About Ben Nevis in Fort William Scotland

This section of the Visit Fort William website is all about Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles which dominates the landscape of Fort William, outdoor capital of the UK.

Ben Nevis, or the 'Ben' as it is fondly known locally, sits majestically at the head of Loch Linnhe, its presence obvious from all corners of Fort William and some parts of Lochaber. Visit Fort William Ltd operates the Ben Nevis WebCam from Woodside B & B at Tomacharich, just outside Fort William town centre

The dramatic effect of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, is emphasised by the fact that it begins its rise from sea-level on the shores of Loch Linnhe, to tower 4,406ft (1,344m) above the town of Fort William, providing an almost paternal presence.

What does 'Nevis' mean? The river and glen running past the mountain both carry the name, as does the remote sea loch at Knoydart, 40 miles to the west. In Gaelic the mountain's name, Beinn Nibheis, has been linked with Irish and Gaelic words meaning poisonous or terrible, implying a fairly ominous character.

Ben Nevis, although not as high as Alpine mountains, is positioned on a more northerly latitude and the climate can be considered similar to Arctic regions. While there may be a welcoming sea breeze on the shores of Loch Linnhe, 20-30 knots of chilling wind may be evident on the summit of the Ben. Many walkers/climbers find weather conditions changing within minutes - usually for the worse - as they work their way up the mountain. Those walking up the mountain footpath should be warned that the the mountain can be intolerant of the inexperienced, ill-prepared walker!

Guidance and information about walking up Ben Nevis is available by clicking the Mountain Footpath link or checking out safety and common sense advice. There are also links to books about Ben Nevis, the Ben Nevis Observatory, annual events and Ben Nevis Distillery.

Thousands of people walk up Ben Nevis every year and the vast majority do so in safety, taking common sense measures to make sure they stay safe while on the mountain. We hope you enjoy your own experience of walking up Ben Nevis and have a great time ! If you are looking for a good place to stay, check out our accommodation section or try some of our premium advertisers on this page. If you are considering a guided walk up Ben Nevis, this area of the site may be of help to you.