Dogs on Ben Nevis?

Q. We are planning to take the touristy routes up Ben Nevis in July.

We've taken our dogs up Snowdon, can you do the same with Ben Nevis?

They are both fit pooches and very well behaved - but I'm worried about the tracks?

Frances Hounslow, Colchester

A. My 10 year old jack Russell and I went up the Pony track (tourist) last week. The path becomes difficult for small legs half way up because of the size of the stones and boulders to walk over. I ended up carrying him to the summit and half way down. Received a couple of negative comments from uneducated people on the way up. My dog had a fantastic morning, especially playing in the snow near the summit. He had such a good day that we went up Scafel pike yesterday. NB He's had over 6 years of mountain hiking training under his belt meaning Ben Nevis wasn't a shock for him. Hope this helps. Remember his water, bowl, and plenty of treats! Oh, keep an eye out for ticks at the bottom section. Enjoy!

Alun E, Y Felinheli

A. We just took our young dog up Ben Nevis on Friday - 18th September 2015. He was born in April 2014 so about 1.5 years old. He is a Patterdale Terrier so not a big dog but has so much energy and determination. He did the walk fine but was ready for a sleep when we got back to the van. We did it in 6 hours. We also saw a few Collies on our walk and someone running with a Labrador. I think as long as your dog does long walks anyway they will do Ben Nevis easily.

Emma Heyes, Leicestershire

A. As Mike has said (below) taking a dog up the tourist route (which in fact is a great walk) is fine. There are no steep drops or sheep to worry about, the path is plenty wide enough all the way - just lots of folk to see who will want to pet your dog as you go up!

Roger Pollard, Shipley

A. Shouldn't be a problem - I heard recently about a chap who carried a piano up the Tourist path - it a took a few days and it is still up there apparently.

If you are worried about your dogs I would avoid the Carn Mor Dearg arete (The CMD arete) route which gets a bit narrow with steep drops on either side.

If you need route instructions - see walk:

h100 Ben Nevis via The Tourist Path from Achintee, Fort William

which follows the relatively easy 'route touristique' and walk:

h137 Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg from Achintee, Fort William

which follows the much harder and airey CMD arete.

Make sure everyone in your party is properly equipped with plenty of their own food and water, proper walking boots and waterproofs (even if the weather forecast is good!)

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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