Is Ben Nevis hard?

[Marijn]

Is Ben Nevis hard going? My 16 year old son wants us to go on holiday near there, and climb it. We have climbed Snowdon and although it was really tiring and took forever, it wasn't dangerous and we didn't need special equipment. We walked up, didn't need to do any climbing as such. My son is telling me that Ben Nevis is the same. But I've got a feeling it is dangerous and that you need to actually climb it, and use special equipment. We are not climbers. And we have only ever been up Snowdon.

[Homer55]

Yes its a hard climb... see this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Nevis#Climbin g_on_Ben_Nevis

[dzug]

You can walk to the top and back without special equipment. A bit harder than Snowdon, mainly coz it's a bit higher.

Just apy attention to the weather and don't go if it's bad.

[Marijn]

Thank you for your answer. What about the pony track bit from Glen Nevis? It said three quarters of visitors go up that way. And the climbers climb up a different way. Do you know what that is like?

[Lakitu]

Hiya notafish!

Didn't get round to changing your name, then? LOL

Your thread title has amused me :o) x

[monkeyeyes]

There is one track that is a fairly gentle slope (this starts more towards the village) up to the start of the more challenging part.............and there is a near vertical climb up from the river..........guess which one my idiot native guide had me going up ?!? I sat red-faced and panting on a boulder, with screaming calf-muscles while little old ladies smiled their way passed me as they proceeded to the top........oh, the shame !!

[Marijn]

Sorry dzug, I've only just seen your answer. When you say that it's a harder walk than Snowdon, is that because it's steeper, or just that it's a longer walk? I could just about manage Snowdon cos it made me very tired, but it wasn't dangerous, it had wide paths, we had ordinary trainers on and we didn't have to go near any dangerous edges. Is it like that? Because if it's scary. I don't fancy it.

[Marijn]

Hi Lakitu, nice to hear from you. I don't know how to change my name, so I'll leave it. :-)

[Marijn]

monkey eyes, if there is a gentle way up that old ladies can do, then I'll expect I could manage it. I was told several people get killed each year trying to climb it, I'm assuming they were'nt on the pony track bit. What is your definition of old ladies? Do you mean over 60?

[monkeyeyes]

And then some..............:o) Blue hair, sensible shoes and ski-poles, with those small between the shoulder-blade rucksacks......

Because it is the tallest mountain in the British Isles, there are numerous directions/approaches to the top. Naturally, there are those who wish to go via the more challenging routes, and these are where people get into trouble, but there certainly is a more gentle route to be had.

However, I would advise that you wear proper hiking boots as these offer more protection than trainers. Make sure you check the weather conditions as the mist can fall in a heartbeat !!

But most importantly.........enjoy the climb and take in the stunning scenery as you go............:o)

[Marijn]

Thank you for your answer. I would just like to know one more thing, if you go the gentle way, do you need to go near any edges and see the drop? I really don't like teetering on edges, cos my Iegs feel nervous and I worry they will give way.

[monkeyeyes]

Erm..............There weren't any as far as I got (see embarassing first answer) and I don't believe that you'll find yourself teetering on any precipices, but there are plenty of places for you to turn your ankle, etc which is by far the most worrying concern I believe that you'll have.

However, I'll bow out of this question now as having shamedly failed to advance terribly high up the mountain, you'll need someone who got further to be able to answer your questions properly.

Have fun !

[Marijn]

Thank you for your answers monkeyeyes, they've really helped me. It's my son who wants to do it, and I can't let him go alone.

[madboutcats]

could you get in touch with the tourist office in fort william, (im sure they will have a web site) they could be able to provide you with maps of walks on ben nevis etc, ive only stood and looked at the mountain..lol

[Marijn]

Thank you madaboutcats

[dzug]

It's my son who wants to do it, and I can't let him go alone

He's 16 for goodness sake - why not?

[dzug]

Actually I should retract that - not that good an idea in that sort of country.
I was reacting more to his age than the walk.

[thugulike]

Ben Nevis is a slog but not technically difficult. You must have good boots as the descent can be very painful on your toes. You must also take lots of water as there aren't any streams easily accessible. I found it very boring. Nothing to see until you reach the top. I went up the track from Glen Nevis by the way.

[Marijn]

Thank you for the advice thugulike

[Bravehearted]

Notafish
I climbed Ben Nevis in the sixties (I was 17) and I'm sure it has'nt got any different. The first 2000ft is a pretty steep climb then the rest is pretty boring as you cross a reasonably easy incline to the top. When you come back down take care as gravity will want you to go for an early bath on the 2000 foot downward slope.
Great views though, and unlike Snowdon there's unlikely to be a crowd of climbers in flipflops taking snaps of each other in macho poses. If it was in Sitzerland there would be a cafe and toilets.

[Marijn]

I don't mind so much falling into water, but how far is the fall? Are there any parts of the gentle way up where you could fall off and get killed? I'd love to see people in flip flops, t'would be very reassuring. And stopping for a cream tea half way up would be lovely. :-)