Ben Nevis Tours and Activities

Ben Nevis which includes tranquil scenes, forest scenes and mountains
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis showing tranquil scenes and landscape views
Ben Nevis showing forest scenes, mountains and landscape views


Brave the conditions and climb to the summit of this mountain to see the ruins of an observatory from the 19th century.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. In the western portion of the Grampian Mountains, the picturesque giant dominates the skyline and overlooks several lakes. Join the many hikers and mountaineers who battle the elements year-round to conquer the mountain.

Enter the visitor center for information about weather conditions and paths. Purchase maps, snacks and souvenirs from the gift shop. Leaflets explain the geological formation of the giant rock.

Start your hike from Glen Nevis at the southern base of the natural landmark. The most straightforward route to the top is the Pony Track, so-called for its previous use as a path for ponies carrying equipment. Capture photos of the fields, hills and trees that make up the countryside.

Continue along the zigzagging path to find the Halfway Lochan, a small lake. Rest with a picnic beside the water, which stands at 1,900 feet (570 meters) from the base. The mountain peak is another 2,300 feet (700 meters) higher along stony terrain.

Although the path is not particularly steep, due to its many curves, weather conditions might limit the full ascent to experienced climbers. Bring full climbing equipment, including maps, compasses and appropriate footwear.

The cliffs on the northern face of the mountain attract passionate climbers looking for difficult rock ascents. Reach the mountain peak, at 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level, in 4 to 8 hours. At the top are the ruins of an observatory that was manned from 1883 to 1904.

The visitor center is open daily from morning until late afternoon. Note that it closes several hours earlier in winter. Entering the building and climbing the mountain is free.

Ben Nevis is 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Fort William in the northwestern part of Scotland. It overlooks Loch Eil and other attractions, such as the Commando Memorial and Neptune’s Staircase. Embark on your climb from Achintee, just 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) from Fort William. Leave the car in the parking lot beside the visitor center at a small cost.

Plan a trip to see Ben Nevis

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The Old Mill Inn
 The Cluanie Inn
Royal Golf Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ben Nevis

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

3 out of 5
Glen Nevis, Fort William, Scotland
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Alexandra Hotel

Alexandra Hotel

3 out of 5
The Parade, Fort William, Scotland
Alexandra Hotel
The Garrison

The Garrison

4 out of 5
High Street, Fort William, Scotland
The Garrison
Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club

Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club

3 out of 5
North Road, Fort William, Scotland
Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club
Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range

Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range

3 out of 5
Torlundy, Fort William, Scotland
Base Camp Hotel Nevis Range
Achintee Cottages No 2

Achintee Cottages No 2

Fort William
Achintee Cottages No 2
Stob-Ban View - S4582

Stob-Ban View - S4582

Achintee, Fort William
Stob-Ban View - S4582
Inverlochy Castle

Inverlochy Castle

5 out of 5
Torlundy, Fort William, Scotland
Inverlochy Castle
Nevis Bank Inn

Nevis Bank Inn

4 out of 5
Belford Road, Fort William, Scotland
Nevis Bank Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ben Nevis

When visiting Ben Nevis, you'll find a variety of exciting activities, including rock climbing, snowboarding, and ferry rides. Explore picturesque campsites, enjoy evening walks, and take in breathtaking views from various viewpoints. Don't miss the chance to visit nearby castles and indulge in numerous outdoor adventures that this stunning area has to offer.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Ben Nevis, visit Highland Soaps, located 11.3km away, where you can find handcrafted soaps and gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out Fort William's town centre, offering various shops for souvenirs and local products.

Recreation

At Great Glen Water Park, enjoy a variety of wellness activities amidst serene landscapes, perfect for relaxation. The Dragons Tooth Golf Course offers a unique outdoor experience, where you can play a round of golf surrounded by stunning scenery, combining sport and nature in a refreshing setting.

Adventure

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience offers stunning views via a cable car gondola, located 6.4km from Ben Nevis, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For hiking enthusiasts, the West Highland Way, also 6.4km away, boasts breathtaking scenery. Meanwhile, Aonach Mor Ski Resort, 3.2km away, provides exhilarating ski sports.

Find the best attractions near Ben Nevis

Exploring Ben Nevis and its surroundings offers a blend of cultural and outdoor adventures that every traveller will appreciate. Key highlights include visiting historical museums, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying the breathtaking views at waterfalls. Don't miss the chance to hike to the top of Ben Nevis, stroll through the scenic Glen Nevis, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that this stunning region of Scotland has to offer.

  • Inverlochy Castle: Explore the majestic ruins of Inverlochy Castle, just 6.4km from Ben Nevis. This historical site offers a glimpse into Scotland's rich culture and heritage, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that evoke a sense of timelessness.
  • Steall Waterfall: Located 3.2km from Ben Nevis, Steall Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder perfect for adventure seekers. Experience the romance of the outdoors as you hike through lush scenery to witness the cascading waters, creating a serene and exhilarating atmosphere.
  • Commando Memorial: Situated 11.3km from Ben Nevis, the Commando Memorial pays tribute to the bravery of World War II commandos. This poignant site merges culture with history, offering visitors a reflective experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

Best time to go to Ben Nevis

Visitor numbers around Ben Nevis is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ben Nevis is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with moderate rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January36.3°F (2.4°C)Moderate RainVery CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February36.9°F (2.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October47.1°F (8.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December37.2°F (2.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ben Nevis

When visiting Ben Nevis, take advantage of free activities like Inverlochy Castle and Steall Waterfall. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Wednesdays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, seek last-minute deals, and consider package options that combine flights and activities for extra savings. By planning wisely, you can enjoy a cost-effective trip while exploring the stunning beauty of Scotland.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ben Nevis are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Ben Nevis is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ben Nevis is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ben Nevis is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay near Ben Nevis with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.