Ben Nevis: height of Scotland’s tallest mountain, when to climb it and how long it takes - and best routes for various skill levels By Finlay Greig Tuesday, 6th October 2020, 3:51 pm It’s the highest peak in the UK and the walk from base to summit and back is 10.5 miles, which will be well over 20,000 steps. Here I tell you about my Ben Nevis walk, including tips for hiking solo, what to wear for the hike and how long it will take you to climb Ben Nevis. The morning of climbing ben nevis I was extremely nervous. We quickly realised that our challenge wasn't to “just" climb up to over 4,000 feet, it was to do it without shattering bones or egos… unfortunately the latter wasn't achieved!! For experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling but are not climbers, this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. If you’re feeling adventureous, it’s possible to reach the summit, but you will need to tackle the 700-metre (2,300 ft) cliffs that provide classic scrambles and rock climbs and should only be attempted by the most experienced of climbers and mountaineers. This route is still challenging, and requires plenty of stamina to make it to the top. In metric terms that would be 1 hour for every 5 km and 1 hour for every 600m of ascent. You gain over 1,000 meters along The Mountain Track, which means the climate can shift significantly from the start and it’s not uncommon to meet snow at the summit at any time of year. My first Ben Nevis climb… 2009! It provides you with some beautiful views up Glen Nevis. This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings. Climb Britain’s tallest mountain with Ben Nevis Guide. The mountain path ascent will generally take between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, with a further 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours descent. Now known as ‘The Pony Track’ it is the simplest route to the summit. Ben Nevis is located in the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William. Take a lot of water, you'll need it. Shame that couldn't manage to … Do not underestimate how challenging this climb is: it starts virtually from sea level and ascends a rocky and rough track to 1344m - then you have to come all the way back down again. We started our climb at 9 am. The first account of the mountain’s structure came from John Williams in 1774. I walked up Ben Nevis. You can also find cairns, memorials and the remains of the observatory from the early twentieth century. Source(s): long climb ben nevis: https://biturl.im/jpSXO. Half a dozen years later, I was registered to climb the bad-boy Ben Nevis for Marie Curie. BritRail Passes for Overseas Visitors If you’re planning on travelling around England and Scotland then the best option is to buy the BritRail GB Pass. On average it takes 7 hours to reach the summit and return, something which needs to be considered for less experienced hikers. Ben Nevis attracts an estimated 125,000 complete and a further 100,000 partial ascents per year, most of which are made by walkers using the well-constructed Mountain Track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. Good luck and go prepared! Still ascending, you will cross the Red Burn stream after which the going becomes less steep, still zigzagging up the mountain. Generally speaking, the fitter you are the faster you will get to the summit. While it is definitely possible for an amateur to reach the summit, the main thing to keep in mind is that Ben Nevis is not to be underestimated. Skip to content. There is a long section of grade one scrambling and is a challenging trek.Hikers have consistently said that the views were stunning from this climb, and rave about the reward of the summit. The average person will be able to do the climb in around 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. Ben Nevis Walk Time. In this type of climate, the temperature never reaches higher a higher average than 10 … The next highest i know of is Kerling in Iceland which stands at 1500 plus meters. To find this car park, you would need to follow the Forestry Commission signs, that will lead you up a forest road until you reach the car park. It will vary though depending on weather conditions, how many rest breaks you take etc. He calculated that it would take 1 hour for every 3 miles PLUS 1 hour for every 2,000 feet of ascent. The climb can be an amazing experience; exhilarating, exhausting and spectacular. Home; Hakkımızda; Hizmetlerimiz; Fotoğraf Galerisi; ben more how long to climb It starts and finishes at the Glen Nevis Vistors Centre. Source(s): long climb ben nevis: https://biturl.im/jpSXO. When I think of Scotland, I tend to think of haggis, Edinburgh and Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis, a mountain that requires little introduction, is the highest mountain in Scotland and the British Isles at 1,334m above sea level. This is dependent on your fitness levels. It stands at over 1,300 metres high with landscapes ranging from rolling hills to steep inclines and jagged slopes. It stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area. Are you wondering whether anyone can climb Ben Nevis? Whether you are an absolute walking beginner or a seasoned mountain climber, the chances are that at some point you are going to want to tick Ben Nevis Mountain off your “to do” list. In winter conditions and especially with snow on the ground, climbing to the summit of Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track can take up to 8 hours (or more) with a descent time of around half that so particular care must be taken to plan around sunrise and sunset times. We both enjoy walking when on holiday though and both have decent walking boots, rucksacks and waterproofs etc. Ben Nevis (Scottish Gaelic: Beinn Nibheis, pronounced [peˈɲivəʃ]; English: / b ɛ n ˈ n ɛ v ɪ s /) is the highest mountain in the British Isles, situated in Inverness-shire in the Highlands of Scotland.The summit is 1,345 metres (4,413 ft) above sea level. The descent from the summit back to your starting point will normally take approx. For experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling but are not climbers, this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis. ! Most people choose to start their climb by at least 9am. These are not recommended for beginners, though, as they require skills and knowledge beyond that of a novice hiker. Ben Nevis, near Fort William in the western Highlands, is a popular destination for experienced climbers, attracting 125,000 visitors each year. Ben Nevis Mountain Track hike details. 45m 4a Climb the slabby rib on the crest or left hand side to a stance. That’s not an easy 3-4 hours though. I can't find any info on the time it takes people to walk up and down Ben Nevis. It starts and finishes at the Glen Nevis Vistors Centre. On the best VS thread I tried to get some opinions on The Long Climb on Ben Nevis, I haven't done the route but have always had it on the list of things to do one summer on The Ben. In my opinion Ben Nevis is more than twice as hard to climb than Snowdon. Climbing the highest mountain in the UK was never going to be easy! Ben Nevis, Fort William: Address, Phone Number, Ben Nevis Reviews: 4.5/5. Most people choose to start their climb by at least 9am. Rising to 1.345 meters above sea level, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the Western Highlands and all of the United Kingdom. Don't be fooled!, Ben Nevis is a hard climb for an average person just out for the climb. A lot of people were there. I am a 44 year old female, not majorly fit but I am aiming to climb Ben Nevis in August - any idea how long it will take me and whether I should even be attempting it if I am not mega fit. ! Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain. There are several places where it is easy to take the wrong path if you don’t have an experienced guide. Enter your details to book your Ben Nevis adventure or find out more about availability. The trail of the route is sign posted as you start the hike . That’s not an easy 3-4 hours though. How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis? This is a truly spectacular route incorporating two Munros. The first person to climb to the top of Ben Nevis is reported to be a botanist from Edinburgh in 1771. It’s simply not enough to be safe. How Long Will it Take to Climb Ben Nevis? Tower Ridge Climbing: This is not a route to take if you are faint hearted, to be tackled alone or the inexperienced. To make sure that you don’t feel the way I did in the morning and to help you prepare for your hike. This popular peak, part of the Grampian Mountain Range, attracts 125k walkers every year. Horse 04 Aug 2004. Most hiking ascents of Ben Nevis start from either the Achintee Inn or the Visitor’s Centre , both in Glen Nevis . From the top you will feel like you are on top of the world. There is a long section of grade one scrambling and is a challenging trek.Hikers have consistently said that the views were stunning from this climb, and rave about the reward of the summit. Planning your Ben Nevis guided walk can seem a bit daunting, but it’s a lot easier if you know what to expect and if you have an expert guide. The first person to climb to the top of Ben Nevis is reported to be a botanist from Edinburgh in 1771. Ben Nevis although a well trodden trail still incurs several deaths a year. Naismith's can be broken down further into times for speed and distance... and also time that should be added for metres of ascent... During reasonable summer weather, using Naismith's we can calculate the time to be added just on the ascent part of the rule: 135 mins. How Long does it take to climb Ben Nevis? It’s simply not enough to be safe. 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. The track itself is a rocky path which zig-zags and becomes quite steep in places. A climb to the summit of Ben Nevis should not be undertaken lightly. Where is Ben Nevis, how tall is Ben Nevis & How do I get there. Snow and ice during winter make the climb much more difficult, requiring specialist specialist knowledge and equipment to take on the challenge. The climb generally takes anywhere between 7 and 9 hours. The mountain path ascent will generally take between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, with a further 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours descent. The distance to the summit of Ben Nevis is approx. This was our second climb up Ben Nevis, and thanks to unbelievably clear weather, ... Was planning this trip so long and finally we got there! Popularly known as The Pony Track, this route is 10.5 miles long, 17km, up and down, and includes 1352 metres of ascent. If you didn’t already know, Ben Nevis is 4,413 feet high. Height Gained – 1300 metres, Distance – 8 km, Time –4-5 hours – ONE WAY ONLY. Don’t be fooled by its seemingly small height, you will be climbing from only slightly above sea level, meaning it’s a long way up. The first stage of the climb up Ben Nevis is a relatively easy walk starting from Achintee on the east side of Glen Nevis, approximately 2km from Fort William. Ben Nevis, the highest of the three peaks at 1345 metres (4413 ft), has one main path, marked clearly on the OS Explorer 392 Map (on Amazon).Unlike Snowdon and Scafell Pike, the path to Ben Nevis starts close to sea level, meaning much greater vertical ascent. Trail Difficulty: Tough – Expert. But for adventurers, experienced climbers and mountaineers this is an awesome way up to the Summit of Ben Nevis. While we have walked Ben Nevis a few times, once question we’re always asked is, how long does it take to climb Ben Nevis. Then contact us today for more information about availability and book in for your next big adventure! How Long does it take to climb Ben Nevis? Anyhow, I did it. Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. It is essential that you take a map suitable for navigating in the mountains, a compass, and knowledge of how to use them. This track was originally called the Pony Trak, as it was built in the 19th century for the ponies to carry supplies up to the meteorological observatory on the summit, which is now in ruins. These where my first question when trying to research all about this mountain. Despite these early climbs, it’s height – and position as the UK’s tallest peak – wasn’t confirmed by the Ordnance Survey until 1847. Ben Nevis is the highest is the UK. This popular peak, part of the Grampian Mountain Range, attracts 125k walkers every year. It really depends on your level of fitness, the weather conditions and how many breaks you take to admire the views. We quickly realised that our challenge wasn't to “just" climb up to over 4,000 feet, it was to do it without shattering bones or egos… unfortunately the latter wasn't achieved!! This trail is another long one, at around 8 hours to complete. The route described here is the standard way up the mountain; it is straightforward, if strenuous, by hillwalking standards, but the less experienced should be … Large cairns mark the final ascent to the trig point which marks the peak - snow will often nearly obscure these cairns until around May each year. Myself and my husband are planning on visiting Fort William as part of our 2 week trip to Scotland (in June / September, still undecided!) Ben Nevis by the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. Heading up into the clouds on the Ben Nevis walk. The most common way of estimating your time is to use Naismith's Rule, a system devised by William W. Naismith, a Scottish mountaineer, in 1892, to calculate time taken to climb mountains. Obviously it is different for everyone and some people can zoom up Ben Nevis much faster than others. Nowadays the time to beat is 1 hour 25 minutes and 34 seconds - but we don't recommend you try it. As a rough guide we state the average person climbing via the mountain track, can do the climb in roughly 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, during the summer months. Staying Safe When Climbing and Walking up Ben Nevis Mountain. The most common route up the mountain was originally designed as a bridle path giving access to the old observatory at the summit. Home; Hakkımızda; Hizmetlerimiz; Fotoğraf Galerisi; ben more how long to climb Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. There are plenty of other routes available that are even more challenging, and something experienced hikers will be guaranteed to enjoy. I would recommend sturdy shoes. The Novice Walker should not attempt to walk up Ben Nevis between November and May, or during bad or cloudy weather. It will take six to eight hours for the round trip depending on your level of fitness. The Long Climb, Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis is not a nicely paved climb and it will take all your energy. That day, he managed to get half the money I needed for Ben Nevis. You could head over to N.Wales to Snowdon or down south slightly to Scarfell Pike. 0 0 … Add them both together to arrive at a figure of 237 mins (3 hours 57 min). Also, avoid trekking to the summit of Ben Nevis alone, ensure someone knows where you are going, what route and when you should be back and finally make sure you register your mobile phone with 999 for text messages (more information on this can be found HERE ). Ben Nevis is not a nicely paved climb and it will take all your energy. As the highest point in Great Britain, and the highest of the Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 ft), Ben Nevis is a hugely popular hill to climb. Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. The descent from the summit back to your starting point will normally take approx. On October 5, veteran fundraiser Lloyd Scott completed an ascent of Ben Nevis while wearing a deep sea diving suit, summiting the mountain over the … Having finally reached the summit, you can take in the awe inspiring views over the Highlands. Can anyone climb Ben Nevis? 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. Ben Nevis by the Mountain Path. How things change. For climbers and … Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. This trail is another long one, at around 8 hours to complete. Ben Nevis. As a rough guide we state the average person climbing via the mountain track, can do the climb in roughly 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, during the summer months. So the first thing nobody told us about Ben Nevis was… the path isn't really a path… it's more like a convenient rock slide! Obviously, times will vary depending on a number of factors including your fitness, how often you stop for a break and the season. There now follows a long rising traverse up and right for about 100m across The Basin, mostly moving together except for a couple of moves up grooves to the base of the Second Slab Rib. The first account of the mountain’s structure came from John Williams in 1774. You better bring warm clothes if you decide to climb Ben Nevis The mountain has an alpine and maritime polar climate , which means it can get really cold on the flanks of Ben Nevis. 2½ - 3½ hours. 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. However, with the right local guide, you can enjoy the challenge of climbing this awe-inspiring, beautiful mountain. just over 8 hours up and down! When you climb Ben Nevis, you will be shocked to see how many people are climbing with only one small bottle in hand. The track up Ben Nevis commonly referred to as the 'Tourist Route,' the 'Tourist Track' or the 'Pony Track' is in fact the old access route to the now ruined Observatory and was designed as a rough bridle path for ponies.. I am a 44 year old female, not majorly fit but I am aiming to climb Ben Nevis in August - any idea how long it will take me and whether I should even be attempting it if I am not mega fit. Ben Nevis Races Since 1895 there have been races up to the top of Ben Nevis - in the first recorded run the best time was 2 hours and 41 minutes. This car park is generally used by people looking to climb Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, which is one of the routes for more experienced mountain walkers. A lot of people only make it half way. Of Ben Nevis we had learned that it is the highest in all of nowadays Great Britain (1345 m). If you or one of your party is slower than average then it can take a lot longer. Ben Nevis by the Mountain Path. This is dependent on your fitness levels. And that some quite interesting paths lead up there, even some sounding interestingly mountaineering-like. They are some of the most experienced and reputable operators working out of Fort William and know Ben Nevis like the back of their hand. I’ve never been naturally inclined towards exercise, and my love of hillwalking and long distance trails was yet to blossom. To climb Ben Nevis, you need to travel to Fort William, which is a 3.5-hour drive away from Edinburgh (Scotland) and around 2.5 hours from Glasgow (Scotland). What Do I Need to Climb Ben Nevis? The Mountain Track up Ben Nevis. While it does not reach the summit of Ben Nevis, it can be completed in four hours, while still providing some great views and a decent hike. 0 0 … As you climb the valley of the Red Burn you will head towards the Loch Meall an t-Suidhe. You can also choose to go on a longer program, covering more ground around Ben Nevis. When we run group walking and private guide services, we often leave enough time for a 8-10 hour excursion. Copyright © 2009-2021 Ben-Nevis.com. When we run group walking and private guide services, we often leave enough time for a 8-10 hour excursion. Click here … Enough time for a gentle pace if needed, to take in the views of the mountain and really get a sense of Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is attempted by thousands of people every year. 1. Ben Nevis is the UK’s largest mountain. Hiking distance: 10.5 miles Hiking duration: 6 – 8 hours Altitude: 1,345 meters Elevation gain: 1,145 Difficulty: moderate When to hike: From May to September. Being the first climb, our knees and legs were,.....gone. A 5-day program will take you on different climbs close to the star peak, Ben Nevis. 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