Ben Nevis via Mountain Track

The classic, famous summit route up Britain's highest mountain

Route Overview

The Mountain Track (historically called the Pony Track or Tourist Path) is the most popular route to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. Starting at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, the route crosses the River Nevis via a wooden footbridge and ascends steadily through birch woods and bracken. Reaching the saddle near Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (the 'Half Way Loch'), the route turns sharply upwards across the Red Burn stream. Here begins the famous series of stony zig-zags carving through the rough scree of the upper mountain, eventually topping out onto the vast, boulder-strewn summit plateau with its historic observatory ruins, emergency shelter, and panoramic Highland views.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take the direct Caledonian Sleeper overnight from London Euston to Fort William, or ScotRail West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street. Take Shiel Buses N42 or taxi (5 mins) to Glen Nevis. (Station: Fort William Station (Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston), duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston / 4h 45m from Glasgow).

By Bus: Take Citylink / Megabus overnight coach from Victoria Coach Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, then transfer to Citylink 914/915/916 to Fort William, followed by local Shiel Bus N42 to Glen Nevis. (12h 30m - 14h 00m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park (PH33 6PF). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 30m - 11h 00m from London Victoria (505 miles via M1, M6, M74 to Glasgow, then A82 through Glen Coe). From London Victoria, drive north via M1 and M6 past Carlisle, continue onto M74/M8 through Glasgow, take the scenic A82 north along Loch Lomond and through Glen Coe to Fort William, and turn onto Glen Nevis Road (C1162).

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Ben Nevis via Mountain Track trail:

• ☕ The Ben Nevis Inn: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Glen Nevis Restaurant & Bar: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Highland Soap Co. Cafe: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Ben Nevis via Mountain Track from London?

Take the direct Caledonian Sleeper overnight from London Euston to Fort William, or ScotRail West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street. Take Shiel Buses N42 or taxi (5 mins) to Glen Nevis. (Station: Fort William Station (Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston), duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston / 4h 45m from Glasgow).

Where is the closest car park for Ben Nevis via Mountain Track?

Nearest car park is Glen Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park (PH33 6PF). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 30m - 11h 00m from London Victoria (505 miles via M1, M6, M74 to Glasgow, then A82 through Glen Coe). From London Victoria, drive north via M1 and M6 past Carlisle, continue onto M74/M8 through Glasgow, take the scenic A82 north along Loch Lomond and through Glen Coe to Fort William, and turn onto Glen Nevis Road (C1162).

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Ben Nevis via Mountain Track covers 17.0 km (10.5 miles) with an estimated duration of 7 - 8.5 hours, graded as Challenging. Starts at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre and finishes at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.