Be safe on Ben Nevis !

If you are thinking of attempting the ascent of Ben Nevis, please take the following factors into account:

The weather conditions can be atrocious at any time of the year and often bear no relation to the conditions down in the glens. During the winter the mountain is cloaked in snow and ice and in these conditions only mountaineers equipped with ice axes and crampons should attempt the ascent. Winter conditions can occur from October to May. During the summer months the weather can change with alarming speed and a sunny day out can quickly become a confused and disorientated struggle for survival. In anything other than stable and fine weather, you should not attempt the ascent unless:-

1 You have full waterproof clothing i.e. jacket and trousers.
2 You have warm clothing - top and bottom.
3 You have a warm hat and gloves or mitts.
4 You have substantial boots.
5 You have a map (scale at least 1:50,000 and preferably 1:25,000).
6 You have a compass.
7 You know you have the ability to navigate accurately in mist and cloud under difficult conditions.

The round trip takes about 7 hours on average: 4 hours for the ascent and 3 hours for the descent. This timing does not allow for rests, food stops etc.

You might like to consider hiring a Ben Nevis mountain guide who will provide all the experience and "comfort factor" you need, for an enjoyable day out on the highest mountain in the UK. Check out our page of mountain guides listed in the Lochaber Business Directory.

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

Abacus Mountaineering
Mountaineering provides skills training and mountain guiding in Scotland and the Alps. Our select group of instructors will guide you through new skills on real, adventurous and challenging routes. Mountaineering, Rock Climbing and Scottish... click for more details...
47 Lundavra Road, Fort William, PH33 6JJ Tel: 01397 701624

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

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

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