Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis)
Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis) (1344m) is a prominent mountain in the dramatic mountains between Glen Coe and Lochaber. With 1344m of prominence it stands well apart from its neighbours, a genuinely isolated summit that demands a dedicated day. The summit, marked by a no feature: natural bare ground, gives views of sea lochs, dramatic ridges and the peaks of the western Highlands. The nearest town is Fort William in Highland.
Gaelic: “mountain, peak” · Pronunciation: ben
Quick facts
- Height
- 1344m/ 4411ft
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 1183 m
- Time
- 6.2 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NN166712
- Parking
- Sea
- Nearest city
- Fort William
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 21km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 21km with 1183m of total ascent — a long and demanding day. Lower slopes cross steep-sided glens with birch and oak woodland. Higher up, the terrain changes to volcanic and metamorphic rock, steep ridges and buttresses. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. The summit is marked by a no feature: natural bare ground.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Good stalkers' paths on popular routes but remote sections, particularly around Knoydart, are rough and pathless. The hill's high prominence means the approach involves significant re-ascent — there are no easy shortcuts from neighbouring peaks.
In winter
In winter, Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis) is a serious proposition. Heavy snowfall and rapid freeze-thaw cycles make conditions changeable. Avalanche risk on steeper slopes is real — check the SAIS forecast before heading out. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 26m
- Edinburgh3h 6m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:48
- Sunset
- 20:48
- Civil dawn
- 05:04
- Civil dusk
- 21:32
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026