Climbing Ben Nevis Alone

Q. I am an experienced hill walker/climber and would like to attempt Ben Nevis this year, rather than go abroad for the hills.

A friend of mine visited Ben Nevis last September and was rather set back by the people there who made it quite clear that nobody should climb alone, even the tourist path.

I have heard of people going up the tourist path with pushchairs and all sorts and found the attitude rather odd.

What is the general view on this, is the tourist path OK for a solo effort?

Dave , Southampton

A. Hi. The path is open all year round but I must advise you: its a very arduos climb, much harder than Mount Snowdon. If ur a regular gym goer that will help, but battling against the elements is very challenging(the temperature can drop to below freezing), so be prepared for that. remember to pack some kendall mint cake and keep hydrated with a bottle of water. Good luck!

Adam Hussain, High Wycombe

A. I walked the 3 peaks solo in August and found Ben Nevis reasonable straight forward, Make sure you are prepared for weather changes and contact a friend before going up and when you return.

Mike, Bromsgrove

A. I first climbed Ben Nevis when I was five years old, but apparently I only walked about 1/5 of the route , the rest was in my dads rucksack. Anyway since then I've climbed it a further four times and each time I find it a little harder on my legs and joints. When i was in my twenties I would never dream of leaving notes on the car or letting someone know where I was. Now I leave a note on my car on the ETA back, where I'm walking or climbing and I text at least two friends, I've seen the weather go from mild sunny day to wet, windy and very cold in less than an hour. Last time I climbed Ben Nevis was last summer. Happy safe climbing.

Ian Crabtree, Halesowen

A. I walked up Ben Nevis on my own i made sure i had back up at the bottom. i did it in april and was lucky to get a good day..You need proper gear good navigational skills as there might still be snow up there but always think of your safety if you dont think you will make it dont carry on save it for another day...

Paul Waugh, Skelton Cleveland

A. Hi It's perfectly possible to go up the Ben on your own! I live in Fort William and see the mountain every day and to date I've been up about 70 times since I moved here 4 years ago. Words/pearls of wisdom/advice: Be a good navigator Be prepared for bad weather of any sort Make sure you tell someone where you've gone and when your due back Make sure you tell them when you do return! Unless you are an experienced mountaineer do not go alone during winter. You can expect snow showers any time of year, but be aware that snow does lie on the ground obscuring the path - potentially from Oct to late June/July. I took a party of folks up in the last week of May last year and there was still over a meter of snow on the summit! If in any doubt about your navigational skill there are lots of local guides who (for a reasonable fee) will take you up and ensure you have the best chance of success and will know lots about the area's history, geography, flora, fauna and other wildlife. Going on your own could just be a boring slog! By the way, calling the path the Tourist Track makes it sound easier than it is, the local Mountain rescue team prefer to call it the Mountain Track. Lots of folk walk up the Ben every year, so come along and enjoy yourself!

Annette Ashworth, Fort William

A. If you are an experienced fell walker with experience walking in the hills and mountains solo then Ben Nevis via the Tourist Path should present little technical difficulty to you other than the sheer effort required for such a long and arduous climb.

In the summer months, you will have to fight your way through the crowds and will long for solitude long before you get anywhere near th summit.

Just make sure you inform someone of your intentions and take plenty of food, water and clothing for the weather conditions.

By the way - it is NOT possible to take a push chair up the tourist path - the path is very steep, very rocky and very, very long.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

A. I climbed Ben Nevis via the CMD Arete in August 2007 and there must have been 200 people on the summit. I don't think it is possible to climb Ben Nevis alone.

Billy, Kendal

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