Climbing Ben Nevis: a practical guide for first-timers

How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis?

For most walkers, climbing Ben Nevis takes 7–9 hours round trip.

• Ascent: ~4 hours
• Descent: ~3 hours

We started at 9am and reached the halfway point, the Red Burn and Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (570m) in just over an hour.

From there on, the climb became significantly harder.

Despite being fit and used to long walks, the next 500 metres of ascent to me still felt endless.

The well-made path turns into slippery shale, uneven rocks, and exhausting zigzags. What kept me going was seeing hundreds of others pushing through exactly the same struggle.

At around 1200m, it is most likely that the views will vanish and you will entered thick fog, a stark reminder of why Ben Nevis is considered such a dangerous mountain in poor conditions.

Weather note: Ben Nevis averages only 14 clear summit days per year, so good conditions always involve a bit of luck.

Is climbing Ben Nevis dangerous?

Not in good weather and with the right gear. However,

• The Weather on Ben Nevis can change rapidly
• Navigation on the summit is very difficult in fog
• Accidents often happen on descent – you are a lot more tired so make sure you can hike at least 10 miles and have done some beginners munros.
• You will require the proper clothing & navigation tools are essential

Common mistakes people make on Ben Nevis

• Underestimating weather
• Wearing trainers
• Not starting early
• Skipping navigation prep and not telling people when they expect to be back.
• Ignoring descent difficulty

What to pack for Ben Nevis

• Waterproof jacket & trousers
• Hat & gloves (even in summer)
• Warm layer (down or fleece)
• Sturdy walking boots and good walking socks
• Food & water (more than you think you’ll need)
• Map + compass and an understanding of how to use it.
• Phone + battery pack
• Torch (even in summer)
• First aid kit

What Is the summit of Ben Nevis like?

The summit of Ben Nevis is often very cold, even on clear summer days.

Even on a good day, the summit can be freezing. After a quick summit photo, layered up – hat, gloves, and down jacket are essential – and enjoy a well-earned snack before heading back down.

When Is the best time to climb Ben Nevis?

There’s no perfect time — Ben Nevis has a wet, windy alpine climate year-round.

That said, I find May and September offer the best balance of daylight, conditions, and fewer crowds.

Do not attempt Ben Nevis in winter unless you are experienced and properly equipped.

Before your walk, always check multiple forecasts:

• Ben Nevis Weather Forecast (dedicated service)
• MWIS (West Highland Forecast)
• The Met Office Mountain Weather
• Mountain Forecast

Wind speeds over 20mph can be extremely challenging near the summit.

How hard is it to climb Ben Nevis?

This depends entirely on your fitness and walking experience.

• Distance: 11 miles round trip
• Ascent: 5.4 miles uphill and downhill (the climbing down is much worse than going up!)

Before attempting Ben Nevis, you should be comfortable:

• Walking 10 miles regularly
• Climbing smaller hills or beginner Munros

Beginner hillwalker? Build experience first — Ben Nevis is not a casual walk, despite what the “tourist route” name suggests.

Which Ben Nevis Route should I take?

If you’re not an experienced hillwalker, stick to:

The Mountain Path (Pony Track)

• The most popular and safest route
• Well-maintained but still steep and relentless
• Includes exposed sections near the top, including Gardyloo Gully

Do not attempt the CMD Arête unless you are confident with ridge walking.

In poor visibility, follow the summit cairns carefully – and please don’t build new cairns, as they can mislead others in fog.

Are there toilets on Ben Nevis?

No.

Is there a cable car up Ben Nevis?

No. The Nevis Range Gondola goes up Aonach Mòr, not Ben Nevis.

Maps & Navigation

• Walkhighlands: Mountain Path 
• Ordnance Survey map of Ben Nevis
• GPS apps (e.g. OS App) — carry a battery pack. Never rely on a phone alone.

Fancy climbing Ben Nevis yourself?

If I can do it, struggling, doubting, but determined, then you probably can too.

Just plan carefully, respect the mountain, and choose the right day.

Where to stay near Ben Nevis

Love from Scotland x