yourself? For experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling but are not climbers, this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. Lv 6. And for good reason. Relevance. It stands at over 1,300 metres high with landscapes ranging from rolling hills to steep inclines and jagged slopes. To climb Ben Nevis, you need to travel to Fort William, which is a 3.5-hour drive away from Edinburgh (Scotland) and around 2.5 hours from Glasgow (Scotland). Mount Toubkal is a non-technical summit – you don’t have to be an expert climber, but you do need to have a good level of fitness and an appetite for adventure! You can also choose to go on a longer program, covering more ground around Ben Nevis. They came back with Atlas Mountaineering. Attempting the climb in trainers could be very dangerous as the rocky path can become very slippery and in several places is next to a severe drop, making walking downhill particularly difficult. It is therefore important to get your training in prior to taking on Mount Toubkal; make sure you have trained on hills and steep inclines as well as training on consecutive days - our Mount Toubkal trekking challenge involves trekking for 3 days, for 8-10km daily, … Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is attempted by thousands of people every year. can you get to the top without actually 'rock climbing'? Every year, hundreds climb Ben Nevis to raise money for different charitable causes, sponsored by different organizations or by their friends and family. This is what he told us: “One of the most memorable ascents was guiding a 9-year-old boy and his father in winter. With nearly 120 years of climbing history, ground breaking routes and legendary stories of bravery on the cliffs throughout, the mountain is steeped in history. From here you can drive to Glen Nevis, the valley in which the south and west sides of Ben Nevis sits. WOW. When your chosen day comes, make sure to check the weather again. While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that Ben Nevis is not to be underestimated. Read on to find out everything you need to know to start planning your Ben Nevis ascent! Ken suggests: “Whilst you don’t need to have advanced hill-walking experience, it does require a good fitness level.”. Thanks for stopping by! This route is still challenging, and requires plenty of stamina to make it to the top. Glen Nevis Restaurant and Bar is another excellent choice, located in Glen Nevis between the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. You must also take lots of water as there aren't any streams easily accessible. Firstly, the Mountain Path route is 11 miles from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, so I suggest getting used to walking at least 10 miles on a regular basis. Furthermore, Ben Nevis can be climbed year-round, although winter climbs (which are popular) are a lot more challenging. But, Ken warns us: “this alternative involves more ascent and a bit of exposure higher up. When I think of Scotland, I tend to think of haggis, Edinburgh and Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis was the first munro I climbed - it's not technically hard, there is a path all the way to the top, it's really just that it goes on for ages! Ben Nevis is located in Lochaber which is about 1.5miles away from Fort William. My first Ben Nevis climb… 2009! The normal time taken to climb to the top by the tourist path is three and a half to five hours - coming down is much faster, between one and a half to two and a half hours. Climbing Ben Nevis is relatively easy if you take the tourist footpath in summer. It’s. The ascent to Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge is a great option for those who love a nice steep climb and want to practice some rope work. The trail is well-marked, well trodden and quite frankly, hard to miss with the numerous other people snaking their way up the mountain side. How hard is it to climb Ben Nevis? Climbing Ben Nevis will be an experience that you will never be able to forget. Here, Tom Hardie details the one he thinks is best… Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg. Nesty, I did all 3 peaks in 2012;IMHO Scafell Pike is the easiest one in the group. 5 Answers. You will also need a good waterproof coat, and proper walking boots. Ken recommends: Extra equipment for winter ascents (usually provided by your certified guide): As part of your Ben Nevis adventure, you will visit what Ken describes as the “outdoor capital of the UK”: Fort William. *For our Canadian and US travellers, unfortunately due to financial services laws, we cannot provide a discount. Is climbing Ben Nevis safe for everyone? He persevered throughout. h100 Ben Nevis via The Tourist Path from Achintee, Fort William. It is a real test of fitness, grit and stamina, and it will definitely give you something good to tick off your bucket list. It took quite a while to ascend - approximately 6 hours. What is climbing Ben Nevis like? The weather in the Scottish Highlands changes quickly and sometimes dramatically. Well, Ken reminds us: “Scotland isn’t renown for its year-round sunshine and warm temperatures!”. Follow the advice contained here and you won’t go wrong, I promise. Unsubscribe in one click. I would personally recommend bringing music with you; it can be very motivating when your legs are hurting and you are close to giving up! Ben Nevis also has surprisingly good phone signal, so it is worth making sure your phone is fully charged in case you get into any difficulty. Thank you Ken for sharing your tips and experience with Explore-Share.com! After I sent him an email the owner Connor actually rang me and asked if I knew what I was getting into. You would be likely to find the summit almost unbearably cold if you were to attempt the ascent in winter. Occasionally, thunderstorms add a bit of extra excitement to the climb, but all in all, you will enjoy the lush greens of the Scottish Highlands and the glittering lochs that make it famous. Is there anything we could have done to help you? You can also choose to go on a longer program, covering more ground around Ben Nevis. Furthermore, it’s the highest mountain in the UK, a Scottish icon, and a favorite during both summer and winter. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to attempt Ben Nevis in winter at that age!”. The ultimate guide to climbing Ben Nevis. How long it takes to climb Ben Nevis really depends on how fit you are and how many breaks you take but a rough guide is it will take you around 3½ - 4½ hours to climb it via the Mountain Track in summer under reasonable weather conditions. Other routes include the Carn Mor Dearg Arête, a tricky ridge only attempted by experienced scramblers and hill walkers. Its impressive north face, which can be seen from various points whilst hiking up the mountain path, is alpine in character and scale. However warm or sunny the weather may be at the base, by the time you get up near the summit the temperature will have dropped dramatically, normally below freezing. Ken Crocket and Simon Richardson's book Ben Nevisis an excellent and inspiring chronicle of the highlights of these many adventures through the ages as the sport, culture, standards and approaches to climbing have evolved. Furthermore, many people climb Ben Nevis for the amazing views it gives, of the nearby towns, valleys and lochs. Take plenty of water with you and make sure the weather is ok - and I'm sure that you'll be fine. The first ascent of the Ben's first recorded route, … There’s not really any face like it in the UK”. In terms of what to wear, layers are key. During this time we walked 10.32 miles, making 22,197 steps and burned well over 3000 calories. Ask fellow travellers and travel experts here. The ‘The Mountain Track’: Or otherwise known as the ‘tourist trail’.This is typically the most popular route when people climb Ben Nevis. Well, Ken reminds us: When planning the ascent, it is crucial to check the weather forecasts regularly and carefully. A Ben Nevis winter ascent increases in difficulty. The weather conditions can include strong winds, freezing temperatures, and thick snow. Every year, hundreds climb Ben Nevis to raise money for different charitable causes, sponsored by different organizations or by their friends and family. When to climb Ben Nevis. The part of the path immediately before reaching the lake is probably the toughest part to climb, so knowing the lake is ahead should give you the motivation to carry on. Moreover, be careful you stick to the Mountain Track, as the other routes can be highly dangerous even for experts. While you may want to wear nothing more than a T-shirt for the first hour of hard work, the nearer you get to the top the more layers you will need. What skills and equipment do I need to climb Ben Nevis? Snow obscures the path, meaning you could easily become disorientated and find yourself veering towards hidden drops without realising. From there, it’s much more straight forward.”. The first stage of the climb up Ben Nevis is a relatively easy walk starting from Achintee on the east side of Glen Nevis, approximately 2km from Fort William. winter climbing courses in the Scottish Highlands. A 5-day program will take you on different climbs close to the star peak, Ben Nevis. At the top of Ben Nevis is a rocky plateau of about 100 acres, a trig point denotes the highest point, while there is also a ruined observatory (now a shelter for those caught out by the weather). There is nothing wrong with deciding that you cannot safely climb the mountain; it is much better to postpone it for another occasion than to take too big a risk. When taking groups out on the hills, one of the problems I often find is people who overheat or get too cold. Finally, there are certain to be more people climbing with you if you go in the summer, which makes the walk a lot safer because having people around you will help you not to lose the path. Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. Most hiking ascents of Ben Nevis start from either the Achintee Inn or the Visitor’s Centre, both in Glen Nevis. I found it very boring. You will need full winter kit including Ice Axe and crampons. However, as long as you are properly prepared and understand the risks involved, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to make the climb and have a great time doing so! Ben Nevis. Ken offers some great winter climbing courses in the Scottish Highlands to prepare, and also a 1-day Ben Nevis winter ascent. Ben Nevis is a slog but not technically difficult. The experience in each of the seasons will be quite different! As long as you take care to keep safe, you will have a brilliant time. It is a good idea to begin your climb as early in the morning as possible, as the weather often deteriorates as the day goes on. Ken highlights: “Navigation from the summit trig point of Ben Nevis to the mountain path can be quite tricky in poor visibility and especially so in winter. He has been working in this area since 2003. We had plenty of snow, and the usual Scottish winter conditions up high. In the winter, you can experience freezing temperatures, stronger winds, and snow. This goes to show that even in the harsh winter conditions, with the help of a certified guide, physical preparation, and determination, almost anyone can climb Ben Nevis! The Mountain Path (also known as the Pony Track or the Tourist Track) is the easiest and most popular route to the Ben Nevis summit. Even during the summer, you can expect to experience some wet, windy, and cold conditions. Finally, bring your camera, as you will definitely want to take photos of the impressive views below. At 1,345 m (4,413 ft), the tallest mountain in the British Isles is an inviting peak to climb for those who like a true adventure. In summer generally takes around 4 hours to climb Ben Nevis via Ledge... Head for heights ” the mountain Track November how hard is it to climb ben nevis May, or bad. Other discount offer, from November to April the star peak, Nevis! Year-Round sunshine and warm temperatures! ” are non experienced climbers but relatively... Extremely important for a safe ascent more information on how we use your data takes. How your legs feel a Scottish icon, and 3 hours to hours... 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Over 3000 calories is still challenging, and we raised over £8,400 for Marie Curie CIC how hard is it to climb ben nevis 5. People who overheat or get too cold weather conditions can include strong winds, and they said is! Often find is people who overheat or get too cold Scottish Highlands changes quickly and sometimes.... Face like it in the winter, you will ; therefore, need to know start..., kit and recovery attempt to walk up it in the peak District of Ben Nevis is the one! Plenty of hill-walking experience and requires a head for heights ” & how do need..., or during bad or cloudy weather Ken tells us: “ Whilst you ’! A 9-year-old boy and his father in winter at that age! ” discussions to have route incorporating Munros! Memorable ascents was guiding a 9-year-old boy and his father in winter,. What his most memorable ascents was guiding a 9-year-old boy and his father winter.