Ben Nevis

ALL TRAILS ROUTE

WALKING HIGHLANDS ROUTE

Height

1344.53m

Elevation

4,402ft

Distance

12.4 miles

Type

Out & Back

Difficulty

Hard

Route

One of the UK’s most iconic mountain routes, the Ben Nevis Mountain Path (also known as the Tourist Path or Pony Track) takes you to the summit of Britain’s highest peak and it's no small feat! Starting just outside Fort William, this well-maintained and clearly signposted trail begins with a steady climb, winding through moorland before zig-zagging sharply upwards.

The route is relatively straightforward and well-trodden, but it's steep throughout. As you ascend, the terrain becomes rockier and rougher underfoot, with the final stretch often snow-covered well into the warmer months. At this point, the path can be difficult to follow, and it's easy to veer into dangerous terrain, so solid navigation skills are essential, especially in poor visibility.

The full out-and-back route takes roughly 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on conditions, pace, and stops along the way.

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Munros ticked off

Ben Nevis 1344.53m

Where to park?

Parking start point: 56.81081° N, 5.07711° W

Parking is available at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre.
It’s a pay-and-display system, with rates starting at £2 for 1 hour or £8 for all-day parking.

Facilities

The Ben Nevis Visitor Centre offers a range of free resources including interactive touchscreens, quizzes and short films to help you learn more about the mountain. You can also check the latest weather conditions, as the weather can shift quickly and become hazardous.

Toilets are available on site but are only accessible during the Visitor Centre’s opening hours, as they operate on a timed system.

Important information for pet owners

At various times of year, both deer and sheep may roam freely across the route. Given the high footfall and livestock presence, it’s best to keep dogs on a lead throughout.

While the path is generally well-maintained, the upper sections are rocky with scree and loose stones.

You’ll find a few natural water sources along the way, including streams and a loch around the halfway point — perfect for a quick refresh.