Last Updated: November 18, 2022
Ben Nevis attracts thousands of visitors a year who want to take on the monstrous mountain. And is a great stop off for any families visiting Scotland.
Whether you’re doing it as part of the 3 peaks challenge, as part of your collection of the Munros, or just fancy an individual adventure, Ben Nevis is a great mountain to give a go.
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If you’re thinking of taking this on as a family, with kids in tow and wondering if it’s for you, then keep reading. As we’ve come up with this guide to help other families conquer the highest peak in the UK!
Can Kids Climb Ben Nevis?
The short answer is yes, but (there’s always a but) it really depends on your kid’s ability.
As the highest peak in the UK it is obviously not the easiest mountain to climb. But, providing your children are reasonably good walkers and maybe have a couple of other mountains under their belt, then it is doable for kids of all ages.
However, it is hard going. Many adults, let alone children, end up turning back. So don’t be disheartened if you don’t make it all the way. The good news is that if you do decide to turn back it is no drama. The ascent and descent are on the same path and so it doesn’t make the walk down any more difficult if you do turn around before the top.
It can sometimes be treacherous in harsh conditions, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head up. If the weather is going to be challenging, with poor visibility, it may be best to postpone any climbing so you don’t get into any trouble. Avalanches have also been known to occur, so if there has been, or is due to be, heavy snow fall then seek advice before attempting the hike. You can check the weather for the mountain at the Mountain Weather Information Service.
It’s advisable to do it in the warm weather with children, winter can get very cold up there and sometimes snow can cover the trail making it difficult to see and navigate. You will also want to give yourself as much daylight as possible to avoid having to do any of the hike in the dark.
So the summer months with the longer daylight hours and generally better weather conditions is what we would advise for doing the hike with kids.
How Long does it take to Climb Ben Nevis with Kids?
The obvious thing to say with kids climbing compare to adults is that they usually need more time. They have the disadvantage of usually having shorter legs, so they may need more time and a slower pace to head up the mountain.
Having said that, often kids have more energy and whiz up the mountain and it is often the adults asking them to slow down while we catch our breath! So it can vary by child.
Ours was particularly full of energy and confidence on the way down…
I’ve got so much energy! I feel like I could go up again, right now!
Laith, Age 11
Most people say the average adult takes around 8 hours to get up and down the Ben Nevis. Our rule of thumb for when we hike with our eldest (11 at the time) is to multiply the average by 1.5 (so 12 hours in this case). Or if we go with our youngest (5 at the time) as well, then multiply it by 2 (so 16 in this case).
It’s not a perfect science and this is what works for us, but your family balance may be different. So the best bet is always to just start as early as possible and then you give yourself the best chance of achieving your goal, with as much daylight hours as possible to play with.
The times above do not include stops though, and again you will probably need more stops with kids.
In the end our youngest didn’t want to go and it took our eldest 14 hours to complete the hike, starting at around 7am and getting back at about 9pm.
Where is Ben Nevis?
Ben Nevis is situated in the Scottish Highlands in the UK. It is located on the outskirts of the town of Fort William.
Getting to Fort William is easily done by road in your own transport via the incredibly picturesque A82 road.
It’s also accessible via public transport. With direct train and bus options straight from Glasgow and also a direct bus from Inverness. So whether you’re coming in from the north or south you should have some options available.
Do you need a Guide for Climbing Ben Nevis?
You don’t need a guide if you don’t want one on Ben Nevis. On clear days the trail is usually pretty obvious most of the way, although the trail gets wider and less obvious as you ascend. The summit is particularly wide so this is where it can get a little disorientating if you are tired or visibility is not clear. So if you do want someone who knows the trail, a guide might be for you.
Guides can sometimes have other benefits and can help your hike if you prefer to have one. It’s sometime nice to join tour group and head up with other people and families. This can help give some moral support and also means you get to meet some new likeminded people and families for the journey.
There are loads of tour companies that offer group and private guides. So you shouldn’t struggle to find one if you do want to go down this route.
But if you prefer to just head up alone and at your own pace and itinerary. Then it’s very possible to do it yourself with your kids, in the right conditions and with the right preparation. Lots of people ascend the mountain each day, especially in summer. So chances are you will be amongst other people for a lot of the climb.
What’s the Cost for Climbing Ben Nevis with Kids?
Climbing Ben Nevis is completely free. The trail is a public footpath with no entry cost. Your only cost will be if you need to pay for parking, accommodation, if you need any equipment or if you decide to go with a tour or guide.
What do you need for Climbing Ben Nevis with Kids?
Unless you’re doing it in particularly harsh conditions or the more tricky trail, you shouldn’t need any special equipment. So just the usual basic equipment for mountain hikes;
- Snacks – Take plenty of snacks, have a mix of carbs and high energy snacks. Use the high energy when you need a burst in between the carbs to keep you going.
- Water – It’s recommended to take at least 2 litres per person. There are a few streams along the track and you will probably see some people filling their bottles. Although the general rule of thumb is that if it is high elevation, clear and running quickly through rocks, the water is a safer source, but it’s not guaranteed. If you want to improve the safety even more you can get a water purifier bottle. Again it’s not 100%, but we’ve used our Travel Tap all around the world and never got sick.
- Sun Cream – The weather can change dramatically and it can get very sunny so be prepared.
- Sun Hat
- Warm Hat – In case the weather goes the other way
- Layered Clothes – Best to layer so you can strip off when it gets hot and layer on when it gets cold
- Waterproofs – Even if it looks bright and delightful when you start, the weather can change quickly when high up. So don’t get caught out by a sudden downpour and spend the hike soggy and miserable.
- Walking Poles – Walking poles aren’t an absolute must, but they are good to keep you steady on the rocky areas. They’re also good for the descent to take some pressure off your legs and particularly your knees
- Walking Boots/Shoes – Some people would say decent trainers will suffice. Whilst this probably true, we always recommend proper hiking boots, preferably with ankle support. There are lot’s of loose rocks on the track so rolling your ankle is the last thing you need when on a long hike.
- Head Torch – Just in case you don’t make it back in the daylight hours, this will be essential for keeping your hands free whilst seeing the path.
- Backpack – To carry it all in. A decent day pack is usually sufficient. We recommend the Osprey Daylight for adults and the Osprey Jet for kids.
Where to stay for Climbing Ben Nevis with Kids?
If you’re in a Campervan there are a few good of options. There is a great spot on Achintree Road, near the Ben Nevis Inn. There are no facilities here so you need to be self-contained. This is more suitable for Campervans rather than motor homes as the spaces are quite small, although some smaller motorhomes can squeeze in.
The on road parking is at the end of Achintree Road right at the start of the trail by the Ben Nevis Inn (not the Ben Nevis Inn Car Park itself, you can only park here when using the Inn). So perfect for getting an early start as you can just roll out of your campervan and start the trail from the off. Great with kids as it means you can start very early giving you plenty of time for the hike.
If you want facilities or a campsite for a tent then there are a few options. Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park is a good options. Situated about half way between the Visitor Centre and the Youth Hostel starting points.
There is also Ben Nevis Holiday Park, but this is a lot further away form the trails. It’s about an hours walk through Fort William to get to the start of the trail at the Ben Nevis Inn. So fine if you don’t mind that extra 2 hours on the day’s hike, but you can also drive or get a taxi to the Achintree Road if you prefer to cut this out.
For none-campers there are lots of accommodation around the mountain. The Ben Nevis Inn does some dorm rooms and right next door to it is Achintree Farm, with self catered accommodation. Alternatively there is the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel. There’s also lots of B&Bs and hotels in Fort William, again with the option to drive to the starting points if you want to shave some time off the hike.
If you are going to park in the Visitors Centre it is about £4 for the day, but get’s very busy, particularly in the holidays and weekends. There are a couple of other car parks nearby, but these can also get filled quickly. So be as early as possible to get a spot.
What’s the trail like for Climbing Ben Nevis with Kids?
First and foremost there are two main trails for climbing Ben Nevis. The Mountain Trail and the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route. the latter is more aimed at experienced hikers and scramblers and a much more challenging ridge climb. So not the one generally recommended with kids unless yours are super hard core hikers. So we will concentrate on the Mountain Trail for the purpose of this post.
The Mountain Trail is often referred to as the ‘Tourist Track’. But don’t let the name deceive you. Although it is the easiest trail to climb it is far from easy. It has some pretty demanding sections and so don’t expect to be skipping along too much.
Start of the Trail
Where you are staying usually depends on where you will start the trail. Most people either start from the Ben Nevis Inn, the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel or the Ben Nevis Visitors Centre.
All starting points merge onto the same track pretty quickly so it won’t make a massive difference which one of these you start from and this first part of the trail from each starting point is reasonably mild. Although the route from the Youth Hostel is slightly shorter so a slightly steeper incline.
Stone Steps
Once the three tracks meet, this is where it get’s tough! The terrain will become stone steps and they are very steep and pretty relentless. This will do a number on your quads, hamstrings and glutes in particular.
This area can be particular tough for the kids due to their shorter legs and the height of the steps.
Try not to get disheartened here though as this is probably the steepest and toughest section of the hike. So don’t think it will be like this the whole way if you’re struggling, just take your time and take breaks when needed.
The Bridge
Your next key marker is the bridge, once you get here the stone steps become a little more stretched out, but still very tough. But you’re probably past the toughest bit of this section.
After a while the stone steps thin out even more and the terrain changes to a more sandy clay like path. Eventually you will go over a hill and see the path stretched out before you with a small loch on the left
Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe
This small loch is nicknamed ‘the halfway lochan’, but this name is misleading as you are not considered half way up at this point. You won’t actually head down to the loch (unless you want to take a detour), but will pass it on your left.
This is a really pleasant section of the hike being reasonably flat and even downhill at some points. So gives a nice rest-bite from the ruthless stone steps you have just conquered.
Enjoy this section and after you pass the loch, you will get to a fork on the path just after it, keep right here as the left turn heads away from the summit.
Once you bend round the path becomes a little steeper again and then you will eventually get to the the Red Burn.
Red Burn
The Red Burn is a stream/waterfall and this is considered about half way. So a good time to take a break and look at your time. You can then work out how long until you think you will be at the top and work out if you are still ok for any time limit you might have.
Generally speaking, it takes same time again to get to the top from the Red Burn, then 3/4 of your total time to get all the way down. For example; if it took you 2 hours to get to the Red Burn, it will be roughly a further 2 hours to the top and a further 3 hours to get all the way down. So total time being 7 hours.
Remember this is guess work, there are many variables that can speed up or slow down sections so keep this in mind.
The stream is usually fairly shallow and so you will be able to cross it over the rocks. Be careful as they can be quite slippery.
The Zig Zags
After a while on the clay like landscape the terrain will change again and become loose rocks and slates. It will also get steeper. This can prove a tricky section and be careful on the loose rocks. You will probably also notice by now that you are doing large zig-zags.
Some people find this section pretty tough, but in my opinion it is not as tough as the initial stone steps section. Take your time and don’t take shortcuts up the zig-zags as it can be very dangerous, particularly to those below you.
Gullies
There are some cool Gullies as you get towards the end of the zig zags, some have snow cemented in the gaps and some incredibly steep drops.
Whilst it can be tempting to get close to these to have a good look down and even get a selfie, be very careful, as the rocks are still very loose here.
Cairns
After what may seem like a lifetime you will start to see the stone cairns, which are basically man made towers of stones or rocks. Don’t get too excited when you see the first one as you will not be at the top, but you are now very close!
The cairns are used to guide you if there is snow or poor visibility. There are lots, so keep following them and you should stay on track.
The Top
Eventually you will come over a final ridge and then you will notice it is very flat. You’re now on the home stretch!
If visibility is good you might even see the Trig for the highest point. Walk straight, following more of the cairns and remember where you come from, as at this point the track widens and so you need to head the right way back.
You made it! Get the obligatory selfie on the Trig (there is sometimes a que) and you can explore the Old Observatory Ruins as well if you please!
Remember, getting to the top is only part of the journey, the hike down can be equally as demanding, but in different ways. You will head down the way you came passing all the same check points.
Once you finally get to the bottom give yourself a pat on the back and maybe a well deserved pint and soft drink for the kids in the inn as well!