Ben Nevis Glen Nevis Tourist Information

Ben Nevis Visitor Centre

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Britain at 1,344 metres above sea level. It falls within the Grampian mountains and lies in the Lochaber area towering over Fort William.

It is probably the most popular hillwalking route in Scotland. The most travelled route up is from Glen Nevis at Achintee up the Pony Track. From the Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis bridges cross the river so you can access the western side of Ben Nevis. Experienced hillwalkers favour starting at Torlundy north east of Fort William. The time it takes to climb Ben Nevis can be anywhere between the best part of 4 hours for experienced Munro Baggers although at least 5 hours up and 3 down is more like the norm. For rock climbers the 700 metre cliffs on the north face are amongst some of the highest in Britain. These are also popular for ice climbing.

Safety is of the utmost importance if you're planning to climb Ben Nevis. The weather can be unpredictable and the higher reaches are often in mist when it can be easy to become disoriented or chilled if not wearing adequate clothing. Unfortunately the mountain rescue teams are frequently called out to Ben Nevis so make sure you're well prepared, know your route and have appropriate navigation equipment. Check the links right for suggested routes and further information on the hazards. (Enter Ben Nevis in the search engines on the sites).

The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre has displays, leaflets and maps on all things relating to the Nevis Range of mountains. They produce leaflets on Ben Nevis and Safety on Ben Nevis which are available from the Highland Council Visitor Centre link right. Click on Glen Nevis Visitor Centre link on the right of their page. There are also some less challenging riverside walks accessible from the Visitor Centre, a car park, toilets and shop. Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6PF. Tel: 01397 705922. Fax: (01397) 706278. Email: glen.nevis@highland.gov.uk

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Glen Nevis Lochaber Accommodation

Glen Nevis stretches south east out from Fort William and is one of the most impressive glens in the Scottish Highlands. It's a classic U-shaped glacial valley overshadowed by the forbidding Nevis Range with Ben Nevis to the north usually shrouded in mist.

It's been used as a location for several films including Roy Roy, Braveheart, Highlander and Harry Potter - the Quidditch matches in the first two films were filmed using Glen Nevis as a backdrop.

Glen Nevis has a range of accommodation including B&Bs, guest houses, campsites and caravan parks.

The Ben Nevis Inn which serves food, welcomes families and hosts live music. It also has a bunkhouse available.

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Neptune's Staircase Caledonian Canal

At Banvie across the A87 from Glen Nevis is the Neptune's Staircase. This is where the Caledonian Canal climbs 64 feet in less than a half mile via eight locks. It is the longest staircase lock in Britain and was designed by Thomas Telford.

You can also get some fantastic views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains from here.

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