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Ben Nevis Mountain, U.K., Guided Winter Ascent

Ben Nevis Mountain, U.K., Guided Winter Ascent | United Kingdom

Ken, a MIC certified guide, wants to guide you on a 1 day, winter adventure to the summit of the United Kingdom's highest peak, the great Ben Nevis mountain.

Not specified

1 Day

Jan - Apr, Nov, Dec

Fit

Intermediate


Description

The Ben Nevis mountain (1,345m) in the highlands of Scotland is a wonderful mountain that is well worth the ascent. However, in the winter season,  the climb, while still accessible, becomes much more difficult. Thus adding an added element of challenge to an already exciting climb.

The climb to the top of the Ben Nevis peak will take approximately 8 hours to complete. And for anybody who has been in the northern United Kingdom during the winter can attest, the weather conditions can be quite rough. There are furious winds, freezing temperatures and thick snow. But when you reach the summit, in spite of those frigid obstacles, the glory you will feel will stick with you long after you have descended along the same way you came.

The trip will begin at approximately 8:00 am. We will leave from the Achintee Inn and make our way up the zig-zagging mountain track. We will then reach the Lochan Meall (600m), which has some great views. After that we will cross the Red Burn (700m). From here, the path, which will be hard to see depending on the snow conditions, will be tough, and may require crampons and an ice axe. We will the continue up to the summit, where on a clear day you will get a magnificent view of the Loch Linnhe toward Glencoe and down to the Isle of Mull. From the summit, we can venture another kilometre, braving the abusive winds, to the summit cairn, which is the highest point in the entire United Kingdom!

If you are looking for a great adventure in the Scottish highlands, you can’t do much better than scaling the great Ben Nevis mountain. So send us a request, and let us take you to the top of the nation.

Would you like to do more Scottish climbing? If so, I can also take you on this 4 day climb of the Skye Cuillin Monros.

Price includes

- Guiding fee


Details

More info

Participants should have the following items with them: Socks, fleeces, thermal layers, synthetic belay jacket, walking trousers, warm hat and waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket and over trousers, rucsac, bivvy bag, gaiters or stop-tous, head torch, first aid kit, compass, flask, lunch or spare food, ski goggles, trekking poles (these are optional), suitable boots, crampons and ice axe (both of these items can be rented before the trip begins). Because of the possible extreme weather conditions on the mountain during the winter, if it is deemed unsafe to make the full climb, we will turn back. As a result, there is no guarantee you will reach the summit on this trip, but we will do all we can, within reason, to make it happen.

Meeting point

Achintee Inn

FAQs

Where is the meeting point?

Our guide will aim to meet you at 8am, this can change if weather dictates. Our guide will meet you out the front door of the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis. Phone signal is not the best at this location.

What is the itinerary like?

We will set out from the Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis at approximately 8am (an early start in winter is essential to make the most of daylight hours), and set off up the Mountain Track, which zigzags its way up to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (also known as Halfway Lochan and sits at 600m above sea level). The path here is good underfoot and you’ll get magnificent views up towards the Mamores from this section. The path levels out at Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe for a bit, before it doubles back, and crosses the Red Burn at nearly 700m. It is often from above here that snow accumulations are encountered, and the path, which is obvious in summer, can be completely obscured by drifted snow. If the snow is hard packed or icy, then crampons will need to be worn, and a walking ice axe used. We’ll coach you in how to use this equipment safely and effectively. From here the upper zigzags are encountered, which weave their way up to the summit plateau at 1200m. If it’s clear, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views over Loch Linnhe, towards Glencoe and down towards the Isle of Mull. The summit plateau can be a very hostile place in winter, with very few features for navigation. The wind can whip across this exposed area and blown snow will quickly bury footprints. From gaining the summit plateau, a further 1km will bring you to the summit cairn, the highest point in the United Kingdom. The return leg will follow the same route back down the mountain. Please note that due to safety considerations, we cannot guarantee reaching the summit of the mountain, as there are times when very strong winds or in rare cases for this route, avalanche hazards can be in full effect. That said, we will guide you safely, develop your knowledge and make the most of prevailing conditions.

What gear will I need?

Our guide will have emergency equipment and first aid kit, but we do ask that everyone is able to look after themselves with spare layers, hats, gloves, and goggles.

We have ice axes, crampons and helmets which are free to use but if this is already in use, we may ask you to hire from Ellis Brigham in Fort William. We recommend a stiff walking boot, our crampons will go on a B1 boots but B2 is better in the Winter, we do not supply boots, these can be hired from Ellis Brigham.

You will need your normal hill gear with some extras for winter including lots of gloves and goggles.

Please bring along a synthetic 'belay' jacket as an emergency layer (which will hopefully spend much of its time in the bottom of your pack in a waterproof bag. The can be picked up at either Decathlon or Go Outdoors quite cheaply, and are far warmer and more packable than a traditional fleece.

Please also make sure that you have a headtorch with spare batteries.

If you are missing any items or have questions regarding kit, please do get in touch and we'll do our best to help. Please note that if you turn up without appropriate gear and haven't arranged for us to bring spare, we may refuse to lead you on the hills. It's also definitely worth bringing along a set of hiking poles, as it’s a great way to steady yourself on the snow and ice.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Premier Inn Fort William Hotel Fort William United Kingdom
See rooms
Moorings Hotel Fort William United Kingdom
See rooms
Nevis Bank Inn Fort William United Kingdom
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

West Coast Mountain Guides

5.00

(24)

Mountain Leader

We are based in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and arguably the most iconic and sought-after winter climbing venue in Britain.

All our instructors and guides have extensive, relevant experience which is eagerly passed on to everyone taking part in instructional mountaineering courses, private guiding and worldwide expeditions. This background, together with a genuine passion for adventure, can only inspire and motivate our customers to achieve their own goals.

Languages

English

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What people are saying about this trip

Alberto

5.00

It was a great experience. It fulfilled all my expectations to have a first approach to winter mountaineering. My guide was great teaching me all the basic stuff related to crampons, ice axe and winter hiking, plus he was a great coach supporting me to make it to the summit.

Noam

5.00

Hannah the guide was very professional. She came on time, she gave us the equipment and very good and clear instructions. I'll definitely recommend this trip. Thank you very much


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