wind and waterproof clothing is essential. Do not attempt the much more difficult CMD Arete without the experience of ridge walking. As Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis attracts a lot of attention, with people from the UK and overseas coming every year to make the climb. Because the summit is on the edge of the cliffs, and there are steep gullies on either side of the route down, it is absolutely essential that you know and are able to follow the correct directions to safely gain the lower slopes. The Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (NN 127 717) is a really convenient place to stay if you're planning to climb Ben Nevis. You might think they'll break down quickly, but they take a lot longer than you think because of the conditions up there and upset the ecology on the plateau. Everyone should have a map and compass with Mountaineering Scotland Participation Statement. If you are unsure about how to follow these directions you can refer to our navigation pages for more information, but it is vital that at least one of your party is confident about their navigation skills. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. Thousands of people do climb Ben Nevis every year, and the vast majority of them make it back down safely. Rock Climbing A rock climber's paradise, the North Face of Ben Nevis has steep jagged cliff edges which are 600m high in places and perfect for rock climbing. Even Search and Rescue Dog Millie looks cold on the upper slopes on Ben Nevis. “Who me? There are a series of large summit cairns to follow in bad weather. Further information can be viewed at Ben Nevis' own website. © 2021 Mountaineering Scotland 1 – Ben Nevis – 1344 m (4409 feet) Located in the Grampian Mountains … It is of major importance for British winter climbing, with many of … them and know how to use them in the event of poor visibility. However, I find Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. One of the most popular hikes in the country given its status as Britain’s highest peak, it is also surprisingly straightforward, even for hiking novices. Mountaineering Scotland recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Then follow a bearing of 282 degrees, which will take you down to the zig-zags on the mountain track, avoiding Five Finger Gully with its deceivingly gentle upper slopes but which has been scene of many accidents. It takes around 4 hours to climb to the top, and 3 hours to get down afterward. Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route. $67.61 per adult. Climbing Ben Nevis may not be as perilous as, say, Annapurna or Everest, but it is a wild place and things do go wrong. Climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain was a great day. Considerable efforts go into maintaining and repairing the mountain track each year, often by volunteers working in … More info. Thankfully, being surrounded by hundreds of people going through exactly the same thing kept me going. If there is an accident and you are in need of professional help, dial 999 or 112 and ask for Police and Mountain Rescue. Hill walking boots with a ‘Vibram’ sole are strongly recommended to protect your feet from the rocky terrain, prevent slips and to keep you warm. This was our second climb up Ben Nevis, and thanks to unbelievably clear weather, it was far better than our first climb, which was shrouded in mist and a chill wind. The summit of Ben Nevis is located at a height of 1,345 … terrain make it difficult or impossible to follow at times. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. Anything above 20mph will be arduous at 4000ft. Climbing Ben Nevis? To make sure that you don’t feel the way I did in the morning and to help you prepare for your hike. The morning of climbing ben nevis I was extremely nervous. A wee loch on Ben Nevis. less obvious. The climb took us 5.5 hours, but we are used to hillwalking (despite my struggles!) Suitable maps of Ben Nevis are produced by OrdnanceSurvey and Harvey Maps. Don’t attempt the Ben in winter unless you are a specialist climber. You can see just why Ben Nevis is so dangerous and deserves its name ‘the venomous’ mountain. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. I also use the Viewranger App which is a GPS tracker. Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right. However it is a demanding walk with many potential hazards and there are also accidents every year, many of which could have been avoided had the people involved been aware of the challenges involved. Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited, Our website uses cookies throughout our system and to help us provide a better service. You will also need a map and compass to help you navigate in poor visibility (see below). While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that Ben Nevis is not to be underestimated. I've not climbed Snowdon, but I do know its a shorter and lower climb, comparable to most of our Munros, Ben Nevis is quite a lot higher, but the path is very easy. The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and the return 3 hours. Ben Nevis attracts an estimated 125,000 complete and a further 100,000 partial ascents per year, most of which are made by walkers using the well-constructed Mountain Track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain. With an average of only 14 clear days a year on its summit, getting a good day on Ben Nevis is a wee bit of luck! Don’t forget to check out the wind speed. $67.48 per adult. Get a FREE Harvey's Ben Nevis Ultramap when you join Mountaineering Scotland - find out more here. Dave MacLeod writes: "First winter ascents of one grade VIII and two IX mixed routes on Ben Nevis and Glen Coe which I did during December. Simple At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. Always carry an extra battery pack if you plan to use an app. It is rare to get clear views from the top, and indeed the cloud had closed in. Ben Nevis is in Lochaber, around 1.5 miles from Fort William and is part of the Nevis Range of the Grampian mountains in Scotland. warm sweater or fleece. The normal time taken to climb to the top by the tourist path is three and a half to five hours - coming down is much faster, between one and a half to two and a half hours. Ben Nevis Mountain in Scotland. Ben Nevis is famous for being Britain's highest mountain, but notorious for being Britain's highest rubbish dump. Staff at the ranger base can provide you with all the latest information regarding conditions on the mountain (tel 01397 705922). But still pretty high. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the UK’s highest mountain at 1,345 m/ 4,411 ft high.. Not quite as high as the mighty Mt Everest in Nepal at 8,848 m/ 29,029 ft. Warm, It’s a tough, relentless climb and there’s much more scree up there than the others, but it’s still great preparation for climbing Ben Nevis. specialist equipment. This was our second climb up Ben Nevis, and thanks to unbelievably clear weather, it was far better than our first climb, which was shrouded in mist and a chill wind. Make a fairly simple summer ascent via Tower Ridge or challenge yourself and climb through ice and snow to conquer the peak in the heart of winter. Winter, spring, summer or autumn, Ben Nevis is always available for climbing. The route described here is the most popular ‘tourist’ route and suitable for most ability and experience levels. No. 130 reviews. We started our climb at 9 am. The Novice Walker should not attempt to walk up Ben Nevis between November and May, or during bad or cloudy weather. Facing the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, head left and cross the bridge over the River Nevis. 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! Does that mean you need a guide to do the Ben Nevis walk? high energy foods are best (e.g. This should include gloves, hat, The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and the return 3 hours. As well as exploring Ben Nevis, be sure to check out nearby Cairngorms and Glencoe mountain ranges. difficulties when the cloud lowers or snow covers the track making the route The best way to get to Ben Nevis is to stay in a hotel or BnB in Fort William or in Glen Nevis where there is a campsite and hostel. Taiwan's export orders likely rose in December for a 10th straight month, a Reuters poll showed, buoyed by continued demand for technology products during … Once you arrive in Scotland I would highly recommend that you hire a car. your footwear should provide good ankle support and have a firm sole with a Most of the time the Ben is hidden in deep cloud. To the South and West, a relatively gentle slope with a well-maintained footpath take you easily from Fort William to the summit. Check out my guide to hillwalking in Scotland. Climbing Ben Nevis: What you need to know When to go. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Climbing Ben Nevis is my dream thing to do and I really hope to cross it off my bucket list soon. Find out more about Mountaineering Scotland's #TakItHame anti litter campaign. Learn how your comment data is processed. Climbing on Ben Nevis Major features of the north face summit region. Yes, you need to have a reasonable fitness level and stamina. How hard you will find climbing Ben Nevis will totally depend on your fitness – and the type of exercise you are used to. and perched on a rock for a wee dram and a good old-fashioned cheese sarnie before we turned for home. Your pictures are stunning! Photo by Neil Reid. It’s smaller than Ben Nevis and Swindon at 978m, but the almost non-stop elevation of the climb means that it’s every bit as tough. There are toilets at the Inn at the bottom of Ben Nevis. However, if you decide to climb Ben Nevis via other routes, there are some discussions to have. Photo by Daniela Frendo. Volunteers do what they can, but the real solution is for people to always #TakItHame - take home whatever food wrappings, uneaten food and anything else that you carried up with you. And thanks for including tips!! Liability insurance is included in membership, so you have peace of mind when you're enjoying the outdoors! snow covers the upper part of the mountain you will also need an ice axe, rigid May be a good old-fashioned cheese sarnie before we turned for home surrounding mountains round trip depending your! First to build up your hill fitness levels ability and experience levels spare clothing as... 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