Ben Nevis (hike only): May 19th
Regular price
£45.00
Climb the Highest Mountain in the UK
Visit the magnificent Scottish Highlands and take on monstrous Ben Nevis.
Climb to 1345m from Fort William to Britain’s highest point; the summit plateau of colossal Ben Nevis. Jaw dropping, incredible views! This giant generally takes between 6 and 8 hours to conquer, meaning our evening celebration in Fort William will be well earned!
The round trip is 11 miles to the summit and back. Starting and finishing at the fabulous Ben Nevis Inn, it begins by crossing the River Nevis and after a steep start reaches a plateau at the famous ‘half-way Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, with views over the spectacular wooded Glen Nevis below.
The pony track path is clear, but long, rocky and steep most of the way. The views are simply breath-taking; surrounded on all sides by peaks as far as the eye can see; on over the islands of the Hebrides and out to sea.
Included in the trip:
- Guided Ben Nevis hike only
Accommodation:
This is not included in the event booking. We ask participants to make their own bookings, because we all have different requirements and budgets. Our recommendations include:
Convenient:
Number 29 Blar Mhor Road (3 Bedroom House)
Ben Nevis Inn (Budget option)
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (Budget option)
Favourites:
Corran Bunkhouse (Excellent value!)
Additional Help:
If you would like some expert accommodation advice we recommend contacting:
laura.wheeler@email.travelcounsellors.co.uk
MOUNTAIN KIT LIST:
Tried and tested clothing only
Only pack items needed for walking
- Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
- Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
- Double layer walking socks.
- Waterproof jacket & trousers.
- Base layer top – breathable.
- Warm fleece and spare fleece.
- Walking trousers - NO jeans!
- Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
- Post-challenge clothes.
- 3 litres of fluid per peak.
- Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
- Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
- Head torch with spare batteries.
- Whistle for sounding the alarm.
- Toiletries, towel.
- Mobile phone & waterproof case
- FULL LIST HERE
Weather:
Hill and mountain walking can be hazardous! Not being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions can lead to over exposure or heat stroke. Layers are key, allowing you to easily adjust your level of warmth. We are likely to experience some nasty weather, so for your safe enjoyment please bring the items specified on the kit list.
Training & Fitness:
As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as you can prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 10 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.
Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain of walking up a steep mountain and a great way to pack in some intense last-minute training if you are feeling a bit behind.
Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.
You can't truly replicate the relentlessness of a steep mountain incline. Great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia has 14 Peaks over 3,000ft; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains.
Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that will slow you down during the challenge.
Food & Drink:
Please pack a substantial lunch as you will be walking for a long day. Also plenty of snacks and a minimum of 2 litres of water and 3 litres if it is hot.
As with kit, make sure you have tried and tested anything you eat during the challenge - you do not know how your body might react to anything new. The last thing you want to do is test the unknown during the trip. E.g. BEWARE energy gels if you have not used them before!
Summit Ben Nevis, Scotland's iconic peak, “the mountain with its head in the clouds” Climbing to the highest point in the UK is a lifetime experience you will never forget.