Explore Scotland - Ben Nevis

Overview

Distance: 16.0 km

Average Duration: 7-9 hrs

Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate (depending on the time of year)

Total Elevation Gain: 1,350 m

Start/Finish: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre– Ben Nevis Visitor Centre

Note: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park is a 10-minute walk from Ben Nevis Visitor Centre (the start and end of the hike)

The Hike

Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom, rises proudly to 1,345 metres above sea level in the Scottish Highlands. Hiking this iconic mountain is a bucket-list experience for many outdoor enthusiasts, and while it may be known for its challenging conditions in winter, a summer ascent provides its own unique set of rewards and challenges. With around a metre of snow still clinging to its summit, the journey up Ben Nevis in summer becomes a breathtaking yet demanding adventure. In this blog I hope to answer FAQ's such as, how high is Ben Nevis? How long to climb Ben Nevis? and recommend ben nevis accommodation.

Planning

Getting There: I drove to the campsite and walked from there.

Season: I climbed Ben Nevis in June; it’s best from June-August.

Permits & Fees: No permit or entrance fees are necessary.

Water: I took 2 litres as there isn’t a fresh drinking source on the route, however you could use chlorine tablets if you wanted to carry less as there are natural waterfalls.

Food: I ate breakfast before we left and took sandwiches and snacks. It’s a 7–9-hour day so you will require food for the journey.

Accommodation

I stayed at the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park. As it was summer and around 24 degrees we used a standard tent.

The Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park has pitches for tents caravans, motorhomes, and RV’s.

Trail Notes

Having heard stories from others about the grandeur of Ben Nevis, I was ready to take on the challenge, knowing that it wouldn't be a walk in the park. This wasn’t going to be just any summer hike, a metre of snow still clung to the summit, and I was eager to experience what that would mean for my journey.

I started early, knowing that this hike would require the full day. The sun was just beginning to rise over the Nevis range as I made my way to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, this was only a 10 minute walk from the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park. The weather was promising, with clear skies and no sign of rain. I was in great shape and not at all concerned about anything we’d come across.

We double checked our gear, boots fastened well, and waterproofs packed just in case., I knew the climate could change at any moment. We headed off, joining a steady stream of other hikers on the path. The trail began gently, winding through the lush green valley, flanked by towering mountains. As I walked, I noticed how peaceful it was.

The first couple of hours were relatively easy going. We took regular breaks but mainly to appreciate the moment and take some photos. The path was wide and well maintained, with a steady but manageable incline. As I moved higher, the views over the glen below became more spectacular, the lush greens contrasting against the rocky slopes of Ben Nevis.

The higher we got, the more I felt the cold creeping in. By the time I reached the half way point, I’d resorted to wearing a jacket. The summer sun had given way to a chill, and I could already see patches of snow scattered across the slopes ahead of me.

It wasn’t long before the snowline began. By this point, I was quite tired and we appeared to be running a little later than I’d anticipated. I was a little annoyed so I asked a fellow hike on their way down how far was there left to go? He replied “you’ve got about 2 hours left yet” Well I sat down and contemplated things a bit. I was now very frustrated; it didn’t make any sense at all. We’d planned it all well, we couldn’t have been more than half an hour away even with our frequent breaks. We pushed on and after less than 20 minutes arrived at the summit. The peak, still capped in snow despite the season. The sight of it was surreal. The temperature had dropped significantly, and I was quite shocked to see almost a metre of snow. I can’t tell you how odd it felt to have started the day in low to mid twenty degree weather to experiencing this amount of snow.

Although a little cloudy the views were great. Panoramic vistas of the Highlands were hidden behind the mist. But that didn’t matter. Standing on top of Ben Nevis felt like a sense of achievement. It is the highest point in the UK, and despite the clouds, I knew that I was experiencing something special.

We stuck around for a little while, took a few photos to capture the moment. The summit was fairly busy, but it’s quite a wide space for people to congregate.

Descending Ben Nevis proved to be more challenging than ascending for me. I tend to suffer from soar knees when descending and I’d completed quite a lot of hiking prior to this trip. It wasn’t anything too serious though, when I felt my knees becoming an issue I simply used my pole to support.

The final stretch of the hike was familiar again, with the path becoming wider and easier to follow. My legs ached, my body was tired, but there was a contentment in me that only comes after a day spent in nature.

As I sat at the base of Ben Nevis, catching my breath, I reflected on the experience. The hike had been tougher than I imagined, but also far more rewarding. The snow at the summit had added an element of surprise, and though it had slowed me down, it made the hike unforgettable. There was something magical about seeing the snow so late in the summer.

I really enjoyed hiking all over Scotland, Ben Nevis was of course a highlight. I’d already completed Snowdon and in under a week was due to pass through the Lake District to complete Scafell Pike. Two down, one to go (but not in 24 hours) Ben Nevis is well worth doing, plan for a whole day and take your time.