Hiking Ben Nevis | Climbing the UK’s Highest Peak from Glen Nevis

Overview

Distance: 16.0 km
Average Duration: 7–9 hrs
Difficulty Level: Easy/Intermediate (depending on time of year)
Total Elevation Gain: 1,350 m
Start/Finish: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre – Ben Nevis Visitor Centre

Note: The Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park is only a 10-minute walk from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, making it an ideal base for the hike.

The Ben Nevis hike is one of the most iconic mountain walks in the United Kingdom, reaching 1,345 metres above sea level. Whether you’re tackling it in summer or winter, the Ben Nevis climb offers a memorable experience — from the lush valleys of Glen Nevis to the snow-covered summit and sweeping Highland views.

Planning Your Ben Nevis Hike

Getting There

I drove directly to the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park and walked to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to begin the hike.

Season

I climbed Ben Nevis in June, when conditions were clear but still cool at higher elevations. The best time to climb Ben Nevis is typically June to August.

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or entrance fees required to hike Ben Nevis.

Water

I carried 2 litres of water, as there are no safe refill points along the trail. However, natural waterfalls are available for those who wish to use purification tablets.

Food

I ate breakfast before setting off and packed sandwiches and snacks for the hike. Since the Ben Nevis walk can take 7–9 hours, plan for a full-day food supply.

Accommodation Near Ben Nevis

I stayed at the Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park, located within walking distance of the trailhead.
The site offers pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and RVs, with clean facilities and scenic mountain views — ideal for anyone planning to hike Ben Nevis early in the morning.

The Hike: Climbing Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track

Having heard so much about the grandeur of Ben Nevis, I was eager to see it for myself. I started early, knowing this would be a full-day adventure. The sun was rising over the Nevis Range as I left the campsite, the air crisp and still.

The Ben Nevis Mountain Track begins gently, winding through a green valley with a gradual incline. The trail was peaceful at first, with a few other early risers heading the same way.

The first few hours were manageable, the path wide and well-maintained. We paused occasionally to admire the views — each stop revealing a broader panorama of the Scottish Highlands. The lush glen stretched below, while the upper slopes began to show hints of snow.

By the halfway point, I noticed the temperature had dropped sharply. Patches of snow began to appear, and the wind picked up. Despite hiking in June, there was still nearly a metre of snow near the summit. It was surreal — starting in 24°C sunshine and finishing among snowdrifts.

When I stopped to ask a descending hiker how far was left, he said “about two hours.” That nearly broke my spirit — but twenty minutes later, I reached the Ben Nevis summit.

The peak was cloaked in mist, but the sense of accomplishment was immense. Even with clouds hiding the views, standing on the highest point in the UK was a moment to savour. We took photos, shared smiles with fellow hikers, and absorbed the rare calm before heading down.

Descending Ben Nevis

The descent tested my knees more than the climb itself. After several long hiking days in Scotland, I relied heavily on my trekking pole for support. The snow gradually gave way to gravel, and the familiar wide path reappeared as we dropped back toward the valley.

By the time I reached the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, I was exhausted but deeply content — that satisfying fatigue only a mountain can give you. The snow had made the journey slower but also unforgettable.

Reflecting back at the base, I realised how much this mountain lives up to its reputation. Ben Nevis is a challenge, but also one of the most rewarding hikes in the UK.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Ben Nevis

If you’re planning to hike Ben Nevis, give yourself plenty of time, prepare for rapid weather changes, and start early. Even in summer, snow can linger at the top, so pack warm layers.

Having already climbed Snowdon and soon to tackle Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis was a true highlight of my time hiking in the Scottish Highlands. It’s not just a climb — it’s a memory that stays with you.