How long does it take to Climb Ben Nevis? Route details and information
Planning your Ben Nevis guided walk can seem a bit daunting, but it’s a lot easier if you know what to expect and if you have an expert guide. The climb can be an amazing experience; exhilarating, exhausting and spectacular.
How long will it take to Climb Ben Nevis?
The mountain path ascent will generally take between 3 to 5 hours, with a further 2 1/2 to 5 hours descent. Obviously, times will vary depending on a number of factors including your fitness, how often you stop for a break and the season. Snow and ice during winter make the climb much more difficult, requiring specialist specialist knowledge and equipment to take on the challenge.
What is The Mountain Track like?
The most common route up the mountain was originally designed as a bridle path giving access to the old observatory at the summit. The The Pony Track is now known as the Mountain Track – it is the simplest route to the summit. Accessible and walkable without specialist equipment or hiking experience, this is the walk we follow at Ben Nevis Guides. This route is still challenging, and requires plenty of stamina to make it to the top. Climbing the highest mountain in the UK was never going to be easy!
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. The track itself is a rocky path which zig-zags and becomes quite steep in places. It provides you with some beautiful views up Glen Nevis. As you climb the valley of the Red Burn you will head towards the Loch Meall an t-Suidhe. Still ascending, you will cross the Red Burn stream after which the going becomes less steep, still zig-zagging up the mountain.
There are several places where it is easy to take the wrong path if you don’t have an experienced guide. You will pass steep scree fields falling to Five Finger Gully where you can catch some spectacular views of the Glen in good weather. As you reach the summit plateau, the path becomes less steep, passing by more gullies. Having finally reached the summit, you can take in the awe inspiring views over the Highlands. You can also find cairns, memorials and the remains of the observatory from the late 19th century.
A climb to the summit of Ben Nevis should not be undertaken lightly. To the uninformed and the unwary, it poses many dangers. However, with the right local guide, you can enjoy the challenge of climbing this awe-inspiring, beautiful mountain.
There are plenty of other routes on The North Face, available that are even more challenging, and something experienced hikers will be guaranteed to enjoy. These are not recommended for beginners, though, as they require skills and knowledge beyond that of a novice hiker.
