While this can be a great challenge, it is also tough-going and dangerous for newcomers to hiking. 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. The same cairns that guided you to the peak of Ben Nevis will assist you on the wa… Very hard going, shale most of way, wear walking boots not trainers etc, make sure u take wet weather gear also, the weather can change in an instant. It is a short walk between the summits of CDM and CMD. They came back with Atlas Mountaineering. From the CIC Hut, head up through the boulders towards the infamous Number Five Gully. All the time you’re still plodding relentlessly uphill. The path is wide, well made and clearly marked with wooden signposts down here. It’s far safer to take a bearing (there’s a reason the bearings are even printed on the Ben Nevis map). The winter ascentincreases in difficulty. To return, you could reverse your route and scramble all the way back again along the CMD. At this junction, head right and continue curving round and ever up the hill in front of you. Climbing Ben Nevis is relatively easy if you take the tourist footpath in summer. We’ve assumed summer (aka not snow!) The CMD ridge itself is a grade one scramble in the summer. Home schooling? Ben Nevis can be explored during winter or summer. Here are five essentials you need to put in your backpack when hiking Ben Nevis: First Aid Kit – at least a basic one with some blister plasters. There is a nice big cairn (abseil point) at the end of the CMD. You can learn winter skills and summit Ben Nevis or check out our UK hiking holidays for other peaks to climb and trails to hike. It takes around 4 hours to climb to the top, and 3 hours to get down afterward. Ben Nevis is located in the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William. Zoom in to see updated info. Now, as with all of our route guides, remember these are just that: guides. Descending Ben Nevis is relatively straight forward; you go back the way you came. The main route up the UK’s highest peak is long, dull and monotonous. As I was travelling solo I decided to find a guide to help me in climbing Ben Nevis – thank goodness. weather conditions. From the North Face car park, head out of the forest along tracks heading roughly south. There are loads of climbing routes that top out on this cliff, so little paths might not always lead you in the direction you’re hoping! Ben Nevis, although not as high as the mountains in the Himalayas does get snow on the top during the winter months. We’re your starting point, but from here it’s up to you to find out the details of the route and get yourself there and back safely. The mountain is located at the western wide of the Grampian Mountain range in Scottish Highlands. To begin with, if you have fair skin you might want to consider bringing sun cream and sunglasses to avoid getting burned or dazzled by the sun. Again, start at the North Face Car Park near Torlundy. This is not to be confused with Carn Dearg some 2km away on the other side of Ben Nevis. We’ll guide you through them one by one. So, is it easy to climb Ben Nevis? 2½ - 3½ hours. Either take the Mountain Path and turn at the lochan (as described in the CMD Route) or take it the whole way down into Glen Nevis. Regardless of whether you’re taking on the Three Peaks Challenge, it’s great to have that I’m-the-king-of-the-castle feeling of standing ontop of the highest point in the area, surveying your kingdom below you… I mean, the view. Follow the paths out of the forest and onwards to reach the river Allt a’Mhuillinn. Get quick answers from Ben Nevis staff and past visitors. At this point, you can choose to go off-piste and up the broad nose of Carn Beag Dearg, then along the peaks to the start of the CMD scramble. Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route. Again it’s worth taking a bearing. We reckon Shakespeare would probably get away with it. Startearly. Now for the scramble ridge itself. After I sent him an email the owner Connor actually rang me and asked if I knew what I was getting into. We pushed through the psychological “wall" a couple of times and kept going by reminding each other of why we were doing it and what it meant to our supporters and the BHF. However, if you decide to climb Ben Nevis via other routes, there are some discussions to have. How long it takes to climb Ben Nevis really depends on how fit you are and how many breaks you take but a rough guide is it will take you around 3½ - 4½ hours to climb it via the Mountain Track in summer under reasonable weather conditions. Distance to the Top: 6.5 km (4 miles)Ascent: 1300m (4275ft)Rough Time to the Top: 4 hoursFlavour: Wholesome. We also had a v experienced climbing group, fully equipped for any weather. We planned to make an early start but the weather was awful so stayed in bed for a few extra hours then started our ascent about 11am which is fine during a long summer’s day. The Novice Walker should not attempt to walk up Ben Nevis between November and May, or during bad or cloudy weather. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. It be ok though it will challenge you. You will see Carn Beag Dearg rising up on your left and the CMD in the distance ahead, leading up to Ben Nevis. The Ledge Route is the least well trodden of these three routes up Ben Nevis. Skip to about 3:35 in the video to get a feel for it! You’ll cross some little streams and then be treated to a series of zig-zags: there are nine in total and you will probably count them. The scrambling of the Ledge Route is Grade 1 in summer, significantly easier than everything else around it. Plus, the Ledge Route is considered a one way route by almost everyone. Park at the North Face carpark on the north side of Ben Nevis. Almost sounds poetic doesn’t it? Ready to reach Ben Nevis? You must be prepared to turn back if necessary and leave it for another day. Alternatively, you can continue below Carn Beag Dearg until a boggy path cuts off left. Get weekly inspiration, positive stories, exclusive community I am thinking of doing it middle of September with my son who is 10. Keep going, crossing little streams dropping from the slopes above, until the path stops at the CIC Hut. By far the most common route up Ben Nevis is the Mountain Track. You should be ok if the weather's good. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Descending Ben Nevis in summer generally takes around 2½ hours to 3½ hours. And it's a long slog, about 5-6 hours. If you want something a little more hands on and exciting than the Mountain Path, then the Carn Mor Dearg Arete might be the route for you. However, if you’re interested in winter mountains, check out How to Stay Safe in the UK’s Winter Mountains or better still sign up to Climb Ben Nevis in Winter. Hi,it’s mine and my husbands 40th’s next year and as well as a lot of other things planned we’d... Can you take a donkey to the summit with you ? It stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area. You should reach a large river: Allt a’Mhuillinn. The experience in each of the seasons will be quite different ! It goes without saying that it’s also the highest mountain in Scotland and therefore one of the mountains in the famous Three Peaks Challenge. For beginners, the best time to climb Ben Nevis is during the summer and autumn. You should be comfortable walking on loose boulders with a drop either side. The peak of Ben Nevis is accessible by a number of routes from a stroll up the simple pony track to ice climb’s up it’s fearsome north face. Follow your bearing or, on a clear day, the line of cairns up to the summit. It’s the same grade of scrambling as the CMD Arete and is technically a more direct route to the summit from the North Face. Don’t be fooled by the weather conditions down in Fort William, it will be very different on the upper slopes of Ben Nevis, so make sure you take warm and waterproof clothes including hat and gloves. What training do you need to do to climb Ben Nevis? For routes up Ben Nevis see h100 Ben Nevis via The Tourist Path from Achintee, Fort William But it’s very easy to stray into ground that’s much more difficult than Grade 1, if you’re not sure of the precise route. There's a lot to choose from, so we've listed some of the best hikes in Scotland, from the West Highland Way to Ben Nevis. September is possibly the best time to do Ben Nevis. The perfect time to enjoy the spectacular views from the peak! The weather conditions can include strong winds, freezing temperatures and thick snow. If you’re going to do this, look the route up in detail – you don’t want to accidentally find yourself on a rock climb. We get that it’s hard work coming up with original names for mountains, but seriously guys? There are two hiking routes up to the summit of Ben Nevis: the Mountain Track (also known as the Tourist Track or Pony Track) which is the most popular and best for non-professional climbers, and Carn Mor, the harder route for more experienced climbers. From here you have several options of descent. You should have a view out over the lochan (which is essentially a Scottish tarn) to your left as the path curves round the top of the gully and back on the ascent up Ben Nevis. The highest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis, in Scotland, clocking in at 1345m above sea level. From ice climbing and winter walking on Ben Nevis, rock climbing in Glen Nevis, skiing at Nevis Range, mountain biking in the woods, hillwalking in Glencoe, sea kayaking on the west coast and river kayaking, we can do it all at this time of year in Lochaber, the Outdoor Capital of the UK. So I would say if the weather is good and there is little or no snow. Bare in mind the weather wind rain snow etc is a different world up there, especially when you get it wrong. Your scramble route tops out on Carn Dearg (meaning “Red Cairn” in Gaellic). Although it is only a Grade 1 scramble, the ridgeline is very exposed. Carry on up the gully and then round the swooping bend in the path. ! It was a fantastic experience to attempt Ben Nevis, and whilst we didn't quite make the peak we are all very satisfied that we gave it our very best effort. This is the best route for summiting Ben Nevis without the need for climbing equipment or extensive previous mountaineering experience. Ken Crocket and Simon Richardson's book Ben Nevisis an excellent and inspiring chronicle of the highlights of these many adventures through the ages as the sport, culture, standards and approaches to climbing have evolved. Ben Nevis Training Guide: Part 4 – Nutrition ° How much it cost to download the 59 walks that climb all 214 Wainwrights? Pick up the good path beside the river (on the east side) and follow it for several kilometres into the bowl of the mountains, between Ben Nevis and the Carns. It’s known as the CMD Arete, or even just the CMD for short, because let’s face it – it’s pretty hard for most of us to pronounce Scottish place names convincingly! The path becomes narrower and more rocky here. However, since we don’t want to do any rock climbing, avoid Number Five and make your way onto the ridgeline. Or indeed Carn Mor Dearg (yes, that’s “Big Red Cairn”). Not to be confused with the next peak along, Carn Mor Dearg, which gives our scramble route its name. When is the best time to walk up Ben Nevis. We are expecting to start climbing to The summit at 2pm, will We be able to come back till dark... where is the best place to start the walk after parking the car is it ben nevis inn. There is a good balance between weather and congestion (yes the mountain can get busy). The maps we’ve embedded are only a rough outline too. Going between June-September will severely reduce your risk of extreme weather conditions. Distance to the Top: 9km (5.5 miles) Ascent: 1280m (4200ft) Rough … You’ll soon reach the prominent path. You will; therefore, need to prepare for all weather. The route up Ben Nevis is longer than the Mountain Path and can be made into a long horseshoe shaped walk if you want. How to Stay Safe in the UK’s Winter Mountains, Scrambling in the UK | A Quick Adventure Guide, How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland | A Guide, 14 Adventures to Fuel Your New Year's Resolutions, Dust off the Wanderlust: 11 New Adventures for 2021. The first ascent of the Ben's first recorded route, … However, it’s easy to accidentally find yourself in the middle of a rock climbing route if you don’t know where you’re going. Go to the visitors’ centre for up to date information. Finally, the path approaches the plateau – you’re still going uphill, but by comparison it’s flat! Our guide to climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom at 1345m. Arrive the night before you attempt to complete the Climb Ben Nevis Challenge, and relax knowing that you won’t have far to go after the challenge is done. Furthermore, in November the days are pretty short - much shorter in Scotland than they are in London - so it unlikely you will be able to complete the walk in daylight - so take a good torch and get some practice walking in the hills in the dark. Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis. Your best route of descent is probably back the way you came. When we got to the top the weather was atrocious and I got quite cold so we put up an emergency shelter. Don’t cross, but instead follow the river uphill along its eastern bank on a decent path. > Check out our full guide to the best hiking in Scotland. Good luck. You might also need extra equipment, like crampons and an ice axe (usually provided by your certified guide). When to Walk and How Long will it Take? There is a good balance between weather and congestion (yes the mountain can get busy). Climbing Ben Nevis when there is snow on the ground or the weather is less than ideal is an entirely different ball game and you should allow up to 8 hours (or more) for the ascent. Do not rely on them as your sole form of navigation in the mountains. You might also like Scrambling in the UK | A Quick Adventure Guide. Hi there, that's hard for me to answer as the only time I've climbed it has been in August. Start from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. Climb Ben Nevis Weekend. Skip to two minutes in the video for the start of the scramble and to 4:58 for the kind of route finding problems you’ll be facing. At this point, there is a right hand turn that takes you on a good path back down to the North Face carpark. The 1-day summer ascent can be done from June to August. This is yet another scramble, this time climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route on the North Face and up to Carn Dearg (1221) and along to the summit. It is also possible to do the CMD from the ski centre carpark and cut across to the main path. On a clear day, you can enjoy views across the whole of the Scottish Highlands. Pic 6 – Lochain Meall an t-Suidhe, “the halfway lochain”. Map updates are paused. If you climb Ben Nevis in June or July you may well find that you’re in summer at the base and in winter at the summit! For really low visibility, ensure you know how to take a bearing with your map and compass. Although can you really call it a rhyme if it’s the same word? Ben Nevis, in Fort William, Scotland, is the highest mountain in the UK, standing tall at 1,345m. Spring, summer and autumn months are the best times to climb Ben Nevis as long as you are fully prepared for the weather conditions. This will take you across the lower slopes of CBD and then up to the summit of Carn Dearg Meadhonach. We started our climb at 9 am. Height Gained – 1300 metres, Distance – 8 km, Time –4-5 hours – ONE WAY ONLY. Whatever you call it, this is the easiest route up Ben Nevis – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. September is possibly the best time to do Ben Nevis. It’s a little longer, but less steep. Ben Nevis Walk Time. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. In July, 8am is a good time - 7am is better. Possible if the North Face carpark is shut, but a bit out of your way really. This is the hill visible from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, often mistaken for Ben Nevis itself! The top trig point and observatory is just to the left of the last cairn. Cross the road and then a wooden bridge over the River Nevis. Most of the ice has melted by this point, the weather is calmer and you have much better visibility. I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t help wondering why your son isn’t in school mid-September? Here’s the dangerous bit in poor weather: it’s very easy to wander off the edge of a cliff to your right. Head up to where the contouring path from Achintee House meets the one you’re on. Here, Tom Hardie details the one he thinks is best… Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg. Take the right kit, don't do it in plimsolls like I did, I'm sure you will be fine. Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route. When I think of Scotland, I tend to think of haggis, Edinburgh and Ben Nevis. You will have incredible views of the north face of Ben Nevis the whole way. You could start your walk from the other end of that path, if you preferred. Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in both Scotland and the British Isles. And the winter ascents, during November to April. A glen is essentially a valley with a river running down it, so funnily enough the River Nevis runs below Ben Nevis. It’s the best preparation in England for Ben Nevis, so if it’s your local mountain you’ve got an ideal practice ground ahead of climbing Ben Nevis. The CMD arete is a narrow, rocky ridge that curves down from Carn Mor Dearg and then up to Ben Nevis. Spend the weekend in the Grampian Mountains. So factor this in when planning your trip. If you want to climb Ben Nevis, there are three main routes people take. LOTS of water! From here, walk south until you join up with the Mountain Path and follow it up to the summit of Ben Nevis. The best time to go is in the summer - July, when it's sunny.The midges are not usually too bad on Ben Nevis itself but they canbe horrific on the lower slopes, better add insect repellent tothat list!Start the walk at the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis. No routes up Ben Nevis tick that box, so they decided the route needed some rebranding. more. Alternatively, if you’re having a very good day, you could complete a horseshoe by descending via the CMD Arete. – Take at least 2 litres of water with you! But that’s probably a bit nuts and you might not have time left before it gets dark. Just after a small bridge, the path turns sharply into the valley containing the Red Burn, climbing more steeply to Lochain Meall an t-Suidhe. Then it’s just a small hike up the remaining slope to the summit of Ben Nevis. An alternative would be to descend down the Mountain Path until the lochan. Thousands of people climb the UK’s highest mountain every year on a number of different routes. I would say july-august is best. One for a nice day! Even in summer, Ben Nevis can be very cold, wet, windy and covered in snow; and remember, it will get colder and windier the higher you climb. This used to be known at the Tourist Track by pretty much everyone, but that kind of implied an easy dawdle along a tarmaced track in your flipflops. You really need local knowledge based on the forecast at the time. Going hiking in Scotland? Also be aware that it is a strenuous climb and decent (we thought that the decent was tougher on the legs), ensure that you've got a "tough" 10 year old! invites and other weird and wonderful stuff. The navigation is generally very easy and the weather conditions are just like Ben Nevis and Snowdon. I emailed the hotel I was staying at (The Lime Tree) and asked for a recommendation.. You’re comparing it to scrambles and climbs. It has a summit of 1,345 metres (4,413 ft) above sea level. Distance to the Top: 9km (5.5 miles)Ascent: 1390m (4550ft)Rough Time to the Top: 4.5 hours at leastFlavour: Spicy. You cannot go back down the mountain the way you came. Ben Nevis has several different trails that can be taken, each trail will have a different completion time. Extra Layers (Warm Clothes) Waterproof/Windproof Jacket. This is what this article is about: helping you to choose a route, plan your trip, and reach the summit of Ben … It’s been estimated that over 150,000 people climb Ben Nevis every year, and most people take the recommended Tourist Path (also known as the Ben Nevis Mountain Track or Pony Track) and climb between the months of May and October. We’ll provide you with two nights of accommodation with breakfast included at a hostel in the heart of the Grampians. The route used to climb Ben Nevis is the Mountain Track. Suncream – Yep, i’m not joking. You’re past your last signpost: here be mountains. Distance to the Top: 9km (5.5 miles)Ascent: 1280m (4200ft)Rough Time to the Top: 3 hours at leastFlavour: Sweet and Sour. 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. A big day out, but one you’ll certainly remember. With nearly 120 years of climbing history, ground breaking routes and legendary stories of bravery on the cliffs throughout, the mountain is steeped in history. If you lose your bearings on the summit, head from the trig to the stone pillar and head left along the edge of the gully. The starting point for Ben Nevis is the Visitors Centre where you can receive up to date information on the conditions at the summit of Ben Nevis. I have climbed as early as Feb and as late as Oct and would say Sept is the best month. Everything you need to know to cheat in a pub quiz about Annapurna I - the deadliest mountain in the world, on the Annapurna massif in the Himalayas. Obviously it will be cooler in September, just make sure you dress in layers. Climbing Ben Nevis: Finding a Guide. I have climbed as early as Feb and as late as Oct and would say Sept is the best month. The descent from the summit back to your starting point will normally take approx. 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