"High-quality Mountain Guiding and Climbing Courses across Scotland."
Ben Nevis Guided Walks - Ben Nevis Guide
Book a Ben Nevis Guided walk via the Mountain path with a Ben Nevis Guide
Book a Ben Nevis Guided Walk
Book your year-round Ben Nevis Guide. Climbing Ben Nevis is something everyone should do and we are available to guide you to the summit safely in both summer and winter conditions. We offer Private Ben Nevis Guided Walks via the Ben Nevis Mountain path with prices starting at £44 per person. Or for people traveling on their own, we also offer Ben Nevis Guided Open Group Walks for £100 per person.
Don't let the name fool you, the path has about 1300m of ascent and descent and is approximately a 16km round trip. Average climbing times range from 6-9 hours and although it is achievable for most people you do need to be exercising regularly before you make an attempt, to make the route and your day feel more enjoyable.
It is estimated that about 120,000 people a year walk or climb Ben Nevis with the Ben Nevis Mountain path being the most popular. A Ben Nevis Guide is not only there to show you the way and keep you safe but they are there to make your whole day a memorable experience and help you enjoy your time on Ben Nevis as much as possible.
Whether your Ben Nevis Guide is talking to you about the history, natural environment of the mountain, or helping you to manage a sensible pace for your day. We do more than just lead the way, all of this adds to your day and your experience and our Ben Nevis Guides are they to help you make the most out of your day and have a memorable experience.
If booking within 7 days of your planned date, we suggest you get in touch to confirm availability first.
Ben Nevis Winter Guide rates
Please see our Ben Nevis in winter page for more information. Winter Rates apply from November the 1st until Mid May (depending on snow cover in May). Winter rates start at £300 for the day for a Ben Nevis Winter Guide.
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How Fit do I need to be to climb Ben Nevis?
Never an easy question to answer as everyone comes with their own 'idea' of what 'fit' is.
We would suggest that you are fit enough to walk for several hours, ideally with some elevation gain. Running 5K/10K regularly would certainly mean you are probably going to have a more pleasant experience.
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How should I train for Ben Nevis?
The simple advise is try and get as many miles as you can under your belt. Ideally with some ups and downs in there as well. Running, cycling or walking on a regular basis will help with building up your fitness.
Some form of conditioning for your lower legs would be good. Squats etc will help build up some strength and stability. Don't underestimate the stress and fatigue that yoiu are going to encounter on the way down. As the days go in your legs will get more tired and trips and stumbles on the decent are common.
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What food should I bring?
A mix of simple and more complex carbohydrates is best to keep most fueled.
Easy eating sweets and chocolate for an instant hit of sugar is great. Sandwiches/wraps can be good options to include as well as they can be eaten easily and quickly. If in doubt any food that you want to eat is going to be better than something you don't like
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Do I need to use walking poles?
This is a personal choice for many but it has been proven that using poles, especially on descent can reduce the stress put on your knees.
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What footwear should I use?
Comfortable walking boots or shoes that have a good group and enough support for your feet over rough ground would be ideal.
Normal street shoes and trainers usually are not suitable due to a lack of support. More and more people are using approach shoes/hiking trainers. These can be ore comfortable but lack the weather proofing of higher ankle boots.
Water proof boots would also be of benefit as it is likely you will get rain at some point but not essential. The path is on good rock rocky paths with only one river to cross.
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What if a member of the group has to turn around due to fitness or illness?
The outcome of this will depend on the individual situation but as a rule, we are happy for people to walk down from the Red Burn (halfway) by themselves if it is appropriate.
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Can I get transport to the start point?
No, I am afraid we are not insured for travel and transport.
There are plenty of local taxi companies who will be able to transport you to the start point.
Ben Nevis guiding prices for Summer (Mid May - 31st Oct)
1-2 people £280
3-4 people £300
5-6 people £330
7-8 people £350
For groups of more than 8 or last-minute bookings please get in contact.
Ben Nevis Walks - Kit list
- Comfortable walking boots, preferably waterproof, that provide ankle support.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Socks.
- Baselayers are to be worn next to the skin. (not cotton)
- Comfortable walking trousers. (not jeans)
- Warm mid-layers. At least two, one to wear and one as an emergency layer.
- Hats and gloves.
- Head torch.
- A small personal first aid kit. Plasters etc.
- A flask and/or drinks bottle, 1L should be enough.
- A rucksack. Anything larger than a 30L pack will do and a waterproof liner
- An orange emergency survival bag.
If you have any questions please ask.
Ben Nevis Guided Walks itinerary
Our Ben Nevis Guided Walks, both private and open group walks start from the Ben Nevis visitors Centre where there are toilets (limited opening hours). There is a pay and display car park here too.
You will meet your guide here at 7.45 am and start walking at 8 am. Most groups are up and down in 6 - 9 hours.
You will need food and drink for the day. We recommend shopping in town first, for a wider choice and the Visitors Centre has a minimal selection.
We can also be flexible with start times for Private bookings, please do say if an alternative time would work better for you.
Ben Nevis Mountain Path
Please feel free to view our
'What you need to know' guide.
We offer Ben Nevis Guides for Ben Nevis walking routes and groups with prices starting from £280 in Summer for private guiding, which has many benefits. Our full list of prices is above. We offer guiding year-round and on any day of the week.
The Ben Nevis Mountain path is a high use path that travels through farm land and on up into a very delicate environment. The Nevis Landscape Partnership work together with the local land owners to help manage this path and the surrounding area. They have a wealth of useful and information information on their website for both small and larger groups. Some of the advice is in our own guide but we recommend visiting and reading the information on their site too.
Please get in touch via the contact form and we will get you booked in.
