The big one - Ben Nevis

Submitted by Timwoods on 07 July 2007

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(2 votes)

A circular, full-day mountain (above 600m) walk in Scotland starting at Fort William Railway Station, Highland, about 14km (roughly 9 miles) long and . You can tackle Britain's highest mountain with a short walk in from nearby Fort William, which has train and bus services. This is a popular walk but also a serious mountain challenge - be prepared! Start: Fort William Railway Station, OS Grid: NN105743 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)

Gain (+/- 10%): 2054m (6739ft)

Total (+/- 10%): 4104m (13466ft)

Loss (+/- 10%): 2050m (6727ft)

Max. Elevation: 1340m (4396ft)

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OS Explorer Map:

392 - Ben Nevis & Fort William
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Show Waypoint Details

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Waypoints

1. Fort William Railway Station

OS Grid: NN105743

The walk starts in Fort William. There are several trains to the town, which is a popular destination for walkers and climbers - with a high number of outdoor shops to meet their every need. There are signposts to the Big Ben in the town.

2. Nevis Bridge

About 1 km (roughly 1 miles) from 1 OS Grid: NN113742

Follow the A82 through Fort William to the Junction at Nevis Bridge.

3. Achintee House

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 2 OS Grid: NN126730

Follow the most northernly of the two roads to Achintee House (not the West Highland way). From here you can join the footpath up Ben Nevis.

4. Footpath Junction

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 3 OS Grid: NN147725

At this point, you can take the zigzag path up to the summit - the easiest and most popular route - or take the longer and more challenging scramble via Carn Mor Dearg arete. This second option requires proper scrambling experience and equipment - it's not a walkers' route.

5. The summit!

About 2 km (roughly 2 miles) from 4 OS Grid: NN167712

Whichever way you go, you will find your way to the summit, the highest point in Britain! There are the ruins of an old observatory near the summit. Take a photo, have a snack and head down via the zigzag path. Bear in mind - you will need to take a bearing in cloudy or misty weather.

6. Back to Fort William

About 7 km (roughly 5 miles) from 5 OS Grid: NN108742

It's back the same route to Fort William, for a night in the pub or a bus/train home.