Ben Nevis by the Mountain Track
The classic route up Britain's highest mountain, from Glen Nevis via the halfway lochan and the zigzags.
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 1352 m
- Time
- 7–9 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 1345 m
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About this walk
Ben Nevis by the Mountain Track is a hard 17 km out-and-back walk with 1,352 m of ascent, taking 7 to 9 hours. It starts at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (grid reference NN 122 730). It climbs Ben Nevis (1,345 m), a Munro. The start can be reached by public transport.
The Mountain Track (often called the Pony Track) is the most popular way up Ben Nevis. It is a long, relentless climb on a constructed path, but the summit plateau is a serious place: cloud is common and navigation off the top must be precise to avoid Five Finger Gully and the north-face cliffs.
Carry a map and compass, and know the bearings off the summit before you set out.
Route
-
1
Glen Nevis to the halfway lochan
Cross the footbridge over the River Nevis and climb steadily on the stony path across the flanks of Meall an t-Suidhe to the col by Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe.
-
2
The zigzags
Cross the Red Burn and follow the long series of zigzags up the stony western slopes onto the summit plateau.
-
3
Summit plateau
Follow the cairns to the summit trig point and the ruined observatory. In poor visibility, take careful bearings on the descent.
Summit
1345 m
“Possibly 'venomous' or 'malicious mountain' (Gaelic nimheis)”
Say it: ben NEV-iss
Other routes up Ben Nevis
Questions about this walk
- How long does Ben Nevis by the Mountain Track take?
- Most walkers take 7–9 hours for the 17 km route, which has 1,352 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (grid reference NN 122 730). Pay and display at the visitor centre.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Seasonal bus from Fort William to Glen Nevis. Fort William station is 3 km away.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Constructed stony path throughout. Summit plateau is bouldery, often in cloud and can hold snow into June.
- Which hill does it climb?
- Ben Nevis (1345 m, Munro).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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