On one leg I defy the forces of nature and keep my footing. If you are getting out of breath whilst talking, you are probably walking too fast! It goes without saying that hiking Ben Nevis is one of the best hikes to do in Scotland. It has a summit of 1,345 metres (4,413 ft) above sea level. Ascent to Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis… By James Orpwood Hurricane gusts are the rule rather than the exception. 2). 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. Its proper name is in fact the pony track (Pic. But snow and ice I’m used to from the Schneekoppe in the Czech Republic. Ben Nevis by the Mountain Path. Ben Nevis: Hiking - See 2,457 traveler reviews, 2,362 candid photos, and great deals for Fort William, UK, at Tripadvisor. As the halfway point, you should be getting here within 2 hours. This is crucial if attempting the mountain without a guide, but even if you are going with a guide, it does no harm to check the mountain weather forecast yourself so you have a good idea of what to expect on the day. At a mere 4,409 ft, Ben Nevis (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Nibheis) is the highest summit in the UK. If you have poor phone signal, it may be possible to send an emergency message to 999 or 112, although your phone should be pre-registered in order to achieve this (see https://www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html# for further information). Of course, I will soon aim for the next summit, but not at any price. Aviemore This not only maintains morale, but it keeps group members together and avoids faster group members having to stop (and possibly get cold) whilst waiting for slower group members to catch up. We are here at 10 m height. PRICE FREEZE - Book at 2020 Prices and £100-£300 Travel Voucher for Every Traveller ». The … The route described here is the standard way up the mountain; it is … Around 7 hours is a realistic target time to climb from Glen Nevis to the summit and return. However, high winds, heavy rain, snow, and poor visibility can and do occur during any month on the year on Ben Nevis, so always pay attention to a reliable mountain weather forecast such as those produced by the Met Office or the Mountain Weather Information Service. Above here, the path turns sharply right, continuing until the Red Burn is crossed. This mountain track starts at Pub Ben Nevis Inn near Achintee. It’s easy to see … More info. It is not quite halfway, but the path does become easier for a time here, providing some welcome respite for the legs. 1 review. Having the right clothing and equipment can quite literally be a life saver if conditions are really bad, but even in less extreme weather it can mean the difference between … I have always heard Scotland … Most importantly enjoy your time on the mountain and have a great day. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland and the whole of the UK. Ben Nevis (1345 m) is the highest point in Scotland and the United Kingdom. It is worth bearing in mind that a covering of snow, particularly when accompanied by low cloud, can make route finding and navigation very challenging. While … For maps, the Harvey Superwalker map “Ben Nevis” at 1:25,000 scale or the Harvey British Mountain Maps “Ben Nevis & Glen Coe” at 1:40,000 scale are highly recommended. At the so-called “Half Way Loch” (Lochan Meall at t-Suidhe), the trail leads me over a saddle to Ben Nevis and climbs steeply in eight turns up to the summit. Take great care in this area as the path takes you very close to the edge of cliffs. Published: Apr 25, 2019More by James. This can be broken down into phases, allowing 4 hours to get to the summit and a further 3 hours to walk down. This helps to maintain footfall on the path and avoids eroding other parts of the mountain. The mountain will always be there – the trick is to make sure you can come back should you wish to do so! Sweating (getting wet) can cause problems higher up when the temperature drops, so starting cool helps prevent this. Choice of kit is very much influenced by the unpredictable nature of the weather, so the “layering system” is best applied to clothing, taking additional items to ensure your comfort and safety in varying conditions. The trail offers a number of activity options. The walk up Ben Nevis begins at more or less sea level, finishing over a vertical kilometre higher. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. The Fort William tourism board advises against hiking Ben Nevis from October to May. Although the hurricane-like wind is unpleasant, in combination with heavy freezing rain it is absolutely violent. It’s the only one of the three national peaks that I haven’t hiked, so I’m hoping to tick that one off my Scotland bucket list very soon! The way up to about 600 hm almost only coarse, currently wet and therefore very slippery stones. Check out our complete guide to what to wear hiking in Scotland. The Harvey maps recommended above include an enlargement of the summit of Ben Nevis, along with the bad visibility descent route – i.e. This trek is a must for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Scotland and it satisfies the wanderlust in everyone searching for the perfect nature hike. More info. 3). Fort William is a sea level town, so this is a true hike … Because of these hard-hitting facts, I feel confirmed in my decision to reverse and when I confess and speak openly, I get a lot of respect from the Scots. Highland This is the true halfway point, and makes a good spot to stop, have a bite to eat and a drink, and adjust clothing layers. New trips, locations and activities right to your inbox. Not so easy to get out of the wet pants. Conditions will be very different between these two extremes, so flexibility is key. There are several options for hikes: The “Tourist Route” is the most used hiking trail on the way to the summit. The highest mountain in the whole of the UK, it seems as if half of Scotland is spread before you when at the summit on a clear day – from the mountains of Skye in the northwest to the Cairngorms in the east. The walk up Ben Nevis begins at more or less sea level, finishing over a vertical kilometre higher. 4). This is the hill visible from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, often mistaken for Ben Nevis itself! Further information relating to access rights and responsibilities can be found at https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/. Length 9.9 miElevation gain 4412 ftRoute type Out & back. Dalfaber Drive Hike along rugged trails up the flank of mighty Ben Nevis with a private guide. It is essential that you take a map suitable for navigating in the mountains, a compass, and knowledge of how to use them. There comes to me a death rate of about 20 people here in the area of Ben Nevis relatively small. Scotland is very fortunate to enjoy a right of responsible access to most land for non-motorised recreational purposes, including walking. Treat yourself after a great achievement in the hills with a good dinner and maybe even a wee drink :). 6). The mountain is located at the western wide of the Grampian Mountain … The percentages in some passages immediately remind me of the ascent to Schneekoppe. The summit plateau of Ben Nevis (Pic. Thousands of people climb Ben Nevis every year and, like it or not, all those pairs of boots have an impact on the mountain environment – even yours and mine! 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