Ben Nevis

Welcome to the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom. Standing at an elevation of 1,345 meters—or 4,413 feet—above sea level, 'the Ben,' as it is affectionately known, is a site of…

The route we are following, often called the 'Tourist Path,' was originally constructed in 1883 to service the meteorological observatory at the summit. Before this, the ascent was a much more treacherous affair, reserved for…

After several kilometers of steady climbing, the path levels out somewhat as you reach the area known as the 'Halfway Loch,' or Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. This body of water, sitting at approximately 570 meters, is a welcome…

Continuing past the loch, the path crosses the Red Burn and enters a series of grueling switchbacks known as the 'Zig-Zags.' This is often considered the most physically demanding part of the ascent. The terrain becomes…

As you finally crest the final ridge, the steep incline gives way to the vast, surprisingly level summit plateau. This is a landscape of profound desolation and haunting beauty. …

Reaching the summit is only half the journey. Statistically, seventy percent of accidents on Ben Nevis happen on the way back down. …

As we reach the conclusion of our guide to Ben Nevis, we find ourselves back in the relatively gentle surroundings of Glen Nevis. The mountain now looms above us, its summit perhaps once again hidden in the clouds. …