Overview
Ben Nevis is the highest and most popular mountain in Scotland. Its summit, which sits at 1345 metres above sea level, often has patches of snow into the summer.
Thistle Trekking would like to give you the best chance possible of succeeding in your attempt to summit Ben Nevis. We provide you with a qualified Mountain Leader, who will guide you up the main ‘Mountain Path’. We also organise your accommodation, so all you need to do is enjoy the walk itself.
Highlights of Ben Nevis
- Reaching the summit of the highest mountain in the UK.
- Mountainous views over the Mamores and Lochaber
- Qualified and friendly UK Mountain Leader as your guide.
- Stay in Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Itinerary
This is your chance to make your way to Fort William in preparation for your Ben Nevis hike.
We will have your accommodation arranged for this night before the walk. You just need to turn up and give your name to check in, then relax and rest for tomorrow’s mountain day!
Accommodation in Fort William
Today you will meet your guide at The Glen Nevis Visitors Centre Car Park. This is approximately 3 miles from Fort William town centre. The easiest way to get there is often by taxi, and we will provide you with a list of taxi numbers so you can arrange this beforehand.
Once everyone has met at The Glen Nevis Visitors Centre the walk up Ben Nevis will begin. The walk is just under 11 miles but with over 1300 metres of ascent it is a strenuous and challenging day. The path is good underfoot and while there is obviously much ascent no scrambling is involved (you will not need to use your hands to aid progress).
We will walk at a steady and comfortable pace with plenty of time to stop and take photos, eat and drink. It takes 7-9 hours to complete this walk but be aware that this should be seen as a rough guide only – every group has a different pace.
Remember, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and so be prepared for some challenging weather. It will be approximately 14°C colder on the summit of Ben Nevis than the temperature in Fort William. There is often snow at the top and high winds are also likely. We will provide you with a kit list to make sure you are suitably equipped.
While this is certainly a challenging day it is achievable by most people with a reasonable level of physical fitness and a determined attitude. Do expect a challenge but it will be an achievement you will never forget.
Accommodation in Fort William
Today it will be time for you to check out of your accommodation make your way home or on to other adventures!
What's Included?
The cost includes
- Qualified Mountain Leader as your guide
- 2 Nights accommodation packages with breakfast included
- Ben Nevis Information Pack
- Training advice
- Maximum group size of 6
Not included in our packages
- Lunches & dinners
- Transport
Accommodation Options
Bed and Breakfast
The Bed and Breakfast option provides you with B&B accommodation in Fort William with breakfast included within the price of the holiday. This is a great option for anyone looking for a simple place to stay. All the B&Bs we use are within easy walking distance of Fort William town centre, so you can walk to the local pubs and restaurants in the evening.
Hotel
If you are looking for some of the higher standard accommodation available in the area, then this is the option for you. You will be staying in a hotel or 4-star standard B&B located in Fort William. This is the perfect choice if you want to reward yourself with a bit of luxury for your Ben Nevis trek.
Hostel
We offer hostel accommodation packages as a more budget friendly option. You will be provided with a bed in a shared dorm room and a simple breakfast. You will have access to communal kitchen and sitting areas, as well as be close to the start of the Ben Nevis trail.
Guiding Only
For those who are living locally, or travelling in a camper van, or perhaps including this as a part of a longer holiday in the area, we offer this weekend without accommodation as well.
FAQs
This walk is graded 3/5 on our hillwalking and mountaineering scale.
Moderate hill walks that are a challenge for a person of average fitness. Terrain may be steep and rough, rocky, or boggy in places. This grade includes the most straightforward and popular Munros such as Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis via the main Mountain Path.
This walk involves a long ascent and descent over rocky ground and paths. Although the highest mountain it isn’t the hardest of Scotland’s mountains walk up. However, for enjoyment you will want to be fit enough for 7-9 hours of hillwalking and have some determination in reserve.
You can read more about our grading system in our Trip Difficulty Guide.
To help you decide if this trip is right for you, please also refer to the itinerary, which includes distance, ascent, and a detailed description.
This is hard to say as every day on ‘The Ben’ is different. No matter the time of year it can feel very wintry on the top of Ben Nevis and packing spare warm layers is essential.
Talking of essentials full waterproofs are a non-negotiable item that you will need to have with you. Ben Nevis does attract the wet stuff! As we can’t predict the weather much in advance the message is to be prepared for all weathers.
All that said, some days are glorious on Ben Nevis and being the highest mountain in the country on a clear day you can expect unrivalled views. You can also expect the encouragement and support of your guide to ascend safely to the summit, and back down again.
Our group walks are designed to provide a supportive and sociable way to summit the UK’s highest mountain. Many on our Ben Nevis walks have never stood on top of any mountain in Scotland before they do so on its highest.
You will want to be in reasonably good physical shape. There is a lot of ascent and descent to cover on rocky and stony paths which does require stamina. If you are looking to take on this challenge with a group and have the reassurance and knowledge of the mountain a guide can provide then this is the trip for you.
If you have booked one of our B&B or Hotel accommodation packages you will be staying in Fort William. If you have booked our Hostel option then you will be staying in Glen Nevis.
Fort William is a large town, with everything you would expect. It has a great variety of pubs, restaurants and takeaways, as well as a supermarket and a selection of smaller shops. It also has a large number of outdoor clothing and equipment shops as well as a chemist, gift shops, cafés and banks.
You will be provided with a full kit list, but as a guide you will need:
A medium rucksack (30-35 litres), walking boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, a spare warm layers and walking trousers (not jeans or denim), a water bottle, sun and midge protection.
With Thistle Trekking you get a personal service. We are happy to answer any questions and queries and help where we can with all aspects of your trip.
Your point of contact will be the same person from the first enquiry to the final communication before your Ben Nevis trip.
Our guides are all qualified, experienced, and fun companions on the trail.
What our walkers said about their Ben Nevis experience
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, even the challenging parts of the trip. Graham was personable (kept spirits high), informative and with a great sense of humour which made the whole experience marvellous.
Theresa I
Had such a good day, our guide was amazing, our guide was caring and supportive and definitely helped myself and the others in the group achieve our goal.
Julie
I really enjoyed climbing up Ben Nevis – it was brilliant!
Heather
