Just one of the fantastic panoramic views from the slopes of Ben Nevis showing Loch Linnhe round to the Sound of Mull to the left, and Loch Eil and the Road to the Isles on the right.
The Novice Walker should not attempt to walk up Ben Nevis between November and May, or during bad or cloudy weather. 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.
The Tourist Path is the only path which should be attempted by the novice walker.
The Tourist Path is the only path which should be attempted by the novice walker.
It is strongly advised that you return by the same route.. Many people, attempting an alternative, have become stuck by the sudden steepness which they incurr half way down the hill although the route looked simple from the top. If fog suddenly descends (as is very likely at any time of year) you could be in real danger.
From the beginning...
Looking down into Glen Nevis
Tip: Take a camera with you and start snapping those breathtaking views as you go up! You may find that the cloud cover has come down by the time you reach the top, and you can't see anything!
Achintee
To get to the start of the walk follow the signs for Achintee, Claggan Industiral Estate, and then take the turn to Achintee where the Tourist Path starts.
The Ben Nevis walk lets you know what you are in for from the beginning. After crossing the bridge over the River Nevis you will start to climb steeply using the steps conveniently provided. After the initial steepness the path does even out to a more moderate slog. The path is very well trodden, and apart from in very poor weather hard to miss. You will also find yourself amongst other walkers - this is not a walk if you like to be completely alone!
To get to the start of the walk follow the signs for Achintee, Claggan Industiral Estate, and then take the turn to Achintee where the Tourist Path starts.
The Ben Nevis walk lets you know what you are in for from the beginning. After crossing the bridge over the River Nevis you will start to climb steeply using the steps conveniently provided. After the initial steepness the path does even out to a more moderate slog. The path is very well trodden, and apart from in very poor weather hard to miss. You will also find yourself amongst other walkers - this is not a walk if you like to be completely alone!
Rising Higher
The path winds up the mountain, presenting you with different views and photo opportunities. It is fascinating to stop and look around you, gradually seeing the hills opposite you, and then starting to rise above them, until evenutally you are higher than anything else.
The path winds up the mountain, presenting you with different views and photo opportunities. It is fascinating to stop and look around you, gradually seeing the hills opposite you, and then starting to rise above them, until evenutally you are higher than anything else.
Rising higher and above the neighbourin hills - note the clearly marked path laid out below (and the ever present sheep!).
Apart from your human companions you will pass sheep and more sheep on your way - when your legs are aching they will seem to mock you with their easy agility on these rocky slopes.
As you take your rest breaks you can look up to the Ben and see the path zig zagging above you. Once at the end of the swtichbacks you will think you are nearly at the summit - your legs will be telling you you cannot go much further, the terrain changes from pleasant green to the grey of rocks. You feel the end is in sight and will be tempted to stop and ask someone coming down (you can recognise the triumphant (albeit tired) look of those who have made it to the top) how much further you have to go. Be warned - the reply will be something like 'another two hours'. It is at this point the novice walker will feel like crying, giving up and will have thoughts of home. But don't despair - you can do this! (and on the way back down you will be able to smile sympathically at those struggling up and optimistically asking if they are nearly there, and pass on the bad news to them in turn!)
As you take your rest breaks you can look up to the Ben and see the path zig zagging above you. Once at the end of the swtichbacks you will think you are nearly at the summit - your legs will be telling you you cannot go much further, the terrain changes from pleasant green to the grey of rocks. You feel the end is in sight and will be tempted to stop and ask someone coming down (you can recognise the triumphant (albeit tired) look of those who have made it to the top) how much further you have to go. Be warned - the reply will be something like 'another two hours'. It is at this point the novice walker will feel like crying, giving up and will have thoughts of home. But don't despair - you can do this! (and on the way back down you will be able to smile sympathically at those struggling up and optimistically asking if they are nearly there, and pass on the bad news to them in turn!)
Scree
Once on this lunar landscape the path is only just distinquishable from the rocks around it, and in bad weather easy to lose. It is fairly common to have to climb through snow here, and the cairns that you will pass, some with crosses poking out of them, are where they have found the bodies of climbers. This is a serious walk. So stick to the path.
Once on this lunar landscape the path is only just distinquishable from the rocks around it, and in bad weather easy to lose. It is fairly common to have to climb through snow here, and the cairns that you will pass, some with crosses poking out of them, are where they have found the bodies of climbers. This is a serious walk. So stick to the path.
As a novice walker you will be very tired - but you are not in a race. You will be close to your goal, and it would be a shame to give up now. So pace yourself - if you have to stop to catch your breath or stretch your muscles every couple of minutes, DO. There is no shame in taking this last part slowly.
The Summit
Eventually you will reach the summit. The top of the Ben is very flat, and big enough from two football pitches. It is not the traditional mountain peak you imagine, and the actual highest point is the cairn - you will have to take your turn to stand on the top, but cameras will be passed around, and someone will always take your photo for you to prove you have reached the top! (Once back in Fort William you can get T-shirts printed or buy a certificate to record your feat, but nothing is the real proof of a photo).
The Summit
Eventually you will reach the summit. The top of the Ben is very flat, and big enough from two football pitches. It is not the traditional mountain peak you imagine, and the actual highest point is the cairn - you will have to take your turn to stand on the top, but cameras will be passed around, and someone will always take your photo for you to prove you have reached the top! (Once back in Fort William you can get T-shirts printed or buy a certificate to record your feat, but nothing is the real proof of a photo).
The lunar landscape of the rocky ascent to the summit of Ben Nevis
Sit down a while, take a break, explore the ruins of the old observatory (you may find you need to take shelter within the walls on a windy day) and then start to think about making your way down.
The Descent
Coming down won't require as much stamina as going up, but it is still very hard on your legs. If you are unused to hill walking, by the time you're at the bottom you will probably be feeling every stone on the path through the soles of your boots, and will be very pleased that you invested in a good pair!
Don't plan on doing anything very strenuous that evening or the next day - your legs won't let you. Depending on your level of fitness and how used to walking up and down steep slopes you are, you may find it takes a few days before you can easily tackle even the gentlest of inclines again.
But who cares? You have reached the top of the highest mountain in the UK - be justifyably proud of yourself and have a good rest. You have earned it!
Coming down won't require as much stamina as going up, but it is still very hard on your legs. If you are unused to hill walking, by the time you're at the bottom you will probably be feeling every stone on the path through the soles of your boots, and will be very pleased that you invested in a good pair!
Don't plan on doing anything very strenuous that evening or the next day - your legs won't let you. Depending on your level of fitness and how used to walking up and down steep slopes you are, you may find it takes a few days before you can easily tackle even the gentlest of inclines again.
But who cares? You have reached the top of the highest mountain in the UK - be justifyably proud of yourself and have a good rest. You have earned it!
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