There are around 100,000 ascents of Ben Nevis each year with the majority of tourists using the walking route accessible via lower Glen Nevis. This track was created in 1883 at the same time as the observatory and is more commonly referred to as the ‘Pony Track’. The track goes right to the summit through a series of windy paths up the western face, most climbers tend to use the Allt a’ Mhuilinn path which leads to the cliffs which is accessible via the ‘North Face Car park’ in Torlundy along the A82 before the turn off for Nevis Range.

Whichever route you decide to take be sure to wear the right gear!!! Kit up for the mountain with its snowy peak, changeable weather and unforgiving winds or you’ll find yourself being carried off by one of the friendly faces of the the busiest Mountain Rescue Team in the UK. The inexperienced walker can expect to see the summit in between 4 and 6 hours with the sure footed veterans hitting the top in under 3, but however long it takes you the views from the top will make it all worthwhile!!!

If you like your history the first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was made on the 17th of August 1771 but James Robertson, a botanist from Edinburgh, who was in the region to collecting botanical specimens. Also the first record for fastest time up and down the Ben was set in 1895 by William Swan, a local hairdresser who ran to the summit and back in 2 hours 41 minutes!

There are plenty facilities nearby Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis including hostels, camp sites and Bed & Breakfasts to rest your arching bones, all of which are only minutes from the town centre of Fort William.  If you plan to stay in Fort William itself then check out our list of Fort William Hotels nearby Ben Nevis.

Interesting facts:

On 17th May 2006 a piano that had been buried under one of the cairns on the peak was uncovered by the John Muir Trust which owns much of the mountain. The piano is thought to have been shouldered to the top for charity by removal men from Dundee some 20 years earlier.

To get a live stream of Ben Nevis, check out The Ben Nevis Webcam!

There’s a path linking Fort William and its communities with Glen Nevis. There are views at several points, looking down on Fort William, up onto Ben Nevis and out along Loch Eil towards Glenfinnan. It’s really popular with locals who can walk into town, onto Cow Hill or into Glen Nevis, why not try it yourself? Find out more on the Forestry Commission’s website.

Photos copyright and courtesy of Ciera Harvey