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This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
| Altitude |
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1344 m (4409 ft)
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This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.
Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.
NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).
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NN16697127
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An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
| Stature |
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1 of 283 Munros |
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The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
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2
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Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
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Possibly - Cloudy hill |
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The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
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OS Landranger Maps Required |
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| Only £6.29 (£11.69 Laminated) from |  |
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Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, forms a horse-shoe shape ridge with Carn Mor Dearg, the massive Nevis dwarfing the latter (9th highest). The two mountains are connected by a narrow ridge with a rocky crest, the Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) arete.The easiest ascent of "The Ben" is from Glen Nevis, via Meall an t-Suidhe to the W following the old road which was constructed to service the hotel and observatory, now both ruins near the summit. This route reveals little of the magnificence of Nevis, and there is an alternative route for hill-walkers who can cope with scrambling, via Carn Mor Dearg and the CMD arete. An ascent is also possible via the head wall of Coire Leis to join the southern end of the CMD arete. Both these routes approach the summit of Ben Nevis from the E. The N face of the Ben should be left to mountaineers with rock climbing experience.
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Hazards you may encounter on Ben Nevis include
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| Steep slopes on or near ascent routes. |
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| Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes. |
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| Crags near summit. |
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| Scrambling (minor), easy hand and footholds. |
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General Considerations
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| Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent. |
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| Wind usually increases with altitude. |
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| Visibility can change markedly with cloud level. |
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| River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day. |
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CMD Arete and ben Nevis north face 05/12/09
© Mark Stevens
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Image by Mark Stevens
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The North Face of the Ben from the CIC hut 18/03/10
© Gareth Lynn
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Image by Gareth Lynn
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Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg from the Caledonian Canal
© Kris Benzie
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Image by Kris Benzie
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Climbers nearing the summit in top conditions on "The Ben". 24/3/07
© Peter Chisholm
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Image by Peter Chisholm
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Ascent
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Distance
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Time
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Including...
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Description
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Rating
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1
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1778 m
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16.68 km
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6.5 hrs
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Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg
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This is a more difficult ascent with some exposure and scrambling, but it avoids most of the crowds and gives a taste of real mountaineering. Navigate with care, this is a dangerous mountain for the unwary.
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2
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1370 m
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14.83 km
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5.5 hrs
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Ben Nevis
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This is the "Tourist Route" which thousands climb each year, it is fairly strenuous. It can, however, be a serious ascent as the "path" disappears on the higher boulder slopes and navigational errors can and do lead to disaster.
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myself at the rescue shelter 29.5.10
© iain watson
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Image by iain watson
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Me Topping out 18/3/10 Indicator Wall
© Gareth Lynn
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Image by Gareth Lynn
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me , bro , duce , and nelson at the start of big ben ;-)))!!
© Lee Dawson
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Image by Lee Dawson
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A very snowy track up to the north face, 18th February 2010
© Alistair Craig
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Image by Alistair Craig
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| Showing the most recent 5 of 26 comments. Would you like to view all 26? |
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James Barnet
wrote on
July 16, 2010
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In my opinion it is irresistible to climb Ben Nevis without combining it with Carn Mor Dearg, providing a fantastic traverse taking in 2 Munros and surely some of the best scenery in the British Isles. Have just come back from the area and climbed the Ben via Carn Mor Dearg and the CMD arete on 12.07.2010, having waited almost a week for suitable weather. Apart from occasional showers, the arete was largely cloud-free from around 12pm, with fine views across Glen Nevis to the Mamores. Arriving suddenly at the Ben Nevis summit in sunshine was certainly a memorable experience...
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Paul Craigie
wrote on
July 5, 2010
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What is to say? A long arduous trek. Got to the top, popped open the champers and began the weary calf busting ramble down.Two mins later....the coldest, fastest and depressing rain fall ever!!! Brrrr...soaked and freezing in seconds..15 mins later brilliant sunshine and a nice wind to dry the clothes...a fine day was had....
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Chris Mercer
wrote on
May 22, 2010
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Climbed the Ben via CMD on the hottest day of the year so far!! Glorious sunshine and cloud free arete and summits. The ascent (or slog) up the side of Carn Dearg Meadhonach from the Allt a' Mhuilinn was relentless the views of the North face of the Ben made up for it. The arete was easier than we thought it was going to be with minimal scrambling and exposure. Our border collie managed it without difficulty but probably would not recommend this route for the average dog.
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Keith Waugh
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July 21, 2009
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Prior to this trip in June 09, I last "did" Ben Nevis in May'89, going via Carn Mor Dearg and the amazing Arete. It was a hard slog up the final boulder slope to the top of Ben Nevis. Fantastic views of the North Face for those of us who are not mountaineers. This time, June'09, it was also a glorious day with no wind, just warm sunshine. Really calm on top and a fabulous place to be. Must go more often!! There is something strangely magical about the top of Ben Nevis.
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Pamela Davidson
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June 1, 2009
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We walked on a magnificent day on Sunday the 31st May - still knee deep in snow at the summit despite the unbelievably hot sun! I agree with previous comments with regards to the sheer amount of people that are unprepared for climbing, we passed by children with 3/4 length jeans and trainers, football fans with cans of lager teenagers wearing swiming shorts and plimsoles! i was totally amazed at their lack of respect for this kind of terrain. what also disgusted me is the amount of litter left along the trail of the mountain, If you carry it up, CARRY IT DOWN. An unbelievably beautiful climb.
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