Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles, and is on the bucket list of many walkers, from complete beginners to experienced rock climbers. It draws visitors from around the globe, keen to conquer the summit which is 1,345m (4,406ft) above sea level. In fact, over 125,000 people every year attempt to climb Ben Nevis.
All this begs the question, how hard is it to climb Ben Nevis? This is a perfectly reasonable and sensible query to have, especially if you are an inexperienced or infrequent hill walker. The detailed answer depends on a number of factors.
In terms of the distance to the summit and back, this is no more than 10 miles on the most frequently used Mountain Path trail, which is also commonly known as the Pony Track. For most people with a reasonable level of fitness, this shouldn’t be too much trouble, if you are well prepared.
Ascending the Pony Track in the summer months, when there is no snow and ice, is reasonably straightforward and the path is well maintained. There is some rougher terrain towards the top, which may require the use of scrambling techniques, where both the hands and feet are used for extra stability.
If you find that climbing a steep flight of stairs leaves you out of breath, it would be advisable to do some cardio training for a few weeks beforehand, to help you increase your lung capacity, as well as your general strength and suppleness. It’s said that climbing Ben Nevis is the equivalent of climbing the Eiffel Tower four times in a row.
Remember that you will probably be carrying a rucksack packed with spare clothing, food and drink, and other supplies, which will start to feel heavier towards the summit! A word of warning: there are no toilets or café on the summit. Some people confuse the Big B with Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, which does indeed have said facilities on top.
Bear in mind that coming down the mountain can take a greater toll on the knee joints than climbing, so if you are prone to knee pain, you may want to bring some knee support bandages, and walking poles.
One of the most important things to consider is the weather. If there’s lying snow and ice, which there generally is from November to March, it’s advisable to have some experience of using ice axes and crampons. In rain and poor visibility, the biggest danger is straying off the route, and ending up in a situation that is dangerous or difficult to get out of.
Listen to the weather forecast carefully before you set off, and don’t take any risks. If the mist descends and you are not with a guide or a very experienced local walker, it’s strongly advisable to turn back.
You should always pack decent rainproof gear and wear sturdy boots on every walk, as mountain weather can change quickly. It can get cold quickly even in summer, so always carry some spare warm clothes with you.
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