Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

The Glen Nevis Youth Hostel provides an alternative starting point for the Pony Track up Ben Nevis. This route is slightly shorter than starting from the Visitor Centre but has more limited parking facilities.

Route Summary

Distance 9.5 miles (15km) round trip
Ascent 1,352 metres (4,436 feet)
Typical Time 6-8 hours round trip
Difficulty Strenuous but non-technical
Start Point Near Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (PH33 6ST)
Grid Reference NN 128 718

Route Map

Elevation profile of the Ben Nevis route from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

Route Description

From the area near the Youth Hostel, follow the path that climbs through the forest. This section is steeper initially than the Visitor Centre route but joins the main Pony Track before the halfway lochan.

Once on the main path, the route is identical to the Visitor Centre start. You'll pass Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe at around 570 metres, then continue up the zigzags to the summit plateau.

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. Youth Hostel area (20m altitude) - Start from roadside parking
  2. Forest climb (20-300m) - Steep climb through trees to join main path
  3. Junction with Visitor Centre path (300m) - Routes merge
  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

Parking near the Youth Hostel is limited to roadside spaces and a small informal car park. There are no facilities or toilets at this start point.

For groups or those wanting more reliable parking, the Visitor Centre start is recommended.

Full parking information →

Comparison with Visitor Centre Start

Youth Hostel Visitor Centre
Distance 9.5 miles 10.5 miles
Ascent 1,352m 1,352m
Parking Limited roadside ~80 spaces, pay and display
Facilities None Toilets, visitor centre

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