Ben Nevis Mountain Track
Before starting your ascent, it’s worth visiting the Visitor Centre for up-to-date information on the Ben Nevis Mountain Track, current weather conditions, and summit ground conditions.
The Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis is the most accessible and clearly signposted starting point for anyone planning to hike to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Located just 2 miles from Fort William, it’s easy to reach by car or bus, with clear signs directing you from Fort William to Glen Nevis.
- Distance: 10 miles / 16km
- Ascent: 1340m
- Time: 8 hours
- Start Point: Ben Nevis visitor centre
- Grid Ref: NN 122 730
- Maps:
- Ordnance Survey: Explorer 392
- Harvey Maps: Ben Nevis & Glen Coe
Starting the Ben Nevis Mountain Path
With the Visitor Centre on your right, follow the well-built path along the River Nevis to reach a modern bridge. Cross the river, turn right, and follow the excellent path with the river now on your right. After around 100 metres, turn left beside a stone wall and walk across level fields to reach the main rising path - your gateway to the lower slopes of Ben Nevis.
This path climbs the lower flanks of Meall an t-Suidhe, which means 'hill of the seat' in Scottish Gaelic. It offers a gentle warm-up before the steeper upper slopes of Ben Nevis.
Climbing the Lower Slopes: Glen Nevis Views
The wide, well-engineered lower track rises steadily for around 2.5 km, climbing approximately 580 metres.
Along the way, it crosses several small burns and offers outstanding views across Glen Nevis, including grazing meadows, native woodland, forestry plantations, and the impressive peaks of Sgurr a’ Mhàim and Stob Bàn.
Above the 550m contour, the gradient eases as you pass Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, which lies between the summit of Meall an t-Suidhe and the rocky upper slopes of Ben Nevis.
Reaching the Red Burn: Halfway Up Ben Nevis
Just above 600m you’ll reach a key junction. Turn right towards the larger stream known as the Red Burn (Allt na h-Urchaire). From here, the vast west-facing slopes of Ben Nevis become clear. The mountain’s Gaelic name, Beinn Nibheis, is often translated as the malicious mountain or the mountain with its head in the clouds - a fitting description, as the true summit is often hidden until you are nearly there.
Above Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, the path becomes rockier and crosses the Red Burn at a well-used crossing point. Take care here, especially in wet conditions.
The Zig-Zags: Steady Ascent to 1200m
Past the Red Burn, the Mountain Path transitions into a series of long switchbacks, known as the zig-zags. These were originally designed in 1883 to allow ponies to carry supplies to the now-ruined summit observatory.
There are eight zig-zag corners in total. The early sections are long (up to 500m each), gradually growing shorter and steeper as you climb towards the 1200m mark.
As you ascend, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with pink granite giving way to darker volcanic rock and spectacular views towards surrounding peaks and lochs.
Final Ascent: McLean’s Steep to the Summit Plateau
After completing the zig-zags, you’ll reach a stone cairn marking the point where the route turns more directly ESE towards the summit. You’ll then climb McLean’s Steep, a short but steeper section around 1300m, named after engineer James McLean, who helped construct the original Pony Track.
From here, it’s roughly 600m across flatter, rocky terrain to reach the summit plateau.
Approaching the Summit of Ben Nevis
Near the top, the path passes safely above two well-known climbing gullies - Tower Gully and Gardyloo Gully. If snow remains, especially in spring, stay well back from these edges due to potential unstable cornices.
After passing the top of Gardyloo Gully, the route bends slightly left near three large stone cairns. Only 150m of gentle walking remains before you reach the Ben Nevis summit cairn.
On the summit, you’ll see:
- The ruins of the historic observatory
- A large cairn with an emergency shelter
- The official trig point marking the highest point of Ben Nevis at 1,345m
On clear days, the views are breathtaking - spanning the dramatic north face cliffs and the elegant Carn Mòr Dearg Arête.
Descending Ben Nevis Safely
The descent follows the same route. Take care, as the journey down can be just as tiring as the climb - sometimes even longer. In poor visibility, navigation from the summit is crucial:
- Walk 150m SW (bearing 231°) to avoid the gullies.
- From the three stone cairns, follow 282° WNW for about 1km, descending McLean’s Steep.
- Rejoin the top of the zig-zags at 1200m and follow the Mountain Track back to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, Glen Nevis, and the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre.
Be sure to bring enough food, water, and layers for both the ascent and descent of the UK’s highest mountain.
Inspired? Read our in-depth guide to this walk »
Guided Ben Nevis Walks
Fully immerse yourself in your Ben Nevis experience - without worrying about navigation or route planning - with an expert-guided walk. Run throughout the year, our Ben Nevis Open Days are guaranteed to take place, regardless of booking numbers. Check out our upcoming dates »
Alternatively, if you want to explore Ben Nevis with friends, colleagues or family, why not book one of our Mountain Leaders for a private guided walk?