Climb Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, at 1,345 metres, and thousands of people climb it every year. The standard route, the Mountain Track, starts at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre near Fort William and zig-zags up a broad, rough path to a plateau and the summit, where a trig point, an old observatory ruin and, on clear days, views that stretch to the Hebrides reward the effort. The round trip is about ten miles and typically takes seven to nine hours, depending on fitness and conditions. A guided group walk removes much of the uncertainty by offering leadership, pacing, navigation on the summit plateau, where cloud and cliffs make route-finding hazardous, and local knowledge about the mountain's weather and wildlife. It is a full, demanding day, but the route is well established and manageable for reasonably fit walkers with the right kit. Although Fort William lies outside the Cairngorms proper, the mountain is the natural western bookend to a Highlands trip and is under two hours from Aviemore.

Be realistic about the challenge. Ben Nevis is not technically difficult by the main route, but it is a long, steep walk on rough ground, and the summit is often in cloud with strong winds and low temperatures even in summer. Snow can linger on the upper slopes into early summer, and the weather can change rapidly.

A guided group will set a steady pace, give regular rests and make the call to turn back if conditions require. You will still need to be reasonably fit, comfortable on uneven ground and able to walk for most of a day.

Kit is crucial. Wear waterproof walking boots, warm layers including a hat and gloves, and carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, plenty of food and water, and a head torch if the schedule runs late. Poles can help on the descent. Operators often provide a kit list and may check equipment before setting off. Avoid cotton clothing and bring a spare layer, because the temperature at the summit can be far lower than in Fort William.

The experience has its own rhythm. The early section climbs steadily through the lower slopes beside the Red Burn, with views back down Glen Nevis, then the path becomes rockier on the way to the plateau. Higher up, the route crosses stony ground where cairns mark the safe line, with steep cliffs and gullies near the path that make navigation essential in poor visibility.

The summit itself is large and often busy, with a shelter and the memorial to those who died in the First World War, and descent follows the same path, with sore knees a common complaint.

Plan the logistics sensibly. Fort William has a range of hotels and hostels, and the Nevis Range gondola and Glen Nevis walks make good lower-key extras for the rest of the trip. Start early, aim to be off the mountain before dark, and tell someone where you are going. Do not attempt the climb in winter without proper training and equipment; winter ascents are a mountaineering undertaking and need qualified guides.

On the day, carry a fully charged phone, a small first-aid kit and a head torch even in summer, and eat little and often rather than saving food for the top. Guides will usually brief the group on pace and rest stops, and following their advice makes the descent, which many find harder than the climb, much more comfortable. Allow a recovery evening in Fort William afterwards.