About this event

Our route to the roof of Britain will follow the traditional 'Pony track' or mountain path. Constructed in 1883 this was the original route to the summit and was used for several decades to service the weather observatory and later, the hotel! Known by some as the 'Tourist route', many have been lured into believing that the 1300 metre ascent is a doddle. Setting off from the Visitor Centre or Ben Nevis Inn only to find themselves slumped in a sweaty mess a few hours later contemplating whether to turn around or soldier on. Sure, if you take your time, and are in reasonably good shape, most will make it to the top, but the mountain is not to be underestimated. For the super-human elite, a time of under 2 hours to get to the top and back down is possible. For most though, this is a long day, with the average group of moderate fitness taking between 6-8 hours and some less experienced, taking 10 hours or more. Whilst for the most part, the path to the summit is obvious, when hidden under a layer of snow or when cloud and mist limit visibility, it is important to be able to navigate accurately. With numerous gullies cutting deeply into the summit plateau finding the correct line is vital. By tackling the mountain with the help of an experienced guide, helping to control a manageable and steady pace and encouraging regular breaks, you stand a far greater chance of achieving your goal and making it to the summit and safely back down, hopefully not looking like a sweaty mess like those you passed en-route! Ben Nevis is so much more than just a physical challenge and a tick on that bucket list however. At Walk Glencoe we know all about the mountains history and folklore. We can tell you about the legends and the geology, the plant life and wildlife. By hiring an experienced guide who knows the mountain intimately you can be sure of taking away so much more than blisters from your day. Private bookings are available for this event - Please get in touch for available dates and group pricing For more information about our route and the terrain, the level of difficulty, the amount of experience required and level of fitness, please follow the 'Useful Info' link on the Menu bar at the top of the site homepage. Here you will also find the 'Kit List' link providing recommendations on essential kit you will need to bring with you.

Cancellation Policy

If you choose to cancel your booking : Booking cancellations must be made in writing. If you cancel more than 28 days before an event takes place, your payment will be refunded minus a £10 booking deposit. If you cancel 28 days or less before an event takes place, no payment will be returned. We do not offer credit towards future events in place of a refund. We strongly recommend you take out appropriate holiday insurance to cover for unforeseen events that may cause you to cancel your booking. If we have to cancel your booking : Regardless of reason, in the very unlikely event that we have to cancel your booking, then we will refund your payment in full. We will try and give as much notice as possible. For weather related cancellations, notice could be as short as a couple of days. For other reasons, we would hope to give a fortnight's notice, possibly more. We cannot be held liable for additional costs you may have incurred such as accommodation or transport you may have booked.

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