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  • Ben Nevis Winter Guide

    Ben Nevis Winter Guides

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  • Climb Ben Nevis in Winter

    Ben Nevis Winter Guides

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Climb Ben Nevis in Winter with a Ben Nevis Winter Guide

Book your Guided Ben Nevis Winter Walk with a Ben Nevis Guide

Book a Ben Nevis Winter Guide


Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK and in winter even the mountain path is a very serious undertaking that requires a different set of skills. Climbing Ben Nevis in winter is a challenging day out but still very attainable for many people. Book a Ben Nevis winter Guide to guide you to the summit of Ben Nevis safely in winter conditions.


The main route up Ben Nevis is called the 'tourist track' but 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 in winter range from 7-10 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.


A Winter ascent of Ben Nevis will potentially require the use of Crampons and an Ice axe. If you don't have these, don't worry. We can organize this with one of our local Outdoor stores and show you how to use them on the day.


A kit list can be found at the bottom of the page and for further information about what is involved in a climbing Ben Nevis in winter you can read more in our blog - Climbing Ben Nevis in winter - What you need to know.


We offer Ben Nevis guided walks up the tourist track for groups with prices starting from £300 in Winter. Our full list of prices is below. We offer guiding year-round and on any day of the week, to book please get in touch.

If you are looking to book within 3 days of your chosen date, we ask you to get in touch first to confirm availability.

Ben Nevis Summit in winter
  • Can a novice climb Ben Nevis in winter?

    Yes, anyone with any level of experience can climb Ben Nevis via the mountain path in winter. 


    All of the necessary skills of using boots, axe and crampons can be taught on the day to match the conditions to help you safely reach the summit.


    Whilst there is no previous knowledge of using winter kit required, a reasonable level of fitness is.

  • 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.


  • 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.


  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    Any mountain activity has to consider the weather, which is true of Ben Nevis. If the weather seems to prevent you from reaching the summit, we will discuss different route options or activities with you.


    This may be just going to an agreed high point on the mountain or even a different mountain completely to make the best use of your time with your guide.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Can I hire winter kit?

    There are a couple of places that offer kit hire in Fort William and Glencoe.


    In Fort William, we recommend Ellis Brigham and Calluna. Both have a range of sizes and equipment available and there hire equipment is new or well-maintained.


    Ellis Brigham - https://www.ellis-brigham.com/equipment-hire-scotland


    Calluna - https://www.fortwilliamholiday.co.uk/alan-kimber-kit-hire-fort-william/


    In Glencoe we recommend https://roamwest.co.uk/adventure

Ben Nevis guiding prices for Winter (1st November - Mid May)

1-2 people £300

3-4 people £330 

5-6 people £360 

7-8 people £660

9-10 people £670


For groups of more than 6 or last-minute bookings please get in contact.

Ben Nevis Walks - Kit list

  • B2 or B3 Winter walking boots*
  • 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.
  • Crampons*
  • Ice axe*

* - These items can be hired locally if needed.


If you have any questions please ask.

Ben Nevis Guided Walks itinerary

Our Ben Nevis Guided 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 7.30 am and start walking by 7.45 am. Most groups are up and down in a time of 6 - 9 hours.


You will need food and drink for the day. We recommend shopping in town first, for a wider choice and the Visiotrs Centre has very limited choice.


We can also be flexible with start times, please do say if an alternative time would work better for you.

Ben Nevis Winter skills training
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