Getting Ready for Ben Nevis: A Simple Preparation Guide

Standing a lofty 1345m above sea level, the summit of Ben Nevis marks the highest point in Scotland, the United Kingdom and the British Isles. This fact alone attracts thousands of people to set foot on its boulder-strewn bulk, as well as the wider rewards of visiting this mountainous region of Western Scotland with its impressive glens, sea lochs and rocky mountain ranges.

For novice walkers, the concept of a walk on Ben Nevis can be exhilarating. Many walkers may have already visited the highest summits of Yr Wyddfa in Wales and Scafell Pike in England. Still, planning a Ben Nevis hike can also feel slightly intimidating, based on its height and length of walking routes.

The good news is that, with the right preparation, a Ben Nevis hike is achievable for many reasonably active people, as long as you’re prepared to consider planning factors that will increase your enjoyment of this challenging objective. These include taking note of kit required, suitable route choice, understanding mountain weather and route finding on the mountain itself.

Preparing for Ben Nevis

The most popular route is the Mountain Track, sometimes called the Tourist Path. Despite the name, this is still a serious mountain walk. The full hike is around 17km return and usually takes between 7 and 9 hours depending on your walking pace, the weather on the day and taking adequate rest stops.

Preparing properly will make the experience safer, more enjoyable and far more memorable. Many people underestimate the time it will take to walk up Ben Nevis’ steep mountain slopes…and the same amount of time (or sometimes longer!) to walk down again.

You don’t need to be an athlete to climb Ben Nevis, but you should be comfortable walking for long periods uphill. This activity puts an extra strain on quad muscles in the thighs, which in turn asks the lungs and heart to work harder to pump oxygen to the muscles that need it.

• In the weeks before your trip, try building stamina with regular walks, hill climbs or longer hikes carrying a small backpack.
• Practising on smaller hills can help your legs and lungs adjust to steep ground.
• Even simple activities such as brisk walking, cycling or climbing stairs can improve endurance.
• Remember there is also the descent from Ben Nevis! This is where many people find out their knees don’t like walking downhill for long periods of time. Practising walking ‘down stairs’ (multiple times!) will also help leg muscles become used to the impact of descending.
• Walking poles can be really helpful for walking up and down Ben Nevis, especially on the mountain’s very uneven and rocky ground.

What to Wear

Supportive footwear is essential. Gym/road running trainers may seem comfortable, but they’re not always suitable for rough mountain terrain. If you’re looking for a pair of trainers, find ones with a rugged sole/good grip and protection around the toe and heel area – they may be sold as ‘trail/approach shoes’. A pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip will also protect your feet and help prevent slips on rocky sections.

Before your hike, wear your chosen footwear several times to avoid painful blisters on the mountain. Prevention is better than cure – think about using some protective tape or plasters to protect heels and other sensitive areas on your feet before you start walking.

Clothing is equally important because weather conditions on Ben Nevis can change very quickly, based on the height and drop in temperature as you ascend the mountain. It may feel warm in Glen Nevis, but the summit could be very cold, windy and wet. Ben Nevis can sometimes have winter snow lying on its summit area well into late May/early June.

Layering clothing is the best approach, so you can add layers as you gain height.

• Start with a synthetic/breathable base layer T shirt (not a cotton T shirt as these feel very cold against the skin when they get wet with sweat).
• You can then add a warmer fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer.
• Always carry a waterproof jacket (with hood) and waterproof trousers, which are useful in windy weather as well as wet weather.
• Even during summer, temperatures near the summit can be close to freezing. Hats and gloves are worth packing all year round, as strong winds are common at higher elevations.
• Think about protection from sun, also – including sunglasses and cap if it’s forecast to be sunny for long periods of time.

What to Pack

Your backpack should contain more than just spare clothes. A simple but sensible kit list includes:

How much food and hydration you take on can make a huge difference during a long climb, as well as what you’ve eaten the day before and the morning of your ascent (make sure you’ve a good breakfast!) Many novice walkers underestimate how much energy hiking uphill uses.

• Bring snacks that are easy to eat while moving, such as bananas, nuts, flapjacks, chocolate or energy bars.
• Aim to have a little snack every 30 mins or so.
• A sandwich/wrap lunch is also a good idea – and it’s better to have a ‘lunch stop’ lower down the mountain, rather than waiting until you get all the way to the top. This way, the lunch will give you more energy to get to the top and you won’t be sitting on the coldest place on the mountain!
• Remember you’ll need energy for the long descent, too – save some snacks or sweets for the way down.
• Drinking regularly is important even when the weather is cool. Most hikers should carry at least 2 litres of water for a day on Ben Nevis, many will drink more than that if it’s a warm day.

Ben Nevis Weather

Conditions on Ben Nevis are famous for changing rapidly. Fog, rain and strong winds can appear even on seemingly clear days. Visibility near the summit can become extremely poor, making route-finding difficult. If severe weather is forecast, there is no shame in postponing the walk. Mountains will always be there another day.

You can get expert advice from the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, as well as mountain specific weather forecasts from the Met Office or Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS). Many outdoor shops in Fort William will also be able to offer advice.

• Book Guided Walk

For beginners, summer and early autumn are usually the best times to attempt the climb because daylight hours are longer and conditions are usually milder. Late spring can still see the mountain covered in winter snows. And late autumn can see snows and storms return again more regularly. Winter hiking on Ben Nevis is a completely different challenge and should only be attempted with specialist equipment and experience.

Read our in-depth guide »

Route Planning for Ben Nevis

Route planning and navigation is a key part of preparation. Although the Mountain Track is generally straightforward in good visibility, the summit plateau can be confusing in mist and sometimes the path is not always clear on the ground, with all the large rocks strewn across the summit plateau.

Downloading an offline map on your phone is useful, but do not rely entirely on technology as phone batteries can suffer in cold temperatures, especially if you’re using your phone to also take lots of photos! Carrying a paper map and learning basic navigation skills adds an extra layer of safety if you become confused as to where you’re on the mountain. Gaining advice from a local mountain guide or joining a group walk can also increase levels of safety and confidence. It’s wise to tell someone your plans before you go. Let a friend or family member know your route and expected return time. Let your friend/family know when you’re back off the mountain, also.

Take Your Time

Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to pace yourself on the UK’s highest mountain. Many first-time hikers start too quickly and run out of energy halfway up, or suffer cramps or fatigue early on in their walk.

Ben Nevis is not a race.

Make an early start, take steady steps, rest when needed and enjoy the incredible scenery around you. On clear days, the views across the Highlands are spectacular and make every effort worthwhile. This is why it’s important to consider the weather for your day’s walk – it’s always easier when you’re not battling the elements, as well as the steep slopes.

Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis is a fantastic achievement for any novice hiker. With sensible preparation, the right equipment and respect for the mountain, it can become one of the most unforgettable adventures in the UK. The climb may challenge you physically and mentally, but standing at the top of Britain’s highest peak is a moment you will never forget.

Ben Nevis – Your Way

We run regular guided walks on Ben Nevis, giving you the chance to join a small, friendly group led by an experienced Mountain Leader. All of our open dates are guaranteed to run, whatever the group size – take a look at our upcoming dates to find one that works for you.

If you’d prefer a more personal experience, you can also book a private guided walk. Whether you’re climbing with friends, family or colleagues, one of our Mountain Leaders can tailor the day to your group, pace and goals.

We’re also long-standing providers of charity Ben Nevis climbs, supporting individuals and groups to raise money for good causes since 2010. Over the years, our walkers have raised thousands of pounds for both local and national charities. If you’re looking to add purpose to your climb, we can connect you with one of our Charity Partners or support your fundraising for a charity of your choice.

Questions?

We’re here to help – get in touch with our team for all your Ben Nevis questions.