Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is the main starting point for the Pony Track up Ben Nevis. This is the route used by most Three Peaks Challenge groups and the majority of walkers climbing Britain's highest mountain.

Route Summary

Distance 10.5 miles (17km) round trip
Ascent 1,352 metres (4,436 feet)
Typical Time 7-9 hours round trip
Difficulty Strenuous but non-technical
Start Point Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park (PH33 6ST)
Grid Reference NN 123 730

Route Map

Elevation profile of the Ben Nevis route from Glen Nevis Visitor Centre

Route Description

From the Visitor Centre car park, follow the signed path that crosses the River Nevis via a footbridge. The path climbs steadily through woodland before emerging onto the open hillside with views back down Glen Nevis.

The route continues to Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe (the "halfway lochan") at around 570 metres. This small loch makes a good rest stop and is roughly the halfway point in terms of effort, though not distance. In good weather, this is a pleasant spot with views towards the surrounding peaks.

Above the lochan, the path zigzags up steeper ground. These zigzags were designed to allow ponies to make the ascent carrying supplies to the Victorian observatory, so they maintain a consistent gradient that, while steep, is manageable.

Near the top, the path crosses the Red Burn before the final climb onto the summit plateau. This section can be confusing in poor visibility - pay attention to the cairns marking the route.

The summit plateau is a boulder field with the remains of the Victorian observatory. The trig point marking the summit is near the edge of the northern cliffs. In clear conditions, views extend to the Outer Hebrides, the Cairngorms and beyond.

Key Waypoints

  1. Visitor Centre (0m altitude) - Start from the car park, cross the footbridge
  2. Woodland section (0-200m) - Steady climb through trees
  3. Open hillside (200-570m) - Path becomes more exposed
  4. Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe (570m) - Halfway point, good rest spot
  5. Zigzags (570-1,000m) - Steady climb on well-made path
  6. Red Burn crossing (1,000m) - Path can be indistinct here
  7. Summit plateau (1,200-1,345m) - Boulder field, follow cairns
  8. Summit trig point (1,345m) - Britain's highest point

Navigation Notes

In good visibility, the path is clear and well-cairned throughout. However, the summit plateau can be dangerous in cloud or winter conditions. The northern cliffs drop steeply with little warning.

For safe descent in poor visibility, 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.

Download GPX Route

Download GPX Route

Use this GPX file with your GPS device or smartphone navigation app. The route shows both the ascent and descent via the same path.

Parking

The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre car park has approximately 80 spaces. Parking costs £3 for cars and £10 for minibuses/coaches. Payment is by Pay and Display (coins) or the PayByPhone app.

The car park can fill up early on busy summer weekends. For Three Peaks Challenge participants arriving early morning, parking is usually available.

Full parking information →

Ben Nevis maps