How hard is it to climb Ben Nevis?

a useful guide to climbing the Uk's highest mountain

Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain at 1,345 metres (4,413 feet), is an incredible achievement — but how hard is it really? The answer depends on the route, the weather, your experience, and your preparation. Whether you're an experienced hillwalker or a first-time mountain-goer, this guide seeks to simply break down what to expect when tackling “The Ben” and advice on how to approach your climb.

The Short Answer

Climbing Ben Nevis is achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness — but it’s no walk in the park. The most popular route being the Pony Track (also known as the Tourist Path or Mountain Path) and it takes the brunt of the 150,000 annual ascents. This article seeks to discuss how to go about walking up Ben Nevis via this route safely and help you to enjoy your time here. I have noted some other common routes at the end of the article.

The zigzags. High on the "pony track" on Ben Nevis - the easiest route to the summit

What Makes It Challenging?

1. It's a big day (via the Pony track/ Tourist Route - The Normal Way...)

• Distance: Around 17 km (10.5 miles) round trip.

• Ascent: About 1,300 metres (4,265 feet) of vertical gain. It is not technical, but it’s a big day out. Expect steep sections, uneven ground, and a long descent that tests knees and patience!

• Time: Most parties take somewhere between 6-9 hours. However 10hrs+ is not unheard of for unprepared parties!

Ben Nevis Pony Track. (Credit: Ordnance Survey)

2. The Weather

Ben Nevis is known for its rapidly changing and often harsh weather. Even in summer, the summit can be very cold, wet, and windy — snow can offer linger into May or even June some years. We can also experience periods of unpredictable thunderstorms, where the mountains (as a generalisation) are best just avoided (Scarily the summit trig point was pulverised by a lightening strike in the summer of 2023!).

Clear views on the Ben are a bonus, but never a guarantee here. It is important to bide your time and go on a decent forecast and consider your group's experience and equipment when planning an outing. There are plenty of neighbouring walks if the weather is not playing ball! (Steall Falls via the Glen Nevis Circular Walk from Lower Falls, Hidden Valley in Glencoe, Cow Hill, a visit to the CIC hut etc.)

In winter (usually any time between October and May), the difficulty increases fairly dramatically. Snow and ice warrant the use of specialist winter mountaineering equipment and training to stay safe. Including the use of crampons,"B rated" winter mountaineering boots, a walking ice axe, decent winter movement skills, a basic understanding of weather/ avalanche forecasts and the ability to navigate are absolutely essential. Micro spikes can be useful on icy paths, but on their own and particularly on hard refrozen snow or in baseless powdery snow are completely ineffective (do not confuse micro spikes as crampons).The above information and knowledge is essential to ensure safe travel around the mountain in icy conditions. If you haven't got any winter experinece I would advise booking onto a winter skills course or waiting until summer.

Kit Hire Local to Fort William

Crampons, "B rated" boots and an ice axe can be hired from Victoria Kimber at Calluna Self Catering in Fort William. (https://www.fortwilliamholiday.co.uk/alan-kimber-kit-hire-fort-william/) or from the Fort William Ellis Brigham.

3. Navigation

For the most part the Pony Track is fairly easy to navigate in summer and on a good day almost always busy. Just research the route and stick to the path and don't be tempted to cut corners, as it's unlikely to save you any time and just creates additional erosion and degradation of the mountain path.

Winter can be challenging with poor visibility and white out conditions a frequent challenge. The top of Ben Nevis is a vast, rocky plateau and sticking to the path when you can't see more than 6 feet ahead of you and the path ahead of you is buried in snow can be even more so. It is important to choose your day carefully and consider your group experience, ability and equipment. A big hazard in winter navigation is stumbling onto the top of a cornice (an overhanging lip of snow on a steep edge/ cliff). Cornices are typically both bigger than you would expect and break further back from an edge than is comfortable, so they are best avoided! A french mountain guide once famously rode a cornice 350m+ down a gully and miraculously survived with just a broken arm...! (Not an advisable activity...)

Park at the Glen Nevis visitor centre. 5 mins drive from Fort William (paid parking). On a nice day ensure you are early to guarantee parking and a healthy time margin for daylight (0800ish). (Pin for visitor centre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBuBrjVDLPSQuCiQ7).

Carry a map and download the OS app with subscription (£25 per year subscription).

(Route on Walkhighlands: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map4_2fw.shtml)

Ordanance Survey (OS) App

https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/maps/os-maps-subscriptions/

4. Fitness & Preparation

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but the fitter you are, the easier you'll find it. A good base level of fitness is recommended with regular walkers, hikers, and runners tending to fare a lot better. It’s not technical, but it is physically demanding due to rough rocky ground and sustained elevation gain. Having the correct clothing and equipment is also essential - particularly in winter.

Summer Equipment & Clothing list: 

1. Rucksack: - 30L (approximately) with waist and chest straps for added comfort.

2. Waterproofing: - Dry bags or bin bags to protect your belongings from moisture.

3. Footwear: - Comfortable walking boots or shoes with a good grip.

4. Socks: - Comfortable walking socks.

5. Clothing: - Walking trousers (please avoid jeans; tracksuit bottoms are acceptable). - Moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton). - Fleece. - Waterproof jacket (essential; consider Gore-Tex or similar brands like Macpac or Trespass). - Waterproof trousers (essential; again, Gore-Tex or similar recommended). - Spare fleece or base layer. - Puffer or belay jacket (recommended for emergencies or rest stops).

6. Food & Hydration: - Packed lunch and snacks (energy bars, nuts, sweets, dried meats, etc.). - Minimum of 1L of water (more if temperatures are high).

7. Misc: - Gloves and hat. - Emergency survival bag (blizzard bag or similar) and group shelter big enough for group. - Head torch.1. Rucksack: - 30L (approximately) with waist and chest straps for added comfort.

Winter Equipment & Clothing list:

1. Rucksack: - 30-40L with waist and chest straps for comfort.

2. Waterproofing: - Dry bags or bin bags to keep your belongings dry.

3. Footwear: - B-rated winter boots suitable for walking on compacted snow (rentable, details below)

4. Technical Gear: - Ice axe (available for rent in Fort William; see rental links on our FAQ page). - Crampons (also available for rent).

5. Comfortable walking socks.

6. Clothing: - Thermal base layers. - Walking trousers (avoid jeans; tracksuit bottoms are acceptable). - Moisture-wicking T-shirt (avoid cotton). - Fleece jacket. - Waterproof jacket (essential; consider Gore-Tex or similar). - Waterproof trousers (essential; Gore-Tex or similar recommended). - Spare fleece or base layer. - Puffer or belay jacket (important for emergencies or rest breaks).

7. Food & Hydration: - Packed lunch and snacks (energy bars, nuts, sweets, dried meats, etc.). - Minimum of 1L of water (Hot Flask of Tea/ Juice)

8. Accessories: - Gloves (bring 2-3 pairs for warmth - spares essential as gloves get wet! Consider more if gopping...). - Warm hat. -Emergency survival bag (blizzard bag or similar) and group shelter big enough for group - Head torch. - Hand warmers.

5. So... Is It Hard?

Yes — and no. Climbing Ben Nevis is a serious mountain day, but with the right preparation, clothing, and conditions, it’s an achievable challenge for most. It’s not technically difficult via the Pony Track, but the length, terrain, weather, and elevation gain make it tougher than many people expect. There is no café or gondola here...

6. Tips for a Successful Ascent

1. If you're anxious train beforehand and build up slowly. If you are concerned, pay careful attention to how you are on rough paths and long ascents/ decents (knees can take a pounding on the 3 hour + descent!)

2. Check the weather forecast and be flexible. There are plenty of safe local walks if the weather looks ropey! (Steall Falls in Glen Nevis, Lost Valley in Glencoe, visit the CIC Hut etc.)

3. Start early to avoid descending in the dark.

4. Pack essentials (check kit list above)

5. Organise a late back procedure (Tell someone trustworthy your plan and your ETA back to the visitor centre)

6. Take only photographs, leave only foot prints. (Please take your rubbish home with you and try minimise damage to the environment).

7. Go to the loo before you climb! There are no facilities beyond the visitor centre. Carry out any toilet roll and preferably carry a "wag" bag to carry your poo if you're caught short. The large footfall on Ben Nevis makes toilet-ing a serious ecological concern and some common toilet spots have been described as being biohazard due to human waste - https://lnt.org/disposing-of-waste-properly-wag-bags/

   
   

For a richer experience consider hiring one of our friendly guides!

7. Accident & Emergency

In the event of an emergency.

• Stay calm

• Get warm in your emergency shelter/ survival bag and keep any casualties warm

• Call 999 (consider registering for the text service. Text "Register" to 999.)

• Ask for the Police and request Mountain Rescue

• Provide the operator with an accurate location (Description, Grid Reference, What 3 Words etc.)

OS Locate Grid Reference App

OS locate Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.oslocate.android&hl=en_GB

• 

  Looking down the North Face from the summit of Ben Nevis. Tower Ridge in the mid ground (photo Tim Parkin).

8. Other Routes

Those seeking more of an adventure might consider one of the many other routes to the summit. These typically require more experience and fitness than the Pony Track.

• Carn Mor Dearg Aréte (Grade 1 Scramble.) - An exposed ridge wander.

• Ledge Route (Grade 2 Scramble)

• Tower Ridge (Grade Diff Mountaineering Route) - The climbers way to the top!

Climbers descending Ledge Route. North Face of Ben Nevis behind.

Final Thoughts

Ben Nevis is a mountain that deserves respect. It is often underestimated and there are many rescues here every year. However with the right mindset and preparation it can be a rewarding experience with some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK.

At Kennedy Mountaineering, we guide individuals and groups up Ben Nevis via all routes. Please get in touch for guiding and skills courses.

Why Hire a Guide for the Mountain Path?

The Pony Track may be the most popular route up Ben Nevis, but hiring a guide transforms it from a tough walk into a truly memorable mountain experience. Here’s what you gain with a guide:

• A Richer Journey. Our guides bring the mountain to life with stories from mountaineering history to local wildlife, and the people who’ve shaped the mountain's past — from Victorian scientists to modern-day climbers.

• Confidence to Enjoy the Moment. Without worrying about route choices or timings, you can fully immerse yourself in the journey — soaking up the views, taking photos, and enjoying the adventure.

• Tailored to You. Whether you’re chasing a personal goal, walking for charity, or celebrating a milestone, we shape the day around your pace and priorities — no pressure, just progress.

• Shared Passion. We love this mountain — and we think you will too. Our guides are here to make the day enjoyable, supportive, and full of good energy. Expect encouragement, a few laughs, and probably some snacks!

• A Memorable Achievement. Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis isn’t just a tick on the list — it’s a story you’ll tell for years. Having a guide means you get to focus on that story, not the logistics

  
  

A successful team on the summit of Ben Nevis!

Click on the link below to find out more about guided Ben Nevis adventures with Kennedy

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