The [in]famous Ben Nevis, often referred to as just 'The Ben', is the highest mountain in the UK and a huge bastion of granite standing proud over the Lochaber region, the town of Fort William and the western Highlands. Ben Nevis stands at 1345m/4413ft tall and is understandably a popular mountain to both walk and climb, depending on your particular outdoor vice. Described below are two classic walking routes to the summit of the mountain.
Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track
The mountain track, sometimes nicknamed the Pony Track, is by far the most well trodden route to the summit of the mountain, utilised by day hikers and three peaks baggers alike. The route starts at the Glen Nevis visitors centre and begins by heading south-easterly in a rising traverse along the flanks of Meall an t-Suidhe, a shoulder peak to Ben Nevis, to the half way point. During this section you have lovely views along Glen Nevis towards the Marmores mountains. Once at the half way point the renowned zig-zags begin. This section of the mountain gains height rapidly through a serious of zig-zags in the path as you ascend towards the summit plateau. Once on the plateau it is a short push to the summit, and, weather gods permitting, truly spectacular views across the Highlands and the West coast of Scotland.
Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg
Carn Mor Dearg, often referred to as the CMD, is the 9th highest mountain in the UK, at 1220m/4003ft, and sits on the northern side of Ben Nevis. Taking this route makes for an incredible horseshoe walk, and in our view one of the best mountain days in the western Highlands!
We start near Torlundy and follow the Allt a Mhuilinn river towards Ben Nevis. After a short while we branch off left and head up the grassy flanks of Carn Mor Dearg. Upon reaching the upper flanks of the mountain we are greeted with the CMD arete. This is a beautiful ridge of pink granite which runs along the entire length of the peak and gives the mountain its Gaelic name (translating as big red hill). It is quite rocky and a little narrow in places, but nothing too difficult as long as you are OK with a little height. Along the entire length of Carn Mor Dearg you are treated to the best views possible of the dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis, a 500m sheer wall of granite over a mile wide. This is home to the climbers and mountaineers tackling The Ben.
As we continue along the CMD arete it slowly merges in to the north eastern flank of Ben Nevis and climbs up to the summit of Scotland. From here we join the other walkers on the Mountain Track and descend through the zig-zags to the half way point before branching off back towards Torlundy.
The mountain track, sometimes nicknamed the Pony Track, is by far the most well trodden route to the summit of the mountain, utilised by day hikers and three peaks baggers alike. The route starts at the Glen Nevis visitors centre and begins by heading south-easterly in a rising traverse along the flanks of Meall an t-Suidhe, a shoulder peak to Ben Nevis, to the half way point. During this section you have lovely views along Glen Nevis towards the Marmores mountains. Once at the half way point the renowned zig-zags begin. This section of the mountain gains height rapidly through a serious of zig-zags in the path as you ascend towards the summit plateau. Once on the plateau it is a short push to the summit, and, weather gods permitting, truly spectacular views across the Highlands and the West coast of Scotland.
Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg
Carn Mor Dearg, often referred to as the CMD, is the 9th highest mountain in the UK, at 1220m/4003ft, and sits on the northern side of Ben Nevis. Taking this route makes for an incredible horseshoe walk, and in our view one of the best mountain days in the western Highlands!
We start near Torlundy and follow the Allt a Mhuilinn river towards Ben Nevis. After a short while we branch off left and head up the grassy flanks of Carn Mor Dearg. Upon reaching the upper flanks of the mountain we are greeted with the CMD arete. This is a beautiful ridge of pink granite which runs along the entire length of the peak and gives the mountain its Gaelic name (translating as big red hill). It is quite rocky and a little narrow in places, but nothing too difficult as long as you are OK with a little height. Along the entire length of Carn Mor Dearg you are treated to the best views possible of the dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis, a 500m sheer wall of granite over a mile wide. This is home to the climbers and mountaineers tackling The Ben.
As we continue along the CMD arete it slowly merges in to the north eastern flank of Ben Nevis and climbs up to the summit of Scotland. From here we join the other walkers on the Mountain Track and descend through the zig-zags to the half way point before branching off back towards Torlundy.
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Key Information: Group Size - Up to 8. Distance: 16-20km/10-12.5miles (route dependant). Ascent: 1300-1500m Time: 8-12 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.