Walking up the Ben Nevis Foopath

In fine weather the ascent of Ben Nevis by the mountain footpath from Achintee is a relatively straightforward day out. In poor weather, however, the ascent is a serious undertaking and it is all too easy to underestimate the difficulty of the conditions which may be encountered high up on the mountain. Finding your way across the extensive summit plateau can be extremely difficult and, in the poor visibility which often prevails, a high degree of skill with map and compass is essential.

The mountain footpath from Achintee is the most frequented route with hundreds of walkers climbing to the top every year. You should allow four hours up and three hours down for an average trip. One alternative is to hire the services of a professional mountain guide, who will provide an excellent guided walk up Ben Nevis either as a private party, or as part of a small group sharing the mountain guide's services.

The track slants up along the side of Meall an t-Suidhe before reaching the Red Burn - a major feature on the slopes of the mountain. Beyond the Red Burn, the path climbs in a series of long winding zig-zags before reaching the summit plateau. The mountain track has been used to reach the summit of 'The Ben' in a variety of ways. The first ascent by a motor car was made in 1911. This was a publicity stunt to promote the Model T Ford. The ascent took several days and involved the use of planks and ropes. The mountain track was followed from about half-way up. The second car ascent in 1928 was completed in one day and there have been numerous other motorised ascents over the years. Other items which have been taken to the top are wheelbarrows and a piano.

On the plateau the route becomes less distinct as the path makes its way across a sea of stones and boulders. The rocks on the lower slopes of the mountain are mainly granites and schists while the top section is composed of Andesite and other volcanic lavas. On a clear day the views across to Glen Coe are stunning:- Beinn a' Bheithir, Bidean nam Bian (the highest peak in Argyll) and the famous notched ridge of the Aonach Eagach.

A final steepening leads to the summit which the Ordnance Survey trig point shares with various cairns, an emergency shelter and the ruins of the meteorological observatory. The Ben Nevis Observatory was manned for twenty-one years from 1883 to 1904 and readings were taken every hour during this period and telegraphed down to the Superintendant's House, now know as Glentower Guesthouse - the attractive pink house near the West End car park.

The view to the north and east takes in Carn Mor Dearg (the big red peak), Aonach Mor (the big ridge), and Aonach Beag (the small ridge). Along with Ben Nevis (the meaning is not certain - possibly the 'venomous' mountain), these four mountains form a group of peaks over 4000 feet - there are nine altogether in Scotland (none in the remainder of the British Isles). The other five 4000 footers are in the Cairngorm hills much further east. Beyond Aonach Beag lie the Grey Corries - a long ridge which comprises four Munros - Scottish mountains over 3000 feet in height above sea level (there are 284 Munros). To the south the view encompasses the Mamore ridge with a further ten Munros - Ben Nevis occupies a supreme position amid a sea of lower peaks.

Immediately to the north lies the precipitous north face which provides some of the best climbing in Britain - both in summer and winter.

If you are not too confident on the mountains, and would enjoy the experience of a guided walk up Ben Nevis, please get in touch with one of our advertisers.

Cruachan Hotel, Fort William
With superb lochside views and a short distance to Fort William town centre, the Cruachan Hotel is a good choice as an affordable hotel if you are planning a visit to our Highland town. We have lots of private parking, generous sized public... click for more details...
Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 702022

West End Hotel
The West End Hotel is a well appointed, family run hotel with a tastefully furnished restaurant, lounge bar and delightful patio. We welcome visitors to Fort William for bed and breakfast or all-inclusive short stays. Our hotel accommodation is... click for more details...
High Street, Fort William, PH33 Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 702614

Ossians - budget accommodation
Ossians offers budget accommodation in the centre of Fort William. Only 100 meters from the end of the West Highland Way, and close to rail and bus stations, it's ideally placed for backpackers and tourists for simple but clean and tidy hotel... click for more details...
Ossians, High Street, Fort William, PH33 6DH Tel: 01397 700857

Ben Nevis Hotel
Nothing is overlooked - Except Ben Nevis Whether you are visiting on business or for some quality leisure time the hotel is an ideal base where you can be sure of a warm Scottish welcome. Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William, The... click for more details...
North Road, Fort William, PH33 6TG Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 702331

Croit Anna Hotel
The Croit Anna Hotel is situated 4Km south of Fort William on the A82 by the shores of Loch Linnhe and  is ideally located for touring the Western Highlands, with such famous places as Ben Nevis, Glencoe and Glenfinnan only a short drive away.... click for more details...
Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 702268

Nevis Bank Inn
Fort William's Nevis Bank Hotel opened its door for the 2010 season at the end of May after a total refurbishment with very contemporary styling and a comfortable environment. The new management team welcomes you to our exciting place to stay... click for more details...
Belford Road, Fort William, PH33 6BY Tel: 01397 705721

Guisachan Guest House
A warm welcome awaits you at Guisachan House, a family run private hotel in Fort William offering bed and breakfast in Fort William. We are situated on an elevated position off the main road with views over Loch Linnhe and surrounding hills only... click for more details...
Alma Road, Fort William, PH33 6HA Tel: 01397 703797

Alexandra Hotel
Part of the very fabric of Fort William, since 1876 The Alexandra Hotel provides traditional Scottish Hospitality at its best and located in the centre of Fort William is an ideal base from which to explore the Highlands and Islands. Relax by... click for more details...
The Parade, Fort William, PH33 6AZ Tel: +44 (0) 1397 702241

Clan Macduff Hotel
Our family run lochside hotel in Fort William opens from April to October and offers great value for money accommodation, very comfortable hotel facilities and great lochview dining. If you are planning a visit to Fort William and the Highlands... click for more details...
Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RW Tel: 01397 702341

Best Western Imperial Hotel
The Imperial Hotel is located just off Fort William's High Street and offers lochside views from the upper floors. We have excellent hotel facilities, a good menu for dinner and bar suppers, and comfortable rooms, some which have loch views.... click for more details...
Fraser Square, Fort William, PH33 6DW Tel:

The Lime Tree Hotel Restaurant and Gallery
The Lime Tree in Fort William is a Small Hotel, Restaurant and high quality Art Gallery offering you unique accommodation in a convenient location in the Highlands of Scotland. Whether you choose to relax at The Lime Tree, enjoy the spectacular... click for more details...
Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ Tel: 01397 701806

Moorings Hotel
The Moorings Hotel is one of the most desirable hotels in the Scottish Highlands offering the best accommodation, wedding and conference facilities. But don’t take our word for it, come along and experience the tranquillity and quality for... click for more details...
Banavie , Fort William, Banavie, Fort William, PH33 7LY Tel: 01397 772797

Inverlochy Castle Hotel & Restaurant
Nestling in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland's finest scenery. Inverlochy was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, 2 miles from the site of the original 13th century fortress.  In... click for more details...
Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN Tel: 0044 (0) 1397 702177

Adventure Nevis - Ben Nevis Mountain Guide
If you are looking for a Ben Nevis Mountain Guide, Adventure Nevis is a Scottish-based guiding service offering classic mountain days on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, standing at 1,344 metres. The Ben Nevis mountain footpath ascent... click for more details...
3 Bracara, Morar, PH40 4PE Tel: 01687 460163 or 0771 4844686

Abacus Mountain Guides
Abacus Mountain Guides provide world class mountain adventures on the west coast of Scotland. With the highest qualifications in Mountaineering, Canyoning and Mountain Biking, plus twenty years of experience, we deliver expert coaching and guiding... click for more details...
6 Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7LS Tel: 01397 772466

Snowgoose Mountain Centre & The Smiddy Bunkhouse
Snowgoose Mountain Centre offers mountain & water based skills training and guiding on the West Coast of Scotland. Our family run business provides from family days out on the water or crag to winter skills training and wilderness expeditions... click for more details...
Station Road, Corpach, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7JH Tel: 01397 772467

Wildwood Bushcraft - survival skills, natural history and adventure in the Highlands!
Bushcraft survival courses and woodland nature days in Lochaber - perfect for a family or small group outdoor activity. We offer unique experiences involving bushcraft survival skills, woodland crafts, wildlife tracking and navigation, in the... click for more details...
Wildwood, Roshven, Lochailort, PH38 4NB Tel: 01687 470415

West Coast Mountain Guides
West Coast Mountain Guides Ltd is owned by principal mountaineer Alan Kimber, a well respected climber and instructor within Scottish mountaineering circles. Alan runs his business from his home in Fort William and offers a full range of... click for more details...
Calluna, Heathercroft, Fort William, PH33 6RE Tel: 01397 700451