Ben Nevis Routes

Ben Nevis has several routes to the summit. The Pony Track (Tourist Path) is the most popular and the route used for Three Peaks Challenges. Other routes exist but require greater experience, navigational skills or technical climbing ability.

The Pony Track (Tourist Path)

The Pony Track, also known as the Tourist Path or Mountain Track, is the standard route up Ben Nevis. It was originally built in 1883 to service the observatory that once stood on the summit. The name comes from the ponies that carried supplies up the mountain.

There are two starting points for the Pony Track, both leading to the same route:

Summit Navigation

The summit plateau of Ben Nevis is notoriously dangerous in poor visibility. The flat, boulder-strewn top gives few clues to direction, and the northern cliffs drop away steeply with little warning.

In cloud or winter conditions, accurate compass bearings are essential for a safe descent. The standard advice is to follow a bearing of 231° (grid) for 150 metres from the trig point, then turn to 281° (grid) to avoid the cliffs and locate the top of the descent path.

GPS devices or smartphone navigation apps provide a useful backup to traditional navigation, but should not be relied upon as the sole means of navigation.

Ben Nevis on the Three Peaks Challenge

On guided National Three Peaks Challenge events, Ben Nevis is typically climbed during daylight hours. As the most demanding of the three mountains - with the greatest height and ascent - it requires good visibility and conditions. The extended daylight in the Scottish Highlands during summer means there is ample time to complete the ascent safely.

The other peaks (Scafell Pike and Snowdon) are often climbed during the night portions of the challenge, as they are shorter and have more straightforward navigation.

Other Routes (Not for Three Peaks)

Several other routes reach the summit of Ben Nevis. These are not suitable for Three Peaks Challenges due to their length, technical difficulty or objective hazards, but may interest experienced hillwalkers and climbers.

CMD Arete

The Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arete is a classic mountaineering route that traverses the narrow ridge connecting Carn Mor Dearg to Ben Nevis. The route involves scrambling (using hands for balance and progress) and requires good conditions and experience.

Distance	Approximately 10 miles round trip
Ascent	Approximately 1,500 metres
Difficulty	Grade 1 scramble, exposed in places

This route should only be attempted in good weather and by those with scrambling experience.

Ledge Route

A scrambling route on the north face that follows a system of ledges to reach the summit plateau. More serious than the CMD Arete, with sections of Grade 2 scrambling and considerable exposure.

North Face Climbing Routes

The north face of Ben Nevis holds snow and ice well into summer and is one of Scotland's premier winter climbing venues. Routes range from Grade I gullies to Grade VIII technical mixed climbs. These are serious mountaineering undertakings requiring full winter climbing equipment and experience.

When to Climb

The Pony Track can be walked year-round, but conditions vary dramatically by season:

• Summer (June-August): Longest days, generally best weather, but summit can still be cold and cloudy
• Spring (April-May): Snow often persists, conditions can be variable, days lengthening
• Autumn (September-November): Shorter days, more changeable weather, first snow possible from October
• Winter (December-March): Full winter conditions likely, ice axe and crampons may be required, short daylight hours

Three Peaks Challenges run primarily from April to October, avoiding the most challenging winter conditions.