Ben Nevis Guided Walks with Professional Mountain Leaders
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Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK, is a true giant of the Highlands. This world-famous peak is celebrated not only for its walking routes and breath-taking views, but also for its rich history and mountaineering heritage.
The mountain’s imposing North Face is home to some of the finest climbing in the world, featuring dramatic cliffs and deep gullies that attract climbers from across the globe — both for rock climbing in summer and ice climbing in winter.
Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis genuinely feels like standing on top of the world. Few places can rival Scotland’s sweeping views of endless hills and glens. Alongside the panorama, take time to explore the ruins of the old summit observatory — a fascinating reminder of the mountain’s scientific past.
Ben Nevis Via Pony / Mountain Track
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Ben Nevis is situated in the Western Highlands above the popular town of Fort William. Fort William hosts an abundance of places to stay and plenty of places to eat. If driving to Fort William from the south, be sure to plan a little time for photo stops as you drive through Glencoe as it's just mind-blowing.
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Grade:Hard
Terrain: Rough Ground
Duration: 7 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 10 Ascent: 1350m
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Starting from either the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre or the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, the well-maintained Mountain Track (often referred to as the Tourist Route) rises gently above the valley floor before curving alongside the Red Burn. After a steady ascent, the path reaches the Halfway Lochan (Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe) — a perfect spot for a short rest and a snack before tackling the upper slopes.
From here, the route continues with the famous zigzags, gaining height steadily across the broad flanks of Ben Nevis. As you approach the summit plateau, the terrain becomes rockier but begins to level out.
The summit area can be a serious and hazardous environment, especially in poor visibility or wintry conditions. The tops of the North Face gullies and steep cliffs can be hidden by snow and cornices, and tragically, navigation errors here have led to fatal accidents. Cairns are positioned across the plateau to aid route-finding, but these are often buried under snow, which can linger on Ben Nevis year-round.
As with any Scottish mountain, weather conditions can change rapidly. Being properly equipped and prepared for all eventualities — particularly on the summit — is essential.
It typically takes 3–4 hours to reach the summit, so carrying ample snacks, fluids, and suitable clothing is vital. The descent is made via the same path, offering more time to take in the surrounding views of Glen Nevis and the wider Highland landscape.
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The route described above is the route traditionally used on the National 3 Peaks Challenge. This route is most suited to those with limited hill walking experience and basic hill fitness.
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Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete
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The Carn Mòr Dearg Arête (CMD) route is to Ben Nevis what Crib Goch is to Snowdon — a thrilling, exposed, and truly unforgettable mountain experience.
The ascent begins from the North Face car park, with a scenic walk through Caledonian forest before the landscape opens up to reveal the dramatic cliffs of Ben Nevis’s North Face. From there, the route climbs to the summit of Carn Mòr Dearg, where the adventure really begins.
The CMD Arête is a spectacular and airy ridge, offering exhilarating scrambling and incredible panoramic views across the Highlands. The ridge eventually rises to meet the summit slopes of Ben Nevis, providing a dramatic and deeply satisfying finish.
This route should only be attempted by those with a good level of hill fitness and some previous scrambling experience. It’s a challenging day on the mountain — but a true classic for those ready to take it on.
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Grade: Hard
Terrain: Rough Ground
Duration: 7 Hours
Route Stats: Miles: 9 Ascent: 1200m
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If you want to take scrambling to the next level why not hire an instructor for a day of Advanced Scrambling and tackle a route on the iconic North Face?
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Why Us?
Undertaking any mountain walk in Scotland is a significant challenge — and climbing the highest peak in the UK is no exception. While Ben Nevis is a popular mountain, the benefits of having a qualified mountain leader are numerous.
Hiring a guide allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience while we take care of navigation, route-finding, and group management. Our aim is to make every day in the hills not only safe and enjoyable, but also educational — you’ll learn more about this remarkable mountain and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it as you climb.
We offer guided ascents year-round, including summer and winter climbs, as well as night ascents for challenges such as the National Three Peaks or Snowdon for Sunrise.
With an excellent safety record and numerous glowing testimonials, you can be confident that you’re in experienced and capable hands.