This article is based on my first-hand experience of conquering “The Ben,” as locals call it. Whether you’re tackling it as part of the Three Peaks Challenge or simply want to tick off the UK’s highest mountain from your bucket list, here’s some essential information to help you stay safe and prepared for the journey.
Accommodation
While our original Airbnb is no longer available, I highly recommend The Old Byre, where we stayed during a recent (2025) Jacobite Steam Train adventure. Conveniently located even closer to Ben Nevis than our first accommodation, this charming cottage offers easy access to local conveniences. Plus, it’s just a short distance from the Corpach Shipwreck and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, making it a perfect base for exploring the Highlands.
Corpach Shipwreck (Old Boat of Caol)
How long does it take to hike Ben Nevis?
Hiking Ben Nevis typically takes around seven hours for a round trip, though this varies based on fitness level, pace, weather conditions, and break times. The ascent starts in Glen Nevis, with a gradual climb before reaching The Waterfall, the halfway point. From there, the terrain becomes steeper and more challenging.
My team took 6.5 hours to summit, with frequent stops, but a fit and experienced hiker can reach the top in 4–5 hours. Our descent took three hours with minimal breaks, proving that pacing and preparation make all the difference.
What to wear to hike Ben Nevis?
Thermals & Layers
If you’re climbing in cooler months like October, expect minus temperatures at the summit. While the ascent will warm you up, layering is key—wear thermals that can be easily added or removed as needed.
Waterproof Gear
The weather on Ben Nevis can shift from sunshine to snow showers in minutes, so waterproof outerwear is essential to keep you dry and protected.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and uneven, with loose stones and boulders, making a sturdy, well-cushioned pair of hiking boots a must. Even with my North Face hiking shoes, my feet were aching on the descent!
Blister Plasters
Hours of hiking can take a toll on your feet—packing blister plasters could save you some pain. Better safe than sorry!
What to take to hike Ben Nevis?
Since you’ll be climbing for several hours, packing food, water, and energy gels is essential to keep your energy levels up. This is the bare minimum I carried, but I was fortunate to have a seasoned hiker in our group who had all the necessary gear. If you’re new to hiking, it’s worth researching additional survival essentials, such as a map, compass, first aid kit, headlamp, and extra layers in case of sudden weather changes. Proper preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike.
Expert advice from Rhys, Founder of bennevis.co.uk
Hundreds of thousands of people each year consider climbing Ben Nevis and over 150,000 carry out the climb. Well, attempt to at least! It sounds like a bit of fun and a little adventure right on our doorsteps. However, even for an experienced climber, Ben Nevis is not a mountain that should be climbed without preparation and a thought-out plan.
Going back to basics is often essential to ensure your safety on the mountain. Unfortunately, people do run into trouble on Ben Nevis and there have been deaths over recent years.
The biggest thing to consider is the weather. People sometimes underestimate quite how high Ben Nevis is (1,345 metres above sea level), which means the weather at the summit can be and often is, vastly different to the weather at the base of the mountain. Check the weather before you leave where you’re staying to attempt your climb and then check the weather for a second time before actually ascending. It’s not uncommon for people to not consider this and when they reach the summit, the fog is so thick, they can’t see further than their feet.
Ensuring you have enough food and fluids is also another major consideration. We always recommend that no-one climbs Ben Nevis unless they have a backpack with suitable foods such as bananas along with plenty of drinking water. The average person will be able to do the climb in around 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. That’s not an easy 3-4 hours though. Ben Nevis is not a nicely paved climb and it will take all your energy. When you climb Ben Nevis, you will be shocked to see how many people are climbing with only one small bottle in hand. It’s simply not enough to be safe.
While the two pieces of advice mentioned above sound extremely dull and obvious, you would be surprised by how many people climb the mountain each year without even considering the above. This mountain while beautiful and inspiring is not a climb to take lightly. There was recently a viral story about a person climbing Ben Nevis in flip flops. They certainly hadn’t considered the basics!
Check out Rhys’ Ben Nevis resource website to climb the mountain safely
