Hike the Mighty Ben Nevis

Conquer Britain’s highest peak – a legendary mountain with dramatic cliffs, ancient geology, and breathtaking views across the Scottish Highlands.

Highest peak in the UK Elevation Best season
Ben Nevis 1,345 m May–September
Ben Nevis rising above Glen Nevis in the Scottish Highlands

Book curated Ben Nevis experiences with

9+ activities
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Fort William: Ben Nevis Guided Group Hike

8 hours • summit hike • small group guide from Fort William

from $160 per person Book Now
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Fort William: Guided Ben Nevis Summit Walk

Full-day summit walk • experienced mountain leader • small group

from $160 per person Book Now
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4.8 (112)

Loch Ness, Inverness & Highlands 2-Day Tour

2 days • Loch Ness cruise • Inverness & Cairngorms viewpoints

from $395 per person Book Now
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Why visit Ben Nevis

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Britain’s highest peak

Stand on the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles, with panoramic views across the Highlands, lochs, and surrounding peaks.

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Highland wildlife

Spot red deer, golden eagles, ptarmigan, mountain hares, and rare alpine plants adapted to Ben Nevis’s rugged mountain environment.

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Dramatic Highland landscapes

Explore glens, waterfalls, and high ridges around Glen Nevis and the surrounding Highlands, with ever-changing light and weather.

Getting to Ben Nevis & Fort William

Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William, Scotland
  • Most visitors base themselves in Fort William, the main town at the foot of Ben Nevis with easy access to Glen Nevis and local trailheads.
  • Travel by train or bus to Fort William from Glasgow or Edinburgh, or drive via Glencoe on the A82 for one of Scotland’s most scenic routes.
  • The main Mountain Track (Pony Track) starts near the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis—arrive early to secure parking and allow plenty of time.
  • Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out, and avoid attempting the summit in poor visibility, high winds, or winter conditions without winter skills.

FAQ

What should I wear for hiking Ben Nevis?

Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and waterproof gear. Scottish mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in summer.

Are the trails family friendly?

Lower level walks in Glen Nevis are suitable for families. The Mountain Track to the summit is challenging and requires good fitness; the summit is not recommended for young children.

Are there any fees to climb Ben Nevis?

There is no fee to climb Ben Nevis itself, but parking charges may apply at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre and nearby car parks in Glen Nevis.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September generally offers the most reliable conditions for hiking. Winter ascents require winter mountaineering experience, ice axe, crampons, and specialist skills.

Can I photograph Ben Nevis and the surrounding Highlands?

Yes. Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis offer spectacular viewpoints and photo opportunities. Please stay on marked paths and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Is Ben Nevis accessible?

The summit route is a steep mountain path and not wheelchair accessible. Some lower glen paths and viewpoints may be more accessible—check current information before visiting.

What wildlife might I see on Ben Nevis?

Look out for red deer, golden eagles, ptarmigan, mountain hares, and rare alpine plants on the upper slopes. Please observe wildlife from a distance and leave no trace.

About Ben Nevis & the Highlands

Ben Nevis stands at 1,345 metres above sea level and towers over the town of Fort William at the head of Loch Linnhe. Its Gaelic name, Beinn Nibheis, is often translated as “mountain with its head in the clouds,” a fitting description for a summit frequently shrouded in mist.

The mountain forms part of the Nevis Range and sits within the Lochaber Geopark, an area famed for dramatic geology, deep glens, and wild Highland scenery. On its north face, steep cliffs offer some of the most challenging climbing in the UK, while the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis provides an accessible—but demanding—route for walkers.

Hiking in the Scottish Highlands near Ben Nevis

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