Climb Ben Nevis

What it's like

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain, 1,345 metres (about 4,413 feet) high, rising above Glen Nevis and Fort William. Most people climb it by the Mountain Path, the old pony track, which starts at the Glen Nevis visitor centre and crosses the River Nevis on a footbridge.

The Ramblers put the walk at roughly seven to eight hours there and back, with about 1,352 metres (4,436 feet) of climbing over 10.5 miles (17 km). The path is steep, rough and rocky all the way. It climbs to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, known as the Halfway Lochan, then zigzags up boulders and scree to a wide, stony summit plateau with a trig point and the ruins of a weather observatory and an old hotel.

The honest hard parts

The summit is usually in cloud, and it is around ten degrees colder than the glen before you count the wind. Snow often lies on the top into May or later. The British Mountaineering Council warns that a calm day in the glen can make people badly underestimate conditions on the summit, and that bad weather there can be as serious in summer as in winter.

The most dangerous part is the plateau in poor visibility. Two gullies cut into it close to the path, Gardyloo Gully on the north side and Five Finger Gully to the south-west, and several accidents have happened there. Five Finger Gully is easily mistaken for the way down. Coming off the top, stay on the zigzags and do not take a direct line down beside the Red Burn.

Routes compared

The Carn Mor Dearg Arete is a very exposed ridge with far fewer people on it, and it becomes dangerous when icy. The CIC Hut, at 680 metres (2,231 feet), is the UK's only alpine-style mountain hut and looks straight up at the North Face. Other lines, such as the Ledge Route and the slabs above the Glen Nevis car park, are for experienced mountaineers only.

What to wear and carry

• Walking boots and proper mountain clothing, even if it is warm in Fort William.
• Waterproofs, and warm layers, hat and gloves for the summit.
• A waterproofed map and a compass, and the skill to use them on the plateau.
• A first aid kit, a torch, a whistle and a fully charged phone.
• Food and drink for the whole day.

Choosing your day

The Ramblers suggest a dry, clear day in late summer as the best time for a first ascent. Check the mountain forecast for wind, visibility and temperature on the summit, not the town, and decide in advance how you will come down. If you are less experienced, there are many mountain guides in Fort William. Winter ascents, with short days, snow and avalanche risk, are for experienced climbers with an ice axe and crampons and the skill to use them.