Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Climbing Ben Nevis
As the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis (1344m) attracts many would-be ascensionists who would not
normally think of climbing a Scottish mountain - a staggering (often literally) 100,000 people reach the summit
each year. Although anyone who is reasonably fit should have no problem climbing Ben Nevis on a fine summer's
day, an ascent should not be undertaken lightly. Every year people have to be rescued from the mountain. You will
need proper walking boots (the path is rough and stony, and there may be soft, wet snowfields on the summit),
warm clothing, waterproofs, a map and compass, and plenty of food and water. And don't forget to check the weath-
er forecast (see www.bennevisweather.co.uk ).
Here are a few facts to mull over before you go racing up the tourist track: the summit plateau is bounded by
700m-high cliffs and has a sub-Arctic climate; at the summit it can snow on any day of the year; the summit is
wrapped in cloud nine days out of 10; in thick cloud, visibility at the summit can be 10m or less; and in such condi-
tions the only safe way off the mountain requires careful use of a map and compass to avoid walking over those
700m cliffs.
The tourist track (the easiest route to the top) was originally called the Pony Track. It was built in the 19th cen-
tury for the pack ponies that carried supplies to a meteorological observatory on the summit (now in ruins), which
was manned continuously from 1883 to 1904.
There are three possible starting points for the tourist track ascent - Achintee Farm; the footbridge at Glen Nevis
SYHA ( Click here ) ; and, if you have a car, the car park at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. The path climbs gradually to
the shoulder at Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (known as the Halfway Lochan), then zigzags steeply up beside the Red
Burn to the summit plateau. The highest point is marked by a trig point on top of a huge cairn beside the ruins of the
old observatory; the plateau is scattered with countless smaller cairns, stones arranged in the shape of people's
names and, sadly, a fair bit of litter.
The total distance to the summit and back is 8 miles; allow at least four or five hours to reach the top, and another
2½ to three hours for the descent. Afterwards, as you celebrate in the pub with a pint, consider the fact that the re-
cord time for the annual Ben Nevis Hill Race is just under 1½ hours - up and down. Then have another pint.
Sleeping & Eating
BEN NEVIS INN£
( 01397-701227; www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk ; Achintee; dm £15.50; noon-11pm daily Apr-Oct, Thu-
Sun only Nov-Mar; ) A good alternative to the youth hostel is this great barn of a pub (real
ale and tasty bar meals available; mains £9 to £16), with a comfy 24-bed hostel down-
stairs. It's at the Achintee start of the path up Ben Nevis, and only a mile from the end of
the West Highland Way. Food served noon to 9pm.
| Hostel
ACHINTEE FARM£
(
| B&B, Hostel
01397-702240; www.achinteefarm.com ; Achintee; B&B s/d £60/78, hostel dm/tw £17/38;
)
This attractive farmhouse offers excellent B&B accommodation and also has a small
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