Everything you need to plan a safe and successful day on Ben Nevis.
Today’s mountain at a glance
Recommended daylight window
Reviewing today’s daylight forecast.
Gusts loading
Feels-like loading
Daily modelled total
Daily summit estimate
Recommended route
World Imagery sources: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA FSA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community.
Imagery attributionThe most popular route to the summit, well-maintained path all the way. Suitable for walkers with good fitness.
View route →Essential information
Current seasonal hazards
Seasonal and weather-related risks are modelled estimates. Check the full hazard assessment before you set off.
View hazard assessment →Safety reminder
Mountain weather can change fast.
Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, navigation equipment and a fully charged phone.
Plan ahead and be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen.
View safety guide →Stay informedMountain conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest 7-day and hourly forecast, carry appropriate kit and know how to navigate in poor visibility.
Ben Nevis Via Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is the most direct route option currently listed.
Choose Ben Nevis Via Glen Nevis Visitor Centre →Ben Nevis Via North Face Car Park offers a more committing mountain day.
Choose Ben Nevis Via North Face Car Park →The most popular route to the summit, well-maintained path all the way. Suitable for walkers with good fitness.
The finest mountaineering route to the summit. A narrow ridge connects CMD to Ben Nevis with spectacular exposure.
Paths can be unclear in poor visibility. Carry a map, compass and know how to use them.
Learn More →Conditions change rapidly on the mountain. Check the forecast and be prepared for all conditions.
Learn More →Ben Nevis is a Lochaber mountain guide with 2 routes currently listed. Use the live conditions snapshot, route details and essential access information below before planning a day on the hill.
Live Conditions
Available Routes
2 routes available. Ben Nevis is a moderate-grade mountain with a typical duration of 4–6 hrs.
Cairnova route lines and GPX files are independently prepared using publicly mapped paths, geographic mapping data and route-planning references. They have not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings are guidance only and may contain gaps, inaccuracies or pathless sections. Check the route against a current official map, carry suitable navigation equipment and make your own decisions on the mountain.
Read the full route and GPX terms →Choose the mapped approach, confirm the correct start and review parking, transport, facilities and nearby services before travelling.
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
Pay & display, ~£3-8/day, ~80 spaces, fills early in summer. Alternative: North Face car park near Torlundy (£1/hr, £3/day) for north-side routes. [Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NN123730 / ben-nevis.com precise coords]
Seasonal Stagecoach bus N42 (Fort William–Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, May–Sep, limited); Citylink coaches & ScotRail (Glasgow Queen Street ~3.5hrs) serve Fort William town centre; taxi from town ~10 mins.
Confirm the operator timetable, service days and return journey before departure. Where a taxi, cycle or walk is mentioned, treat it as a separate last-mile leg.
Fort William
1.5 miles / 2.4 km
Toilets & info centre at Visitor Centre; emergency phones/shelters on route
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel & campsite at trailhead; Ben Nevis Inn (pub/bunkhouse) on route; full range of hotels, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants in Fort William
Dogs allowed on lead
Poor to None above 600m
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
Toilets & info centre at Visitor Centre; emergency phones/shelters on route
May–September
October to May
MountainBen Nevis (Beinn Nibheis)
Region04A: Fort William to Loch Treig & Loch Leven
CountyHighland
OS grid referenceNN166712
Height rank1
Street View near the recorded start point. Imagery may be outdated; check signs and avoid blocking access.
Research notes from the parking record; not confirmation of current access or permission to park.
[Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NN123730 / ben-nevis.com precise coords]
Seasonal Stagecoach bus N42 (Fort William–Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, May–Sep, limited); Citylink coaches & ScotRail (Glasgow Queen Street ~3.5hrs) serve Fort William town centre; taxi from town ~10 mins.
Confirm operator timetables, service days and the return journey. Treat any taxi, cycle or walk as a separate last-mile leg.Toilets & info centre at Visitor Centre; emergency phones/shelters on route
Check opening times and seasonal availability before travel.Glen Nevis Youth Hostel & campsite at trailhead; Ben Nevis Inn (pub/bunkhouse) on route; full range of hotels, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants in Fort William
Explore options →△Start pointGlen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
↗Route typeMultiple routes
♧TerrainRocky path
≋SurfaceRocky path, Exposed ridge
⌁Elevation gain1,370m
▣Best monthsMay–September
Parking, access, terrain and emergency details in one place, using the information available for Ben Nevis.
Poor to None above 600m
Signal may improve lower down, but should not be relied on for navigation.Dogs allowed on lead
Please clean up after your dog and follow local access guidance.The best months to climb Ben Nevis are May–September.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Snow and ice can be present from October to May.
Parking information, facilities and access details are provided in good faith but may be subject to change. Always verify charges and opening times before travel. Cairnova accepts no liability for inaccuracies in third-party facility information.
Use this page to prepare your route plan, kit, emergency actions and mountain-specific hazards before committing to the hill.
Mountain conditions on Ben Nevis can change rapidly. Always check before setting out. Carry full waterproofs, map and compass at all times. Tell someone your route plan and expected return time.
View the 7-day forecastLocation-specific model guidance for Ben Nevis, combining live weather and pollen data with season, elevation, terrain and regional exposure.
Gathering mountain and approach-level hazard data.
Expect little or no mobile signal above higher ground.
Conditions can change rapidly at any time of year.
Do not rely on your phone for navigation.
Winter conditions can occur outside of winter.
Follow this order:
Use voice call if you can.
If you cannot speak, listen to instructions from the operator.
Do this before you travel into areas with no mobile signal.
Download the app and learn how it works before you go.
Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are entirely voluntary and charity-funded. Your support helps save lives.
Safety briefings are general guidance only and do not constitute professional mountaineering advice. Avalanche risk should always be obtained from SAIS. Cairnova accepts no liability for incidents. In an emergency in Scotland: dial 999.
Before downloading
This GPX is digitally mapped planning guidance and has not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings may contain inaccuracies, gaps or pathless ground. Cross-check it against a current detailed map, carry a map and compass, and do not rely on this file as your sole means of navigation. You remain responsible for route choice, navigation, preparation and safety. Check current weather, daylight and access conditions before setting out.
