Ben Nevis and Glen nevis
Ben Nevis towers majestically over Fort William at the head of Loch Linnhe and is Britain's highest mountain standing at a proud 4406ft or 1343 m high. There is some debate as to where the name Nevis comes from, either the Gaelic for venomous/ terrible or for cloudy. Either name would be well earned as it is not a mountain which suffers inexperienced or ill prepared climbers gladly. Unfortunately each year there are a number of injuries and fatalities each year, some say on average it claims more lives each year than Everest.
Regardless of the fact that the summit can be covered in misty cloud for up to 300 days in the year, thousands make the journey to the top following the well worn path which zig zags its way up the steep slopes. The most popular route (known locally as the tourist track) follows an old pony track built to service a meteorological station which was built on the summit in 1883, its ruins can still be seen along with a war memorial.
There are a number of more technical or challenging routes that can be followed, in fact the slopes are often used as a preliminary training ground for the ascent of Everest. Again if in any doubt about your experience or ability, seek local advice. Weather conditions can change drastically in a matter of minutes and although popular this mountain is not to be taken lightly. However the views from the summit are impressive on a clear day with the rest of the highland peaks stretching out in all directions.
The most dramatic view of Ben Nevis is of its north face where high cliffs provide a rewarding view for the more serious walker and a playground for ice and rock climbers. Rewarding views can also be gained from the bridge at Ballachulish looking up the Great Glen, or from the Commando Memorial above Spean Bridge.
Glen Nevis runs along the side of Ben Nevis and is a beautiful location, this aspect being utilized in many films such as Harry Potter, Braveheart and Rob Roy. Hairy Coo's wander along the road and fields giving entertainment to the people driving. At the far end of the Glen is a gorgeous walk up to Steel Falls through a gorge covered in native forest which includes the majestic Caledonian pine trees.
What we do in the Ben Nevis/Glen Nevis area:
Photographs
Tours that visit the Ben Nevis/Glen Nevis area are:
Other areas that may be of interest are:
