North face
700 m cliffs.
Chris Heaton — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Mike McBey — CC BY 2.0 · T-Dubby-Dubz — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Richard Law — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Peter S — CC BY-SA 2.0
Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland, the United Kingdom and the whole of the British Isles, at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Highlands, about 7 km from the town of Fort William in a straight line. Its summit stands 1,345 metres above sea level and is the highest land in any direction for 739 km. The top is a stony plateau with the ruins of a weather observatory that was staffed continuously from 1883 to 1904, and its records are still important for understanding Scottish mountain weather. Around 150,000 people visit each year, and a foot race has been held on it since 1898. The cliffs of its north face rise about 700 metres, among the highest in Scotland, and are a major destination for rock and ice climbing. On clear days the summit offers views over Loch Linnhe and the surrounding mountains, and snow can lie on top for part of the year. About three-quarters of visitors climb the Mountain Track from Glen Nevis, a long route that needs good fitness and plenty of time. The summit can be cold and misty even in summer, so bring warm clothes and a map. Many people simply enjoy the view of the mountain from Fort William and around.
700 m cliffs.
Observatory ruins.
Seen from above.
Glen Nevis, near Fort William, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Mountain Track from Glen Nevis.
Yes, even in summer.