Home › Trail Guides › Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track

Lochaber, Scottish Highlands

Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track

17 kmDistance
1,350 mAscent
7–9 hrsTime
HardGrade

The highest mountain in Britain at 1,345 m — a long, relentless climb on a well-made path from Glen Nevis to a summit plateau of observatory ruins, cairns and some of the biggest cliffs in the country.

Surrounding-area map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open full map ↗

Start — Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

Start from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park (pay and display) and cross the River Nevis footbridge, or begin at Achintee Farm by the Ben Nevis Inn — the two paths merge on the hillside above. The Mountain Track (once called the Tourist Path) climbs steadily from almost sea level, so this is a big day whatever the weather.

What's in the full guide

  • Halfway lochan & the Red Burn
  • Summit plateau — navigation warning
  • Summit & descent
  • Local area

🔒 Unlock the full Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track guide

Every section, navigation notes, descent options and local-area intel — plus all other premium guides. One-off £0.99.

Unlock everything for £0.99

Apple Pay · Google Pay · Card — secure Stripe checkout. Already paid? Open the unlock link from your receipt page on this device.

Recommended kit for this route

Packs

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack

A top-rated load-carrier — the AntiGravity suspended back panel is consistently praised for comfort on long days.

Clothing

Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket

A packable, budget-friendly waterproof shell with long-running strong owner ratings.

Trekking

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Adjustable aluminium poles with solid reviews for durability — poles reduce load on knees during steep descents.

Lighting

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

A bright, lightweight all-rounder headlamp with strong owner ratings and a waterproof build — a common first pick for campers.

Safety

Adventure Medical Kits Hiking Kit

A compact, trail-ready first aid kit sized for 2 people on short trips — a sensible essential for any hike.

🎒 The £5 Starter Pack

Complete first-trip bundle: 50-item gear checklist · 3-day trail meal plan · overnight trip planner · emergency card. Instant access after checkout.
£5.00 Secure Stripe checkout · Apple Pay / Google Pay

More walks

Moderate9.5 km

Mam Tor & The Great Ridge

Peak District, Derbyshire — The most rewarding ridge walk in the Peak District — a sweeping skyline path from the 'Shivering Mountain'…

Easy7 km

Dovedale & the Stepping Stones

Peak District, Derbyshire/Staffordshire — A river-gorge classic: limestone spires, caves, and the famous stepping stones across the River Dove. The…

Easy6 km

Padley Gorge & Longshaw

Peak District, Derbyshire — An ancient oak woodland tumbling down a boulder-filled gorge — the Peak District at its most atmospheric, and…