Ben Nevis Mountain Track Guide
Fort William, Scotland
3 out of 5: Moderate
Up to 8 Hours
1:8
From £100
Mountain Track Overview
The Mountain Track, also known as the Pony Track or Tourist Path, is the most popular route to the summit of Ben Nevis, starting at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre near Fort William. Climbing from 20m above sea level to the UK’s highest point at 1,345m, this challenging trail spans a 16km or 10-mile round trip and typically takes between 6-8 hours to complete. The rugged, rocky terrain and sustained ascent demand a good level of fitness and preparation, making it a rewarding yet demanding undertaking.
For many, summiting Ben Nevis is a bucket list achievement, and it’s also a key part of the renowned Three Peaks Challenge. At Northwest Mountaineering, we guide both individuals and groups, helping you take on this iconic climb safely and confidently. Along the way, our experienced and fully qualified Ben Nevis guides will share fascinating insights about the 'Ben', including the history of the summit observatory, the dramatic North Face, and the surrounding landscape.
Weather conditions on Ben Nevis are notoriously unpredictable, and summit winds or poor visibility can occasionally prevent reaching the top. Your safety is always our priority, and our guides will adapt the plan to make the most of the day while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re aiming for your first major Munro or tackling the Three Peaks Challenge, Northwest Mountaineering offers expert guidance and local knowledge to make your ascent unforgettable.
Book your Ben Nevis guide today and experience the adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Length
Guided days on Ben Nevis's Mountain Track are often between 6 and 8 hours, so be prepared for a big day on the UK's highest mountain.
Cost
Our private guided Ben Nevis Moutain Track days start at £260 per day for one person with a maximum size of 8 people
Open Course - £100 Per person with 3 minimum (Dates below)
Private Days
1 Person - £260
2 People - £290
3 People - £320
4 - 8 People- £350
Experience Needed
Reaching the summit of Britain’s highest mountain requires a strong level of fitness, and prior experience on other mountains is highly recommended.
When
Whenever suits you for a private course. Dates for our 2025 Ben Nevis Mountain Track are listed below.
Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via the Mountain Track
Enjoy an unforgettable journey to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet). This guided ascent via the Mountain Track, also known as the Tourist Path, offers stunning views, fascinating history, and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Starting at 08:00 from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, we aim to complete the climb within 8 hours, with a summit cut-off time of 12:00 and a return to the Visitor Centre by 16:00.
What to Expect on the Mountain Track
The path begins with a steady climb through the scenic lower slopes of Glen Nevis, where you’ll enjoy views of lush glens and tumbling waterfalls. As we ascend, we’ll pass Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, a small loch often called the Halfway Lochan, before heading into the rugged and rocky upper mountain terrain. Here, the trail zigzags up steep scree slopes before leading to the summit plateau.
On a clear day, the summit rewards you with panoramic views across the Scottish Highlands, stretching to the Inner Hebrides and beyond, including the Isle of Skye and the Cuillins. However, even in cloud or mist, the sense of achievement at reaching Britain’s highest point is unparalleled.Expert Guidance
Our qualified and experienced Northwest Mountaineering instructors will ensure your safety while sharing fascinating insights into the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. Whether it’s learning about the unique flora that thrives on the lower slopes or hearing tales of daring North Face climbs, the day will be as educational as it is adventurous.
Key Information
• Parking: Available at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre for £4 per car and £10 per motorhome (2024)
• Meeting Point: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre at 07:45 for an 08:00 start.
• Summit Cut-Off Time: 12:00.
• Return Time: By 16:00.
• Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours, with regular breaks along the way.
The History of Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis, meaning “Mountain of Heaven” or “Venomous Mountain” in Gaelic, is steeped in history. In 1883, the summit became home to a meteorological observatory, where pioneering scientists recorded weather data until 1904. Remnants of the observatory can still be seen today, offering a glimpse into a time when observers braved the mountain’s harshest conditions to advance our understanding of weather patterns.
To the north, Ben Nevis’s famous North Face stands as one of the most iconic winter climbing venues in the UK. This towering wall of rock, snow, and ice (in winter all the way until midsummer) is home to some of Scotland’s most challenging routes, drawing climbers from around the world. While we won’t climb the North Face on this ascent, your instructors will share its stories and significance as part of the mountain’s rich heritage. The North Face includes iconic routes such as Tower Ridge, Ledge Route and many more.This guided ascent is perfect for those with a good level of fitness, looking to experience the beauty and history of Ben Nevis while taking on this iconic mountain in a safe and supportive environment.
Spring/ Summer 2025
Below is a list of dates for our Mountain Track Open Group Days . We also run bespoke dates (including midweek) if none of these work, so feel free to get in touch.
Prices are £100 per person for an open course with a maximum of 8 people (we can do larger groups, however, this will require another instructor)
A private guided day starts at £260
1 Person - £260
2 People - £290
3 People - £320
4 - 8 People- £350
Something here about booking
Saturday 31st May
Sunday 8th June
Saturday 21st June
Saturday 19th July
Saturday 30th August
Saturday 6th September
