Mountain Intelligence Lochaber

Ben Nevis

1,345m · Highest Munro in Scotland
2
Routes
Available
4–6 hrs
Typical
Duration
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
Parking
Area
Overview
Today's Mountain Outlook
7-Day Forecast
Routes
Essential Info
Safety

Munro - Lochaber

Ben Nevis overview

1,345m

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--/100 climb score

Live summit weather is loading for Ben Nevis.

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Recommend Check today's full mountain outlook before committing.
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About

About Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is a Scottish Munro rising to 1,345m in the Lochaber region. The nearest local hub is Fort William. This mountain guide brings together route choice, live mountain weather and practical access information for planning a day on the hill.

The recommended route preview is Mountain Track (Tourist Path). The most popular route to the summit, well-maintained path all the way. Suitable for walkers with good fitness. Typical walking time is 4–6 hrs, with 2 routes currently listed for Ben Nevis.

Expect Rocky path, Exposed ridge, Scree above 1000m. Conditions can change quickly on high ground, so check today's mountain outlook, carry appropriate kit and be ready to turn back if wind, cloud or rain makes the route unsuitable.

Mountain height1,345m
Elevation gain · recommended route1,370m
RegionLochaber
Typical duration4–6 hrs
Routes available2
DifficultyModerate
TerrainRocky path, Exposed ridge, Scree above 1000m
Parking / startGlen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
Best monthsMay–September

Recommended route

Compare routes →
Moderate

Mountain Track (Tourist Path)

The most popular route to the summit, well-maintained path all the way. Suitable for walkers with good fitness.

16.5km 1,370m ascent 4–6 hrs

Plan your day

7-Day forecast

Open forecast - Choose the best weather window this week.

Climb score: Pending

View 7-day forecast →

Getting there

P
ParkingGlen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park - Pay & display · 80 spaces · PH33 6PF
A
AccessBus to Fort William, 2.5km walk to trailhead
F
FacilitiesAt Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
View essential info →
WeatherChanges fastEspecially above the approach level - check the outlook before you leave.
NavigationCarry map & compassDo not rely on phone navigation alone above the treeline.
KitPack for the summitWaterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a charged phone with offline maps.
EmergencyCall 999Ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue if help is needed.

Check today's full outlook before you set off.

View Today's Mountain Outlook
Current Conditions
Live summit weather and route planning intelligence for Ben Nevis.
Updating...
Summit Temp
Summit reading
Wind
Summit wind
Live
Status
Updated forecast
Mountain Snapshot
LocationLochaber
TerrainRocky path, Exposed ridge
Height1,345m
DifficultyModerate
Routes2
ParkingGlen Nevis Visitor Centre
Which Route Is Right For You?

First time climbing Ben Nevis?

Mountain Track (Tourist Path) is the most direct route option currently listed.

Choose Mountain Track (Tourist Path) →

Experienced hillwalker?

Carn Mòr Dearg Arête offers a more committing mountain day.

Choose Carn Mòr Dearg Arête →
Available Routes
MODERATE

Mountain Track (Tourist Path)

16.5km 1,370m ascent 4–6 hrs

The most popular route to the summit, well-maintained path all the way. Suitable for walkers with good fitness.

View Route Details
HARD

Carn Mòr Dearg Arête

18.7km 1,508m ascent 10–11 hrs

The finest mountaineering route to the summit. A narrow ridge connects CMD to Ben Nevis with spectacular exposure.

View Route Details
Plan Your Day

Weather Forecast

View the 7-day forecast for summit and valley conditions.

View Forecast →

Routes & Maps

Detailed route information, maps, GPX files and route notes.

Explore Routes →

Safety Information

Mountain hazards, essential kit and safety advice.

Safety Centre →
Safety On Ben Nevis
⌖

Navigation

Paths can be unclear in poor visibility. Carry a map, compass and know how to use them.

Learn More →
☔

Weather

Conditions change rapidly on the mountain. Check the forecast and be prepared for all conditions.

Learn More →
☎

Emergency

Dial 999, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue

Learn More →
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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

Live Conditions
Updating…
Summit temp
Wind
Status
7-Day Forecast
Detailed 48hr · 7-day outlook
Essential Info
Parking, access & facilities
Safety & Hazards
Hazards & safety tips
Save for Later
Save this mountain

Available Routes

Mountain Track (Tourist Path) Moderate
16.5km - 1,370m - 4–6 hrs
Carn Mòr Dearg Arête Hard
18.7km - 1,508m - 10–11 hrs
Today's Safety Headline
Checking live conditions…
Before You Commit
ParkingGlen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park · Pay & display · 80 spaces · PH33 6PF
SignalPoor to None above 600m
SeasonTerrain: Rocky path, Exposed ridge
Poor to None above 600m
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
Terrain: Rocky path, Exposed ridge
See full forecast and choose your route

Live Summit Conditions — Ben Nevis

Live weather guidance for Ben Nevis summit (1,345m) and Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park car park, sourced from Open-Meteo model data. Source model update frequency varies by provider and forecast model. Summit values are estimates with Cairnova orographic adjustments for the Lochaber range.

Loading live conditions for Ben Nevis…

7-Day Mountain Forecast — Ben Nevis

Detailed 48-hour hourly forecast and 7-day outlook for Ben Nevis (1,345m, Lochaber). Best months to climb: May–September.

Loading 7-day forecast for Ben Nevis…
Routes

Ben Nevis Routes

2 routes available. Ben Nevis is a moderate-grade mountain with a typical duration of 4–6 hrs.

Mountain Track (Tourist Path)

Moderate
16.5kmDistance
1,345mMountain height
1,370mElevation gain
4–6 hrsDuration
Loading map...
Elevation Profile
1,340mPeak
0km 2km 4km 6km 8km 10km 12km 14km 16km 16.5km
15mStart
GPX file availableDownload the route file for offline navigation.
Download GPX

Carn Mòr Dearg Arête

Hard
18.7kmDistance
1,345mMountain height
1,508mElevation gain
10–11 hrsDuration
Loading map...
Elevation Profile
1,341mPeak
0km 2km 4km 6km 8km 10km 12km 14km 16km 18km 18.7km
51mStart
GPX file availableDownload the route file for offline navigation.
Download GPX

Only verified route-specific elevation gains are published. A value requires a genuine route GPX, a documented calculation source and an independent route-profile check; unresolved routes show “Pending verification” rather than an estimate.

Essential Info — Ben Nevis

Plan the practical side

Parking, access, terrain and emergency details in one place, using the information available for Ben Nevis.

Quick Facts

Dogs
Dogs allowed on lead
Mobile Signal
Poor to None above 600m
Parking
Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park
Toilets
At Glen Nevis Visitor Centre
Best Months
May–September
Snow Possible
October to May

Getting There

Parking

Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park

Pay & display · 80 spaces · PH33 6PF56.8108° N, 5.0773° WOpen in Maps

Public Transport

Bus to Fort William, 2.5km walk to trailhead

Check local transport options →

Nearest Town

Fort William

Nearest town with services, shops and accommodation.

On Site

Mobile Signal

Poor to None above 600m

Signal may improve lower down, but should not be relied on for navigation.

Dogs

Dogs allowed on lead

Please clean up after your dog and follow local access guidance.

Toilets

At Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

Check opening times before travel.

Best Season

The best months to climb Ben Nevis are May–September.

On the Mountain

Route conditions vary. View route notes →

Rocky path

Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.

Exposed ridge

Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.

Scree above 1000m

Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.

Snow possible Oct-May

Snow and ice can be present from October to May.

Emergency Information

Nearest Hospital
Belford Hospital, Fort William (8km)
Mountain Rescue
Dial 999, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue
What3Words
Download the what3words app and share your location in an emergency.
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Information Accuracy Notice

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.

Facility details are metadata, not live status.
Safety — Ben Nevis

Know before you go

Use this page to prepare your route plan, kit, emergency actions and mountain-specific hazards before committing to the hill.

Today · Summer

Ben Nevis conditions can change rapidly.

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 today's full outlook →

Live & seasonal hazard assessment

Location-specific model guidance for Ben Nevis, combining live weather and pollen data with season, elevation, terrain and regional exposure.

Loading
LoadingChecking

Gathering mountain and approach-level hazard data.

--Snow at base
--Snow at summit
--Freezing level
Pollen and weather values are modelled estimates. Tick and midge levels are Cairnova risk estimates, not observations. Avalanche output is only a weather-and-snow warning: always check the official SAIS forecast → when snow is present.

Year-round Hazards

Coire Leis cornices in winter

Sudden weather changes

Crowded path in summer

Misleading paths in poor visibility

Before You Go

1Check today's forecast before setting out
2Plan your route and expected return time
3Tell someone your full route plan before you leave
4Be ready to turn back if conditions do not match the plan

Essential Gear

Essential

Sturdy waterproof boots
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Map and compass (OS 1:25,000)
Head torch with spare batteries
Fully charged phone with offline map

Emergency

First aid kit
Emergency foil blanket / bivvy bag
Food and water (minimum 2 litres)
Whistle (6 blasts distress signal)
Spare warm hat and gloves

On The Mountain

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.

SOS

In an emergency

Follow this order:

999 → POLICE → MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Local team: Lochaber MRT

Use voice call if you can.
If you cannot speak, listen to instructions from the operator.

No Signal?

Text REGISTER to 999 before you need it to enable emergency SMS.

Do this before you travel into areas with no mobile signal.

Share Your Location

Use what3words to give rescuers your exact location.

Download the app and learn how it works before you go.

Support Mountain Rescue

Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are entirely voluntary and charity-funded. Your support helps save lives.

Donate to MRT →
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Safety Information Notice

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.

Safety guidance is general and not live incident data.
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Current Conditions

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At a Glance
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Data & Accuracy Notice
Weather guidance is sourced from Open-Meteo model data. Source update frequency varies by provider and forecast model. Summit wind speeds are estimated using Cairnova orographic adjustments and are not directly measured. This information is for planning only and is not professional safety advice. Cairnova accepts no responsibility for decisions, losses or incidents arising from use of this data. Always carry a map and compass and check official forecasts before setting off.
Back to Mountain

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7-Day Forecast

7-Day Outlook
Weather Map
Loading map…
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Forecast Accuracy Notice
Forecast guidance is sourced from Open-Meteo model data. Source update frequency varies by provider and forecast model. Summit values are modelled estimates at elevation with Cairnova orographic adjustments applied. Accuracy can reduce with forecast range and local mountain effects. This information is for planning only and is not professional safety advice. Cairnova accepts no responsibility for decisions, losses or incidents arising from use of this data.