Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis
4.7
About
Fondly called "Ben" by the locals, Britain's highest mountain towers 4,406 feet above the town of Fort William.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Bee H
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Couples
Ben Nevis: The mountain that’ll make you feel like a champion and a couch potato at the same time. Standing at 1,345 meters, it’s the UK’s highest peak, and while it may sound impressive, it’s got more twists and turns than a soap opera plotline.
First, let’s talk about the hike. The Mountain Track, the "easy" route, is like the polite invitation to a party. It says “Come on in, it’s fine, it’s just a little steep,” and then proceeds to throw in rocks, mud, and the kind of wind that could knock a person off their feet and into the next postcode. If you can get past the stingy weather, you’ll start questioning why you didn’t just go to the gym instead.
The views at the top? Well, if you’re lucky enough to not be trapped in a cloud, you’ll be treated to some truly stunning scenery. But if the weather is typical Scottish fashion (read: miserable), you’ll get a good view of… fog. Lots of fog. And perhaps your own, sweat-soaked reflection in a puddle of rainwater. A real “I’m so glad I came up here for this” moment.
And let’s not forget the company! It’s like a mountain-sized social event. Everyone and their dog (literally) is there, so if you enjoy mingling with strangers while gasping for air, you’re in the right place. The summit’s a bit like a high-altitude meet-and-greet, except everyone’s too out of breath to actually talk.
But, at the end of the day, after the sweat, the mud, the near-death experiences, and the occasional existential crisis halfway up, you’ll reach the top, and you’ll feel like the king or queen of the world. You’ll shout “I DID IT!” while your legs quietly collapse under you, but hey, at least you can say you conquered the highest mountain in Britain... before promptly heading to the nearest pub for a well-deserved pint.
First, let’s talk about the hike. The Mountain Track, the "easy" route, is like the polite invitation to a party. It says “Come on in, it’s fine, it’s just a little steep,” and then proceeds to throw in rocks, mud, and the kind of wind that could knock a person off their feet and into the next postcode. If you can get past the stingy weather, you’ll start questioning why you didn’t just go to the gym instead.
The views at the top? Well, if you’re lucky enough to not be trapped in a cloud, you’ll be treated to some truly stunning scenery. But if the weather is typical Scottish fashion (read: miserable), you’ll get a good view of… fog. Lots of fog. And perhaps your own, sweat-soaked reflection in a puddle of rainwater. A real “I’m so glad I came up here for this” moment.
And let’s not forget the company! It’s like a mountain-sized social event. Everyone and their dog (literally) is there, so if you enjoy mingling with strangers while gasping for air, you’re in the right place. The summit’s a bit like a high-altitude meet-and-greet, except everyone’s too out of breath to actually talk.
But, at the end of the day, after the sweat, the mud, the near-death experiences, and the occasional existential crisis halfway up, you’ll reach the top, and you’ll feel like the king or queen of the world. You’ll shout “I DID IT!” while your legs quietly collapse under you, but hey, at least you can say you conquered the highest mountain in Britain... before promptly heading to the nearest pub for a well-deserved pint.
Written 20 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MalukuMood
Nijmegen, The Netherlands380 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Challenging long mountain walk from sea level, zigzag through the mountains. Be well informed in advance about the weather conditions, these are decisive whether or not you can start and do the walk safely! Of course there are no paved roads so good footwear is a must. You really have to be a hiker to take on this challenge. Each time there is a different altitude perspective from which you have beautiful views such as lakes, waterfalls, snow. Dress in layers. Be sure to bring enough drinks and some food and take timely breaks. Don't forget to take photos too. There are no sanitary facilities.
Once at the top, we (me, husband and 13 year old son) were pleasantly surprised towards the top with a lot of snow and we eventually arrived at the monument and weather station. Everyone is happy to record this victory. Don't stay at the top for too long, it is cold and you still have to go back. Coming back is just as strenuous and requires extra concentration because you tend to want to descend faster, which means there is a risk of tripping. We started from the youth hostel at 8:00 am and returned around 5:00 pm.
Once at the top, we (me, husband and 13 year old son) were pleasantly surprised towards the top with a lot of snow and we eventually arrived at the monument and weather station. Everyone is happy to record this victory. Don't stay at the top for too long, it is cold and you still have to go back. Coming back is just as strenuous and requires extra concentration because you tend to want to descend faster, which means there is a risk of tripping. We started from the youth hostel at 8:00 am and returned around 5:00 pm.
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephough
Stone, UK259 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
What an amazing achievement to climb the highest mountain in the UK! With friends and children aged 6 & 9 towards the end of October we weren’t sure whether it was going to be possible, however visiting from the midlands and unseasonably mild weather we grabbed the opportunity whilst staying on the doorstep. We popped into the visitors centre first for advice on whether it was a sensible idea and they reassured us it would be fine.
It took us the whole day to get to the top and return, it wasn’t easy and to quote my 9 year old, ‘it was hard and it hurt, but worth it’!
There are stunning views all the way up, and the feeling when we got to the top was just amazing! I’m not massively experienced in hikes, however we were prepared with plenty of water, layers and we had head torches. We did purchase a map from the visitors centre however the path was pretty clear.
The descent was much harder and slippy under foot so take your time and be careful.
It took us the whole day to get to the top and return, it wasn’t easy and to quote my 9 year old, ‘it was hard and it hurt, but worth it’!
There are stunning views all the way up, and the feeling when we got to the top was just amazing! I’m not massively experienced in hikes, however we were prepared with plenty of water, layers and we had head torches. We did purchase a map from the visitors centre however the path was pretty clear.
The descent was much harder and slippy under foot so take your time and be careful.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matey2010
Scotland, UK378 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Slightly disappointed at the high price just to ride the gondola to the Snowgoose cafe/bar.
It would be great if they offered a reduced price of perhaps £10-£15 for a visit to the Snowgoose for the sightseeing as it’s very expensive at £25 pp if you are not going walking or ski’ing (which we weren’t)
We visited on Bank holiday weekend and loved the views as it was a decent day weather wise.
The views from the outdoor platform are spectacular. We didn’t have enough time to walk to the higher viewing point as we were given incorrect information that we had an hour before the last gondola run back to the base station. When we got to the top, the sign said “last Gondola at 4 and not 4.30 as we had been informed at the ticket office.
We would recommend getting up the mountain at a decent time to get the best exeprience.
It would be great if they offered a reduced price of perhaps £10-£15 for a visit to the Snowgoose for the sightseeing as it’s very expensive at £25 pp if you are not going walking or ski’ing (which we weren’t)
We visited on Bank holiday weekend and loved the views as it was a decent day weather wise.
The views from the outdoor platform are spectacular. We didn’t have enough time to walk to the higher viewing point as we were given incorrect information that we had an hour before the last gondola run back to the base station. When we got to the top, the sign said “last Gondola at 4 and not 4.30 as we had been informed at the ticket office.
We would recommend getting up the mountain at a decent time to get the best exeprience.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dogmatix
Cheltenham, UK86 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The climb up Ben Nevis is really tough, if you think you are prepared - review and review once again. While the climb is quite straightforward - the weather makes or breaks your trip if you are unprepared.
It was a cloudy and windy day but we were lucky to get zero rain until we reached the top. The rain coming back was like a rain of needles on our faces.
I saw so many people slip and fall on the way back and a rescue helicopter come to someone's aid. This mountain is beautiful and breathtaking but also dangerous if you find yourself unprepared.
A fun climb with the whole family and a bunch of friends.
Next time the plan is to have a couple of free days and better weather.
Would recommend to anyone with hiking experience, do not go without preparation.
It was a cloudy and windy day but we were lucky to get zero rain until we reached the top. The rain coming back was like a rain of needles on our faces.
I saw so many people slip and fall on the way back and a rescue helicopter come to someone's aid. This mountain is beautiful and breathtaking but also dangerous if you find yourself unprepared.
A fun climb with the whole family and a bunch of friends.
Next time the plan is to have a couple of free days and better weather.
Would recommend to anyone with hiking experience, do not go without preparation.
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire J
109 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Walking the north face ridge route , expect to take between 8-9 hours. With taking time to check out the view and snack stops.
The ridge is very sketching in parts no bigger then a person in width. So not for the faint hearted
The ridge is very sketching in parts no bigger then a person in width. So not for the faint hearted
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael O
Lichfield, UK830 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Impressive and snow capped when we were there in December. Sadly our sceduled gondola trip was cancelled due to the windy conditions which was probably just as well . Advice is check the weather if you are only going for the gondola trip!
Written 13 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JFWhite
Moncton, Canada8,334 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Beautiful hiking trail, very well maintained, clean which offers very nice views. Not made for the physically limited individuals. Trail takes on average 6-7 hours, so pack a lunch and pleny of water. Car park costs a few pounds, payable by credit card.
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela V
Lancashire, UK87 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We climbed Ben Nevis in May 2024.
10 of us. Mixed fitness and ages 15 years to 60.
It is steep / tiring / tough climb (I run regularly and found stamina is needed +++).
Pathway is very easy to follow but the top is not!
Pack for all weathers / we had rain /cloud / hail and snow on top!
Visibility was poor on the top and the path here is not so straight forward so please be very careful!
The climb down can feel tougher - especially the final steep /clambering parts but worth every step!
Happy 21st birthday Lucas - you’ll always be in our hearts ♥️
10 of us. Mixed fitness and ages 15 years to 60.
It is steep / tiring / tough climb (I run regularly and found stamina is needed +++).
Pathway is very easy to follow but the top is not!
Pack for all weathers / we had rain /cloud / hail and snow on top!
Visibility was poor on the top and the path here is not so straight forward so please be very careful!
The climb down can feel tougher - especially the final steep /clambering parts but worth every step!
Happy 21st birthday Lucas - you’ll always be in our hearts ♥️
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael T
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Business
This is a difficult climb. I climbed Snowdon recently and figured it’d be similar but it’s much, much harder. Weather was amazing, fantastic views and we got some unreal photos. The visitor centre and toilets close at 4pm which is odd as there’s still hundreds of people climbing at that time, thankfully the Ben Nevis Inn is open and fabulous- worth a visit even if you’re not climbing!
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the best route in early July 2023 to go to Ben from The Lochs. Is day round-trip possible to do?
Written 9 June 2023
What is the best route (in early July 2023) to go to Ben from The Lochs. Is day round-trip possible to do?
Written 9 June 2023
Hi, I am planning to visit Fort william on 3 and 4 dec, and planning for a hike to Ben Nevis. Does anyone know of any group where I could join them?
Written 27 November 2022
Can I walk it in trail trainers? I walked Snowdon in my walking boots but felt I would’ve been more comfortable in my trail trainers.
Written 25 April 2021
cleal5
Warwick, United Kingdom
Is it possible to climb Ben Nevis with our 22 month toddler? my husband and I are planning on going up Ben Nevis but we are taking our toddler to Scotland with us.
Written 20 August 2020
Personaly I would say no there are some big boulders that have to be walked over, and it can get very slippery.
Written 17 September 2020
Morning,
Sorry for asking this as it may seem a silly question to an experienced mountain climber. I'm moderately fit and would like to attempt Nevis in the next few weeks. My question is do you have to be super fit to complete it? Many thanks
Written 18 August 2020
You don’t have to be super fit but sensible.
Practice going up and down stairs. Stretch your Achilles and feet before you go.
When climbing, First don’t try to race other people. Take breaks appropriately. Realise you may take longer than the standard time.
Mindset is extremely important you must know you can do it. Otherwise you will give up.
Don’t carry anything too heavy. Bring snacks and water. Wear appropriate clothes (depends on weather on day).
Written 19 August 2020
Hi, we are visiting Fort William next month and would like to visit Ben Nevis.
We don’t have any intention of reaching the summit because we are walking with our 4-year old, and while he has surprised us in the past with his capabilities, it’s still not something we feel ready to do.
However, we would still like walk part of it, and think a reasonable aim is to go half way (or just under).
My understanding is that there is a ‘halfway lake/lochan’ (albeit not quite half way!) but my question is if the pathway passes this in the distance, or if it’s a suitable place to stop and enjoy it at the loch side?
I can’t tell from the maps/photos if there’s is a reasonable/safe pathway down to the water.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Written 27 July 2020
The path passes very close to the lake. We met a couple who camped there overnight before walking to the summit. You will have no problem stopping off there.
Written 28 July 2020
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