Trek Ben Nevis The UK’s Tallest Mountain
Climb Ben Nevis the UK’s highest mountain
Britain’s Highest Mountain at 1344m (4,406ft) is Ben Nevis.
The ‘Ben’ as it is fondly known locally, sits majestically at the head of Loch Linnhe, with its presence dominating the landscape of mountains, valleys, glens and corries around Fort William.
The Gaelic Beinn Nibheis is thought to mean terrible or poisonous. The closest is probably venomous.
Don’t let that put you off. Tens of thousands of people climb Ben Nevis every year without mishap.
Before you climb the Ben it’s advisable to visit the Glen Nevis visitor centre to get the latest weather reports and some good advice for your climb. The weather can change in minutes so be prepared because you don’t want to be one of those who have to be rescued or lifted off…do you?
On my walk I was fortunate to have chosen a glorious day in September and I had lunch on the summit in a T shirt.
The simplest and most popular route of ascent is the “tourist” route (also known as the Ben Path, the Mountain Path or the Pony Track). It begins at Achintee Farm on the east side of Glen Nevis at around 20 metres above sea level.
Although the trip there and back is only 16km (10 miles) you will need to allow 6-8 hours.
There is no need to try at set some record because this stands at less than one and a half hours during the Ben Nevis race which takes place in September.
On your ascent spare a thought for the Victorian Clement Wragg who climbed the mountain every day to record the weather.
With the opening of the Ben Nevis Weather Observatory in 1883 a pony track was made for supplies and that over time became the tourist path that you will most likely climb.
The path climbs steeply to the saddle by attractive Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe ( a great stop for the coffee you have in your backpack) , then ascends over the Red Burn up the path in a series of zig-zags. Over the Five Finger Gully to the summit plateau.
The highest point is marked with a large, solidly built cairn atop which sits an Ordnance Survey trig point. This is where you need to stand for the obligatory ‘snaps’ and there will be plenty of fellow climbers only to ready to take reciprocal pictures.
Always keep back from the edge as the wind gusts can take you by surprise and be sure to return by the correct path.
As you explore the summit you will see the remains of the observatory and the War Memorial next to the observatory.
A Victorian Fort William hotelier established an annex on the summit that provided dinner, bed and breakfast on the top of Ben Nevis!
That is no longer the case so enjoy your time at the top but leave plenty of time for your descent because it’s hard on the knees and can take as long to come down as it does to go up.
Enjoy your climb up the tallest point in Fort William and the UK and remember to leave only footprints!
link“>Read more on Trek Ben Nevis The UK’s Tallest Mountain…