Ben Nevis: It’s the biggest in the United Kingdom so it draws crowds. Unfortunately some of the crowds don’t take it seriously enough. Meaning it’s also popular for air lifts off and mountain rescue. It’s not particularly dangerous so don’t be put off by my comments, just don’t be flippant, it is a big old thing so come prepared.

The tourist route up goes from the valley, Ben’s brother Glen past Lochan Meall and some really pretty meadows and heather glens. It then trails all over the place on the way up. It’s rocks so can be slippery and you could easily be distracted by the ever improving views over the green glens and across to the Munros. On top is a ruined observatory and people taking photographs.

This is Scotland so be prepared for it to be cold and blowy up top, possibly even snowy, also be prepared for some really spectacular scenery if you’re there on a clear day (you’ve got maybe a 30% chance of that.). On a good day this can take nine hours, but it’s much more likely to take you longer if it’s a first ascent.

If you’re a real climber you can attempt a climbing route up the cliffs.

For fact fans it’s 1344 metres up.

Written by  Pike Chambers.

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