Final Up to date on seventh October 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau
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Over 250 years in the past, Edinburgh botanist James Robertson made the primary recorded ascent of Britain’s highest mountain. The summit sits 4,413 ft above sea degree and is famend for its distinctive and changeable local weather. At present, Ben Nevis is Scotland’s most visited peak and attracts in eager explorers from all corners of the world, hoping to tackle the mighty Ben. Right here’s your information on discovering Ben Nevis and climb it, in addition to high suggestions and what to see close by!
Introducing Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is an extinct volcano that may be discovered within the northwest Highlands, close to the city of Fort William and near the North Atlantic ocean. Famend worldwide for its dramatic climb, Ben Nevis is a novel peak of the world whereby it’s attainable to succeed in a excessive altitude in a fairly brief area of time.
Every year, round 130,000 folks sort out Ben Nevis, difficult themselves to climb Scotland’s highest mountain. The king of all of them, it’s in actual fact, the tallest peak within the UK and the entire British Isles.
“Ben Nevis” is a translation from the Scottish Gaelic identify “Beinn Nibheis”. The phrase “Beinn” is Gaelic for “mountain”, and “Nibheis” interprets as “poison” or “venom”. Translating Ben Nevis as a “venomous mountain”.
The primary recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was made by James Robertson, a botanist from Edinburgh, on the seventeenth of August, 1771. The next recorded ascent was made in 1774 by John Williams, an avid geologist who offered detailed accounts of the Ben’s geological construction.
By 1883, a path resulting in its summit and an observatory was constructed atop Ben Nevis. The Scottish Meteorological Society (SMS) constructed the observatory to gather invaluable meteorological information, permitting for a greater understanding of climate. With scientists working all 12 months spherical, the observatory operated for 21 years till its closure in 1904.
In 1911, Henry Alexander Jr (the son of Scotland’s first Ford supplier) drove a Mannequin T Ford to the summit of Ben Nevis and again down once more. After having walked up the mountain just lately, this reality actually shocked me. However, it was all within the identify of a publicity stunt, to indicate that the mass produced American automobile was superior to that of the hand-crafted British ones… and Ford automobiles are fairly common these days!
Flora & fauna
Just like the remainder of the Scottish Highalnds, Ben Nevis is a haven for all sorts of flora & fauna. Because of the extremely recent air, the mountain is residence to 75 species of lichen alone (a few of that are thought of very uncommon).
A number of the fauna embrace golden and white tailed eagles, crimson deer, pine martens, water voles and uncommon butterflies.
At present, Ben Nevis is famend worldwide, not only for its top, but additionally for its sweeping landscapes. The breathtaking views from each level alongside the trail make this stroll one of the crucial memorable experiences for individuals who enterprise it.
The North Face aspect of Ben Nevis, which looms above Loch Linnhe, is especially common amongst the daredevil climbers and mountaineers of the world.
Together with this, Scotland’s iconic mountain is brooding, mysterious and actually wild. Because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and, after all its excessive altitude, you’ll be able to by no means make sure of what local weather and climate awaits you!
Can a newbie stroll up Ben Nevis?
To place merely, sure. Though it’s important to be fairly match and have stamina, Ben Nevis is exclusive in that it attracts such a various vary of individuals, from each the decrease finish of expertise to the upper finish, difficult themselves and efficiently reaching its summit every year.
You may not consider it (I actually discovered it exhausting to) however some folks do in actual fact select to run up Ben Nevis!
Ben Nevis is one among Scotland’s 282 Munros. A Munro is a mountain in Scotland that’s over 3,000 ft tall. The identify comes from Sir Hugh Munro, who printed a listing of the very best Scottish mountains in 1891. The “Munro Problem” to climb as most of the Munros as attainable has grow to be a life purpose for a lot of!
How lengthy will it take to stroll up Ben Nevis?
If following the primary route referred to as the Mountain Monitor, the common complete is claimed to take between 7-9 hours (with an approximate ascent of 3.5 – 4.5 hours). That being stated, it fully will depend on your health, how lengthy you select to take breaks, in addition to what sort of velocity you wish to stroll at.
On our current journey, we had been extraordinarily lucky with the climate circumstances, plus hillwalking is a daily exercise for us. We managed to make the ascent in 2.5 hours and descend in round 3 hours (this was carried out at a reasonable to quick tempo).
The way to climb Ben Nevis
*Please observe, on this information we’ll be taking you thru the traditional Mountain Monitor route, which is the preferred method to climb Ben Nevis.
Ben Nevis Guests Centre
Located within the automobile park on the very begin of the primary path to Ben Nevis is its guests centre. Amenities embrace bogs, a small store with helpful issues for mountain climbing, together with vitality primarily based meals, and also you’ll additionally discover a small café the place you’ll be able to decide up a takeaway tea or espresso.
The guests centre has loads of useful data, together with maps and routes. The members of employees listed here are insightful and in a position to provide recommendation on what it is best to count on/put together for on the day. After the guests centre you’ll cross a bridge and your climb of Ben Nevis will begin!
The ascent
The preliminary ascent to Ben Nevis can seem benign, however don’t be fooled because it’s solely the beginning of a relatively a steep route forward…
The primary half of the climb is gorgeous, within the sunshine it felt as if strolling in The Shire (Lord of the Rings reference, google picture if you could!) Fairly, wooded and boasting gorgeous views overlooking the valley, it’s a scenic path which is well walked alongside. The trail is effectively constructed, just a little uneven at occasions, and begins to return just a little steeper as you make your method to the midway level.
Whenever you begin alongside the Mountain Path it is best to know which you could’t really see Ben Nevis and it’s hidden across the nook of the primary summit. You’ll solely begin to see the mountain itself as soon as on the ‘midway level’.
Midway level
By this level you’ll have already reached a powerful top. The ‘midway level’ is called Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, from right here you’ll be able to see a loch in addition to a T junction. The T junction provides climbers the selection between the zig-zag route (the simpler path) or the more difficult scramble which takes you in the direction of the North aspect of the mountain. Until you’re ready for mountain climbing, it is best to decide to show left.
When you’ve turned left you’ll cross by a lovely stream of water that lightly flows from the steep slope of the mountain. In Scotland they are saying which you could drink mountain water, and whereas it actually might be tremendous recent, there are many indicators on the guests centre that warn it could additionally comprise urine from the native wildlife and your fellow hikers…
The zig-zag path
The zig-zag path means that you can make a really sharp ascent in little time. Nevertheless, this was by far the worst stretch of the trail, purely as a result of each flip you make feels prefer it might be the final, you then’re shocked by but one other path of the dreaded zig-zag.
There are additionally quite a lot of free rocks which might imply for just a little little bit of a scramble at factors, and since the terrain is that bit harder you’ll be able to’t actually look as much as benefit from the views. It’s undoubtedly the toughest a part of the route, but additionally the ultimate stretch of your climb.
As you climb this ultimate half you’ll begin to discover artifical cairns, which have been constructed over time by walkers each to mark the trail and conceal litter. Ben Nevis has a effectively trodden path so it’s pretty straightforward to observe, however in harsher climate circumstances these cairns turn out to be useful.
The summit
In the event you make it this far, congratulations! The summit of Ben Nevis is not any straightforward feat and anybody who reaches it ought to rejoice this reality.
On the high you’ll be greeted by a pleasant flat plain the place your legs will be grateful for a relaxation from the ascent. Stays of the previous observatory partitions can nonetheless be seen, in addition to much more cairns.
The principle level which signifies the very best a part of the height is the trig level, a small stone pillar marking the very best level of the mountain (additionally the place climbers get their proof they obtained to the highest photograph).
And, after all, the perfect a part of reaching the summit is the spectacular views that encompass you. In the event you’re fortunate to go to when visibility is at it’s greatest then you’ll be able to see sweeping panoramic vistas which stretch so far as Northern Eire!
*Observe of warning, when taking photographs watch out to not get too near the sting, it’s the quickest manner down however not the most secure.
The descent
*You’ll take the identical path that you just got here up, to make your manner down.
The descent is arguably among the best elements of the stroll as you might be greeted with all of the gorgeous views you weren’t in a position to see whereas climbing up. It’s additionally tremendous satisfying to stroll alongside the trail and recognise simply how a lot you achieved by attending to the highest.
As you already know, the trail may be very steep, however strolling down can put quite a lot of stress in your knees. Take it regular, permit for maybe extra breaks than you took going up, and benefit from the mesmerising surroundings in entrance of you for the final time (till you inevitably wish to climb up once more subsequent 12 months!)
Recommendations on put together
These are easy recommendations to remember earlier than taking over Ben Nevis. Once we climbed the summit we had been extraordinarily fortunate with the climate, however I do advocate being ready for any kind of forecast because the mountain’s local weather is unpredictable (you’ll see quite a lot of warnings, together with helpful security recommendations on boards across the guests centre)
The principle level of making ready upfront is so that you just’re protected on the mountain, in addition to with the ability to benefit from the great expertise of climbing the UK’s highest peak!
Greatest time to go to Ben Nevis
Between the months of June to September is claimed to be the perfect time to go to the mountain, it’s additionally whenever you’re most probably to be fortunate with the climate. The photographs seen listed here are all taken within the first week of October, though a bit cooler, it was nonetheless heat sufficient to benefit from the stroll.
After chatting with an area taxi driver, he identified that through the peak of Summer time, the trail as much as Ben Nevis can grow to be virtually unbearably congested with folks, so if velocity is your precedence this may not be the perfect time for you.
Climbing Ben Nevis come wintertime is actually not for everybody, but it surely’s attainable to navigate the snowy circumstances. Bear in mind, it is a two-day enterprise whereby walkers ought to spend at the very least someday planning and making ready earlier than ascending the summit.
Issues to do close by
Take pleasure in a pint (or whisky!) at Ben Nevis Inn
Quaint, cosy (and much more magical after the climb) located at the beginning of the route is the Ben Nevis Inn, which is each a pub restaurant and place to remain. If contemplating right here for dinner, it’s really helpful to e-book upfront as it will probably get fairly busy.
After our hike, we recovered for a short time on the campsite earlier than returning to move to the Ben Nevis Inn for dinner. Sure, we needed to climb the beginning of the route once more, manner too quickly. Nevertheless, they serve a scrumptious menu of hearty and conventional Scottish delicacies in addition to loads of craft actual ales and a wide selection of whisky, all of which is especially warming after a protracted day of strolling!
Discover Glen Nevis
You’ll cross by Glen Nevis in your method to the beginning of the Ben Nevis route. Wandering by means of the woodland paths and into the forest, you’ll be able to take pleasure in among the enchanting wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. A number of the greatest sights to see embrace the Nevis Gorge and the magical and secluded Steall Falls.
Steall Waterfall
Discovered throughout the parameters of Glen Nevis is the a lovely waterfall. Steall Falls is the third-highest waterfall in Scotland, and also you’ll probably hear it gushing out water lengthy earlier than you see it. Water cascades from the rock face and falls 105 metres down, making for a powerful sight.
Go to Fort William
Fort William is taken into account the “gateway to hillwalking” due to its proximity to Ben Nevis, together with a number of different Munros (Scottish mountains which can be over 3,000 ft).
This small Scottish city will be discovered not too removed from the shores of Loch Linnhe, the place Ben Nevis looms within the backdrop, making up the enduring picture you’ll most probably see on google picture outcomes.
Whereas there’s not an excessive amount of to see in Fort William, there are many cosy cafés and pubs dotted alongside the Excessive Road the place you’ll be able to seize breakfast or a small chew to eat. Earlier than catching the bus residence, we stopped for lunch at The Previous Deli, which serves comforting toasted sandwiches and do-it-yourself soup.
One factor that Fort William is especially nice for is outside retailers, serving the numerous hillwalkers and adventurers who cross by, with all of the tools you would possibly want (or probably forgot to convey!)
An attention-grabbing spot on the town to go to is the spectacular Neptune’s Staircase, which includes a dramatic set of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Constructed between 1803 and 1822, Neptune’s Staircase is the longest staircase lock in Britain and was initially hand powered till it was transformed for use mechanically.
Uncover historical past at The West Highland Museum
Discovered inside Fort William is the West Highland Museum, which is a small museum that particulars the native historical past of the Scottish Highlands and Islands by means of an exhibit of artefacts and tales.
Telling tales of the Highlands and Isles, the museum homes a powerful Jacobite exhibit and takes guests by means of a historical past of a few of Scotland’s most bloodthirsty battles. It’s undoubtedly one of many extra fascinating issues to see in Fort William.
The West Highland Museum is free to go to, although they do depend on donations. Aside from Sundays the museum is open each day from 10 am – 4 pm.
The way to get there
The best method to attain Ben Nevis is, after all, by your personal technique of transport. There’s a carpark with ample areas proper at the beginning of the primary path, beside the Ben Nevis Customer Centre. The principle automobile park for Ben Nevis is a 10-minute drive from Fort William, and there’s a small price of £4 per day to park.
Our current journey to Ben Nevis was fully reliant on public transport, which may be very doable from Glasgow. The most suitable choice is to take a Citylink bus from Glasgow’s Bus Station, there are 5 buses operating per day, this can take you to Fort William. From right here, we selected to stroll the 40 minutes alongside Glen Nevis to the campsite.
The place to remain
With regards to selecting the place to remain, it’s fully dependant on what expertise you need out of your journey. For the total ‘countryside retreat’ it is best to decide to remain in a campsite or in one of many native inns that are distant, however shut sufficient to stroll to from Ben Nevis.
In case you are in search of exercise come nighttime, you’ll wish to base your self in or inside strolling distance from Fort William.
Glen Nevis Caravan & Tenting Park – Whereas tenting isn’t for everybody, I wished to advocate this because it’s the place we selected to remain and we had such an ideal expertise! It’s additionally very a lot a ‘glamping’ scenario as there are showers and electrical energy, even for tent customers. Plus, it’s minutes stroll from the Ben Nevis predominant route!
In the event you don’t fancy tenting, there are actually cute tenting pods or vacation caravans accessible too. Examine their official web site to e-book and for extra data.
Listed below are another recommendations of the place to remain (primarily based on web-reviews):
Ben Nevis Inn – Located on the foot of the UK’s tallest mountain, this charming and rustic inn has rooms which boast gorgeous mountain views and sweeping vistas of the pure surroundings. Set inside a 200-year-old transformed barn, that is the right place to base your self if you happen to love strolling and waking as much as the outside. Examine costs and availability right here.
The Garrison Resort – Located within the bustling city centre of Fort William, this lodge is located simply 300 metres from the West Highland Museum. Clear and fashionable rooms make for a snug and straightforward place to remain. Examine costs and availability right here.
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