Ben Nevis

I'd like to go up Ben Nevis within the next couple of weeks. Any information on the present conditions would be apreciated. I'm also bringing up a novice, any suggestions, I've never done this hike before. Thanks.

Did Ben Nevis in October 03 with my dad!! Gale Force Winds!!! Ouch!! lol Luckily - you have chosen a good time to go. There wont be any snow at the top. There is a well worn path all the way to the top - its like a motorway of people! You dont even need a map! It was the first mountain I walked up (and Im a small 19yr old!!) - its no problem for beginners!! And it gave me a thirst to climb more... There is a YHA Hostel at the very bottom - GLEN NEVIS. Its about £12 a night or something - perhaps cheaper! But, very good!! =) www.yha.org.uk If you are not a member - you can buy YHA Temporary Membership for £4.50 (for 3 months). Hope I was of some help! Good Luck!

was on nevis is 2000, yes, there is a broad way up but beware, on top the wind might be very gusty, or gale, as sugarplum mentioned. down in the valley they want to tell you that you will need a guide, a dog, a helikopter watching you, gps, dozens of maps and police guarding you the way up. in fact, it is one of the safest climbs or walk-ups i have ever seen 1000 meters in altitude (the uk/ireland islands highest mountain, higher than snowdon in wales), zig-zags the last 300-400 meters in alt. to the top. mention. if you walk fast take your clothes off to your windbreaker and t-shirt. i did a big mistake. i left all clotehes on to get sweatty. bad. on top of nevis, in the wind, i first felt cool, then cold. i had to dry my wet things in this cold. hmmm. an experience. so, take your clothes off climbing up and take them on again on the top!

have fun, ben nevis is nice!

martin/hamburg

Points above re:easy to follow trail and lots of people are true. I have just got back from Scotland in an area just a little south of Ben Nevis. No snow on ground and I guess this will be the case on Ben Nevis - at least on the main route. Only potential problems at this time of year are wind, cloud levels and rain/snowfall. Last week we had half an hour or so of driving snow in strong winds on Ben More and strong summit winds for most of week. None of this presents a real safety risk on such a well walked route but they could spoil what would otherwise be an enjoyable day. You can get a mountain weather forecast on Radio Scotland at 6.58pm weekdays (not sure of weekend times) which gives you cloud level and wind info. (810m medium wave / 92 to 95 m FM) Also try www.onlineweather.com.

wow, this site is amazing, thanks for the tips.

I'd suggest reading the replies to your question on the UK branch which doesn't give the rosy picture you have been given here.

Ive read the other branch - and yes, weather is Scotland and particularly on top of mountains can be unpredictable. So, it is advisable to bring waterproof jacket and trousers, just in case!! However, you really dont need a map at all, or a compass - as this path is WELL WORN!!!!! You wont be the only people walking up!! And if you stay in the hostel below, they give you a weather forecast every day and advise weather it is safe to walk up or not. In May/June - I would say, its probably the best time to walk up!

I started out in shorts and a t-shirt, had storm gear on in a blizzard at the top. That could happen any month.

the ben nevis live webcam