Climbing Ben Nevis

For many people climbing Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest mountain, standing at 1345m (4413ft) – is their main reason for coming to the Highlands. Those wishing to climb the Ben should give real consideration to their fitness levels before setting off. On the day of the climb you should be dressed appropriately and have a backpack full of essentials.

We recently caught up with Mike from Abacus Mountain Guides based in Fort William to get his hints and tips for climbing Ben Nevis.

Q: How do I know if I’m fit enough to climb Ben Nevis?

A: If you exercise regularly (every week) and have an active job, you will be fine. Playing football, squash, going to exercise classes or going for long walks are all ideal. Nothing gets you fit for mountain walking quite as well as walking up mountains though! In particular, walking downhill is surprisingly hard work and catches most people out. To prepare for your mountain walks, do as much walking as you can by walking to work or part way to work, walk up and down the stairs rather than taking the lift, and walk on rough ground such as paths along the coast and in your local area. Try to go for walks that go up and down hills and last for three hours or so. You can build up the length and difficulty of your training walks in the months before coming here. Putting in some training really makes a difference and means that you will get the most out of your time here.

Q: What equipment should I take in my day pack?

A: The weather on Ben Nevis can change in a matter of minutes. Rain is common and it can regularly feel as cold as -10 degrees celsius on the summit, even in the summer. Make sure you are ready for your day by packing the items on the list below.

To wear:

Thermal base layer top – polyester or woollen, no cotton
Warm fleece
Walking trousers – no jeans
Spare fleece or synthetic insulating layer
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm hat and gloves (spare gloves recommended)
Sun hat
Walking boots (with ankle support)

Other equipment:

Rucksack – roughly 25 litres
Lunch and spare food
1 litre flask or water bottle
Whistle
Walking poles (recommended but not essential)
Sunglasses & sun cream
Mobile phone in a waterproof case
Camera
Personal 1st Aid Kit – plasters, blister kit, all normal medication including asthma inhaler if you have one.

Q: How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis?

A: Around 7 to 8 hours for the return trip. If you are used to walking then 6 hours might be achievable. But very often it is about 4 hours up and about the same again to come back down.

Q: What are the benefits of climbing Ben Nevis with a guide?

A: Finding the way is not very hard after the winter snow has melted to reveal the path. However, working out how far you have climbed is harder, and a guide will let you know how you are doing all the time. They will help you walk at the best pace for you, let you know when to take breaks, what to wear and what to carry, help you manage the walking up and, more especially, back down. Also your guide will chat about the history and heritage of Ben Nevis, its geology, plantlife and animal life, and about all sorts of mountain culture.

Q: Obviously Ben Nevis is not the only mountain locally, so which one would you recommend to a novice and intermediate walker?

A: For a novice, I’d go to Glencoe to walk up Buachaille Etive Beag. There are two Munro’s on this beautiful peak and there is a good path most of the way up. You can walk up one or other of the Munro’s, or both if it is all going well. The path is well made and it is a great introduction to walking the mountains here.

For an intermediate walk, I’d go for Stob Ban in the Mamores. This fantastic pointy peak looks straight down Glen Nevis and across to Ben Nevis. There is a selection of routes, but all of them finish up rocky ridges to the summit.

Q: And finally, what type of guiding does Abacus offer?

A: Abacus Mountain Guides provide world class mountain adventures on the west coast of Scotland. World class adventures require world class instructors, so we only use the very best. All our hill walking, mountaineering, climbing and mountain biking instructors are fully qualified with UK or international qualifications, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very keen to share their enthusiasm with others!

Our priority is to create the perfect trip for you, and this is what gives us the most satisfaction. Most of our work is private guiding so let us know your goals and aspirations and we will do our best to make it happen. Guided walks up Ben Nevis, low level walks through the glens or bagging any of the superb Munros in the area. Rock climbing, scrambling, classic climbs and teaching such as transitioning from indoors to outdoors or from scrambling to rock climbing. Winter walking, mountaineering and climbing at all standards.

We specialise in providing exactly what you want.

Photo credits: Abacus Mountain Guides