Ben Nevis North Face & CIC Hut Trail

Climber's valley trail beneath Britain's biggest mountain precipices

Route Overview

While tourists swarm the Mountain Track on the southern slopes, the North Face of Ben Nevis remains one of the world's most legendary mountaineering arenas. This superb walk from Torlundy leads hikers through the serene pines of Leanachan Forest and gently climbs along the rushing Allt a' Mhuilinn stream. As you turn the corner into the high glacial corrie, the colossal North Face of Ben Nevis is suddenly revealed in its full, intimidating grandeur—a 700-meter wall of dark, jagged granite buttresses, pinnacles, and couloirs (including Tower Ridge, Carn Dearg Buttress, and The Douglas Boulder). The trail terminates at the Charles Inglis Clark (CIC) Memorial Hut, the only alpine mountain hut in Britain, constructed in 1929 in memory of a fallen WW1 mountaineer.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take train from London Euston / Glasgow to Fort William, then take a short 8-minute taxi to the North Face Car Park in Torlundy. (Station: Fort William Station, then taxi to Torlundy, duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston).

By Bus: Take coach from Victoria Coach Station to Fort William, then take local bus or Citylink coach 3 miles north along A82 to Torlundy. (12h 45m - 14h 15m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is North Face Car Park, Torlundy (PH33 6SW). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 35m - 11h 00m from London Victoria (508 miles via M1, M6, M74 & A82 to Torlundy). From London Victoria, follow M1 and M6 north past Glasgow, take A82 through Glen Coe to Fort William, and drive 3 miles north on A82 to Torlundy forest car park.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Ben Nevis North Face & CIC Hut Trail trail:

• ☕ The Moorings Hotel & Bistro: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Ben Nevis Distillery & Visitor Centre: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ Black Isle Bar Fort William: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Ben Nevis North Face & CIC Hut Trail from London?

Take train from London Euston / Glasgow to Fort William, then take a short 8-minute taxi to the North Face Car Park in Torlundy. (Station: Fort William Station, then taxi to Torlundy, duration: 10h Overnight Sleeper from London Euston).

Where is the closest car park for Ben Nevis North Face & CIC Hut Trail?

Nearest car park is North Face Car Park, Torlundy (PH33 6SW). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 9h 35m - 11h 00m from London Victoria (508 miles via M1, M6, M74 & A82 to Torlundy). From London Victoria, follow M1 and M6 north past Glasgow, take A82 through Glen Coe to Fort William, and drive 3 miles north on A82 to Torlundy forest car park.

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

Ben Nevis North Face & CIC Hut Trail covers 9.8 km (6.1 miles) with an estimated duration of 4 - 4.5 hours, graded as Challenging. Starts at North Face Car Park, Torlundy and finishes at North Face Car Park, Torlundy.