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Ben Nevis Hiking

Hike to the top of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles! Take a pick from our Ben Nevis Hiking selection.

At 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Islands and a perfect hiking spot that, although foggy and cold, attracts many visitors year-round. It is located in the Scottish Highlands and at the western end of the Grampian Mountains. Stunning views of the Highlands and its lakes make it a top spot in the region. Compare and book a certified guide for your Ben Nevis Hiking trip with Explore-Share.com: 1500+ guides, 70+ countries and more than 8000 different programs to choose from. The mountains are calling!
 
 
 
 
 

Top hiking trips | Ben Nevis:

 
 
 

What people are saying about these trips

Angela Dawyduk

5.00

September, 2022

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

My guide wasn’t Ken, it was Casper Mckeever and he was great , I climbed around obstacles I never thought I could. 5 stars for him 🇨🇦

Momena Rouf

5.00

September, 2022

Guided walking tours around Glencoe, Scotland

Most enjoyable stunning hike with Dave (the guide). We managed to summit 2 peaks which far exceeded my expectations that we could do it in the first place! The views were absolutely amazing! Dave was patient and informative - and never hurried us along - and was always encouraging and supportive throughout the whole hike in what we could achieve.

Kimberly Pearson

4.00

August, 2022

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Dean Sansom

5.00

August, 2022

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Colin Noble

5.00

July, 2022

Guided walking tours around Glencoe, Scotland

Hannah was our guide for the day we were not experienced and she was spot on of what we were capable of. She was knowledgeable of the area and gave us a great experience. Thank you

Julio Grazioso

5.00

July, 2022

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

Having Scott as guide made of it a superb adventure. His explanations about the route, geology, history and nature made the hiking very short in time and interesting

Andrew Lockton

5.00

June, 2022

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

Tower Ridge was absolutely awesome as a route. We loved it. Paying for the trip was a bit clunky. Ken was obviously extremely competent and the day went very smoothly.

Darren Breen

5.00

June, 2022

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

Dave, our guide was simply fantastic. Incredibly patient with safety as a first concern. Helped that the weather was perfect but thoroughly recommend this company

Ed Hyland

5.00

June, 2022

1-Day Ben Nevis Hike in Scotland

Levi was fantastic great guide and day out highly recommend Thanks a million When he gets a chance he might send me photos Thanks again Ed Hyland +353 87 9968181

Lauren Fairbrother

5.00

September, 2021

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and it’s all thank you to Sam who looked after us for the day! Getting us up safely and all getting on so well! Lots of laughs and a great day all around! We will never forget it! Thank you so much!!

Yogesh Bajaj

5.00

August, 2021

Ben Nevis 1-day Private ascent in the summer season

Our guide Aidan was very friendly and looked after all of us well

Sharon Wood

5.00

June, 2021

Guided walking tours around Glencoe, Scotland

Scott Kirkhope very organised and all went to plan. I’ve passed on his details to a friend!

Shaun Mcfadyen

5.00

June, 2021

Guided walking tours around Glencoe, Scotland

Excellent guide Garry took time did not rush explained things points of nature and answered any questions enthusiastically Always take a guide when unsure and I recommend this

Kathleen Walsh

5.00

July, 2020

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

Fantastic climb of Tower Ridge under Ken's expert guidance. We felt safe, secure and confident every step of this breathtaking route. Ken's competence and knowledge left us in no doubt that we'd be more than happy to choose him and West Coast Mountain Guides in the future. Thank you!

P. Kelly

5.00

January, 2020

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

What a fantastic trip ! This was my first time to use crampons and scrabbling. The pre walk information and communication was 10/10 Scott and Malcolm were extremely professional with a great knowledge of the mountain. I felt safe yet appropriately challenged throughout which made for an unforgettable day. The company was top class too. I could not recommend climbing Ben Nevis with Kirkhope mountaineering highly enough ! Thanks so much Paula

Chris Jagget

5.00

August, 2019

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

Great day going up Tower Ridge with Scott Kirkhope. Loved it!!

Dominic Mcginley

5.00

July, 2019

1-Day Ben Nevis Hike in Scotland

Scott is friendly and very knowledgeable, if you’re looking to get into the mountains Scott’s the man, he’ll keep you safe while making you smile. First Class.

Beata H

5.00

July, 2019

1-Day Ben Nevis Hike in Scotland

I've done the Tower Ridge with Scott and he has been excellent from the start, prompt and professional to deal with to get it all organised, and a superb guide. Highly experienced and skilled, I did not have a slight slip in confidence along the way, despite weather conditions being far from ideal with rain and fairly high winds - I should mention that I really appreciated he was keen to take me up there in this weather (of course maintaining the flexibility to turn around at any point if the route could potentially become unsafe, but his judgement was just spot on). He also explains everything along the way, gives tips and is fun to be around. 5 stars, I wouldn't hestitate to book him again.

Andy Paterson

5.00

June, 2019

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

Ken immediately made us feel welcomed and we had a good chat on the walk in before gearing up for the ridge ascent. Both my son and I had a fantastic experience thanks to Ken's calm, expertise in leading us over Tower Ridge and then descending via Ledge Ridge to round off a great day. Highly recommended!

Anonymous

5.00

May, 2019

1-Day Ben Nevis Hike in Scotland

Our mission was to hike up Ben Nevis but not along the main footpath. We hoped for something a bit more challenging. ..and we got it. Uncertain of what we’d be facing, Scott expertly assessed our ability during the first part of the hike and enthusiastically confirmed that we could handle the trip up the back. Knowledgeable about about the area, geology and flora, Scott was an excellent guide and fun to spend the day with. He offered us tips for managing the terrain and kept the pace that would give us the adventure we were looking for. We came away feeling that the investment in a guide was well worth it. We would not have tackled that route without his guidance. Recommended without reservation! Thanks Scott

Carol A

5.00

May, 2019

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

Our mission was to hike up Ben Nevis but not along the main footpath. We hoped for something a bit more challenging. ..and we got it. Uncertain of what we’d be facing, Scott expertly assessed our ability during the first part of the hike and enthusiastically confirmed that we could handle the trip up the back. Knowledgeable about about the area, geology and flora, Scott was an excellent guide and fun to spend the day with. He offered us tips for managing the terrain and kept the pace that would give us the adventure we were looking for. We came away feeling that the investment in a guide was well worth it. We would not have tackled that route without his guidance. Recommended without reservation! Thanks Scott.

Nick Battams

5.00

February, 2019

1-day Ben Nevis ascent via the Ledge route

have just come back from completing an ascent of ledge route and a descent via no4 gully, guided by Ken. absolutely fantastic day and Ken was friendly, professional and very confidence inspiring. cant recommend highly enough and I'll definitely be back next season!

Voyage00544272089

5.00

December, 2018

Climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route in a day, Scotland

I contacted Kirkhope mountaineering looking for a guide to take me along a more adventurous route up Ben Nevis. Scott responded to my voicemail very quickly and was able to talk me through the various options and offer guidance on difficulty, exposure etc and on the required equipment. This along with all the other communucation during the trip was courteous and efficient. All the guides are MIC qualified so you know you are getting the real deal. My guide was friendly, efficient and extremely knowledgeable which made me feel safe and confident throughout the whole trip. I throughly recommend Kirkwood mountaineering to anyone wanting a first class guiding experience. Excellent.

Phil Lloyd

5.00

October, 2018

1-day Ben Nevis ascent via the Ledge route

Ken took me and my son up the north face ledge route to the top of Ben Nevis. It was a challenge in places - particularly with the snow and ice - but it was an unforgettable experience! Ken was a great guide.

413taral

5.00

October, 2018

1-Day Ben Nevis Hike in Scotland

Great time walking up Ben Nevis with Kirk's help. It rained the entire time and was unbelievably gusty, but with Kirk's expertise I was able to complete the journey safely!!!

Catherine Hockley

5.00

September, 2018

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

Ken was a fantastic guide, safe, experienced and took us on an incredible adventure!

H Shindle

5.00

August, 2018

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

On short notice, while traveling through Scotland, we booked a Private Guide to Ben Nevis through Explore-Share.com.   We much enjoyed the climb to the summit with our Guide Stuart Mapp; Stuart was the consummate professional and his concern for both our safety and this experience cannot be understated.  His direct knowledge of Ben Nevis’s Route, History, Flora and Stories made this trip the highlight of our 17 days in Scotland and Ireland for us.  Our success to the summit, and back down, was directly supported by Stuart and made it very much more enjoyable .  Thank you again!

Tim

5.00

June, 2018

Climbing and scrambling in Scotland

Euan was great and I would recommend him to others.

Claire Parsons

5.00

May, 2018

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

I usually do these things with my Husband, but we currently live in Singapore and I’m back visiting family and didn’t want to miss out. I was doubly anxious because our usual guide was unavailable, but Ken quickly put me at ease. For me that’s about feeling like I have all the information I need, being reassured that I’m making good time and having a few scheduled breaks for snacks etc. We also had a good chat, which made the walk in fly by. A very enjoyable day, I felt safe and comfortable throughout. I hope to be back in the future for more adventures.

Michael Hellyer

5.00

March, 2017

Guided Ascent of Ben Nevis via Tower Ridge

Private Guiding on the classic Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis North Face On two previous winter trips up Ben Nevis via the CMD route, I had marvelled at the majestic North Face and dreamt of fulfilling a route on it's flanks. This season, Ken helped me fulfil this dream by guiding me on the classic Tower Ridge (IV, 3). The whole experience was absolutely fantastic and Ken made sure to attend to every detail; from communications, equipment provision, weather and condition assessment and climbing advice on route. Ken's professionalism certainly enabled me to push my limits, as I felt completely safe within his guiding ability. I was fortunate to have moderate conditions on the day, and this enabled a fairly rapid and highly enjoyable ascent of the ridge in true Scottish conditions. I will definitely be back for more winter adventures


 

There are many reasons for choosing Hiking in Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is a popular hike in the region, however, you should not underestimate it. The rocky terrain and dense fog make even the most straightforward path in this mountain an exciting challenge. Additionally, there are also plenty of options for those that want to try harder routes as well.

 

Good to know:

Country code

+44

Currency

Pound Sterling

Language

English, Scottish Gaelic

Best time to visit

For hiking, the best time to visit Ben Nevis is during the warmer months between May and October

Weather

Ben Nevis is foggy and cold, year round. Winter months are the foggiest and coldest with average temperatures of -5 °C. Average temperatures in summer round 7.1°C

How to get there

The closest airport to Fort Williams at the base of Ben Nevis is in Glasgow. From there it is approximately a 2 hour drive. Buses and trains also stop at Fort Williams

More info about Hiking in Ben Nevis:

At 1,345 meters, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles and a popular hiking and rock climbing destination in the Scottish Highlands. The 16km hike to the summit via the normal route is not technically demanding, however, the rocky terrain and thick fog make climbing Ben Nevis a unique and thrilling mountaineering challenge. Experienced climbers and mountaineers can enjoy the more daunting north face of the mountain with 600m cliffs and trying scrambles. At the foot of Ben Nevis is Fort Williams, a charming town overlooking Loch Linnhe

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