what route you can take in to ben nevis?

Question

i am going on a walk and i want to Know what route to take in ben nevis thats quite easy and simple

Answer 1

Ben Nevis is an interesting mountain, the summit area is more or less a plateau and is boundered to most sides by steep cliffs. The only easy way on and off the summit plateau is from the west. There is a well trodden path that accesses the summit from this side of the mountain and is generally referred to as the Tourist Route.

The Tourist Route starts from the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis (Landranger 41, NN 127 718) and follows a well used path to the summit, a distance of about 6km that should take 2 or 3 hours depending how fast you walk.

The first half of the route ascends the lower flanks of the mountain giving excellent views of Glen Nevis as you gain height. About midway up you pass Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe from where you're on the mountain proper and the path ascends boulder strewn slopes providing ever expanding views as you climb upwards. Nearing the summit there are precipitous drops alongside the path and the route finally levels off after a relentless slog up a seemingly interminable path.

This route is, in my opinion, boring in the extreme, the only saving grace being the impressive views. The angle of ascent is constant (about 18 degrees), there is no variation to the path and it has the charm and character of walking up a long flight of stairs in a shopping centre. At peak times it becomes a pedestrian motorway with well over 1000 people a day toiling up and down. Most don't make it to the summit, presumably turning back part way as a consequence of boredom.

From the perspective of someone wanting to climb the mountain along the quickest, shortest and easiest route then this is the path to take.

There are far more interesting ways to get to the summit of Ben Nevis, many involve rock climbing, scrambling or require a good head for heights. There is however an equally easy route to the top but it is a few kilometres longer and this starts from the Distillery in Fort William (NN 124 757). Follow the path through woodland behind the distillery and then follow the Allt a' Mhuilinn (stream). This leads into Coire Leis from where you get the most spectacular views of Ben Nevis, the Carn Mor Dearg Arete and the imposing cliffs of Carn Dearg.

This route provides a much more pleasant walk alongside the crystal clear tumbling waters of the Mhuillin and, although an obvious path on the ground, is far less frequented. The path leads to the CIC (Charles Inglis Clarke) Hut (NN 167 722). A locked hut in the care of the Scottish Mountaineering Club that provides a useful stopping point for a bite to eat.

From the hut follow the path under the towering cliffs of Carn Dearg and join the main Tourist Route near the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe.

A more interesting route still starts from the Distillery but instead of following the Mhuilinn ascend the slopes leading to the summit of Carn Beag Dearg (NN 171 735) and follow the easy ridge over Carn Dearg Meadhonach and onto Carn Mor Dearg (Britain's 8th or 9th highest mountain). From here the route crosses the Carn Mor Dearg arete which is vertiginous and exposed and not the place to be if you don't have a head for heights.

Whichever route you choose please be aware that the summit of Ben Nevis is notoriously dangerous in poor visibility (most of the time). The route off the summit is confusing and a frequent mistake is to veer slightly too far to the left (south) and find yourself in the upper reaches of Five Finger Gully where it's all to easy to fall, several people have lost their lives here.

Another thing to be aware of is the weather, the temperature on the summit of Ben Nevis is an aveage 9 degrees colder than in Fort William and with an average windspeed of 26 knots (30mph), the windchill factor reduces tmperatures by a further 18 degrees. In short, if it's a reasonable 10 degrees in Fort William it's likely to feel like a bitterly cold -17 on the summit of the Ben.

Answer 2

Off the A82 mini-roundabout by Edinburgh Woollen Mills shop take the road to Glen Nevis and look for the sign posted path to the top near the Hostel. It is very easy to find and well marked. Wear really good boots though and NEVER under estimate the weather there. It can be lovely at the bottom and snow at the top!

Answer 3

You need to tell us where you are starting your walk from.

Answer 4

not to sure but if you tap walking map into google they will give it to you, hope you enjoy yourself.

Answer 5

the shortest

Answer 6

to get to the top a helicopter is best :-)

don't know mate,,, do you know anyone with a Tom Tom?

Answer 7

Don't be ridiculous! You can't get there from here!