Discover Ben Nevis | The UK's Greatest Mountain | Dallaswear

Discovering Ben Nevis and Aonach Mὸr

Fort William has been called the “outdoor capital of the UK.” Situated in the Highlands of Scotland, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, it is easily accessible from London and Glasgow by train. Sitting on the banks of Loch Linnhe and so close to Ben Nevis, the views are as beautiful and dramatic as you would expect. Fort William is a tourist hotspot. With the loch and mountains in such close proximity it is easy to see why so many are drawn to Fort William. Outdoor activities range from leisurely country walks to mountain biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, white water rafting and skiing. There is an abundance of different styles of accommodation and the beautiful West coast is within easy reach.

Ben Nevis is the United Kingdom’s highest mountain. Located in Glen Nevis, one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, the peak stands at 1344m (4406ft). The mountain gets its name from the Gaelic but it can be interpreted in several ways. Ben is the Gaelic word for mountain. “Beinn Nibheis” can be translated as venomous or malicious, which would mean its name is “venomous or malicious mountain”. Ben Nevis is in-fact a Devonian volcano which collapsed in on itself and became extinct some time in the Carboniferous period, which was around 350 million years ago. It takes an estimated 7 hours to walk up to the summit and to return back down to the glen. That’s four hours to get to the top and three hours for your return. Of course, these times will vary depending on your ability and weather conditions. The total walk works out at eight and a half miles. The terrain is rough, stony and steep throughout. There is often snow higher up which can make the terrain even more dangerous. It should be remembered that mountains have their own weather systems with the weather on the summit often differing wildly to that at lower levels. It is entirely possible for an amateur to reach the summit but it is definitely a difficult and potentially dangerous climb and should not be underestimated. Amateurs are advised not to attempt the ascent between November and May or when the weather is bad. In addition, they should only attempt the climb using the Ben Nevis Tourist Path. The north face cliffs are some of the highest in Scotland and offer a range of difficulties as the terrain changes. These are the cliffs that attract serious climbers and mountaineers. It’s also the main location for ice climbing in Scotland. Around 125,000 people will reach the top each year with a further partial ascent of 100,000!

For the less adventurous there is another way to take in the stunning views of Glen Nevis and beyond. Aonach Mὸr is located 2 miles north east of Ben Nevis and is Britain’s eighth highest mountain. The Nevis Range Mountain Experience is the place to head to, for here you will find the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. The Gondola is the only one of its kind in Britain and climbs to a height of 650m. Now a hugely popular tourist attraction, it was built originally to transport skiers to the slopes. There is a restaurant at the top and a gift shop. If you ever visit the area, I would definitely recommend a ride on the Gondola. It would be such a shame to miss out on the amazing views from the top. The journey in the Gondola takes about 15 minutes each way and comprises 80, six seat, closed cabins. The Gondolas can carry a very impressive 1700 people per hour at any one time.

Many hill walkers use the Gondola to gain access to numerous walks and mountain bikers use it in the summer months to access thrilling downhill tracks. I have been up in the Gondola several times to take in the stunning panoramic views and on a clear day the view is breath-taking. Because of your elevation it’s possible to see for miles, even as far as the Inner Hebrides on a clear day! I have been there in the summer and had a great time watching the mountain bikers. They seem to fly over some of the bumps on the tracks and it’s very exciting to watch! There are two relatively manageable walks accessible from the Top Gondola Station. One walk takes around an hour to complete and the other takes 45 minutes. These return walks allow the majority of people to really appreciate the wonderful landscape and fresh mountain air.

Before heading to the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, it is advisable to check regarding coronavirus restrictions. I will attach a link for anybody that may be interested. https://www.nevisrange.co.uk/activities/mountain-...