Ben Nevis.

Ben Nevis towers above Fort William and is the highest mountain in the UK, rising from sea-level at Loch Linnhea to a height of 4,406 feet/1,343 metres. An observatory was built on its summit in 1883 ( the building is now derelict ) and a pony track was constructed to supply the astronomers. Walkers can use the route that starts at Achintee Farm, or use the alternative start at the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis and should set aside the whole day for the round trip. Best walking months are June, July and August. Climbers can use one of the many established climbing routes to the summit - as some of the cliffs are 600m high the climb can be very challenging.

Walking up Ben Nevis is not to be taken lightly. The weather can change suddenly and drastically with chilling gale force winds, large temperature drops, low cloud or thick mist that obscure the trail and the cliff edges - and that's the mountain's summer weather. Winter is even worse and definitely not for the inexperienced or ill-equipped. The mountain rescue team must be one of the busiest in the UK as many climbers get into difficulties and there are usually a number of fatalities on the mountain each year.

Want to know more ? Visit | Scot Climb | for route information.

Accommodation info for Fort William is on the | Over-night | page.

If this interests you, a related page is at | WHW information |


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