Ben Nevis Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ben Nevis. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 1-Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh

• Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, Highlands, and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour

• 3-Day Guided Isle of Skye and Highlands With Stay From Edinburgh

• Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Tour

• Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Tour From Edinburgh

While Ben Nevis is free to visit, there is a parking charge in Fort William if you plan to go on your own. Alternatively, it’s worth booking a guided tour to explore the area: Full-day trips that also stop at sights such as Loch Ness and Glencoe begin at just US$84. If you plan to climb the mountain, it’s recommended to hire a guide, and guided hikes start at US$151.

Yes, Ben Nevis is worth visiting. It's famous for being the tallest mountain in the UK and also an icon of the Scottish Highlands. Many day trips from hubs such as Edinburgh and Glasgow include a stop for sightseeing at the mountain. Climbing Ben Nevis is also a bucket-list goal for many active and outdoorsy travelers. As conditions on the mountain can be challenging, going with a guide is the best way to experience it.

Per one customer who booked the Ben Nevis Guided Walks tour, "A great experience from start to finish. Our guide, Michaél (Murph), was fabulous and very patient with me as my progress back down slowed as tiredness set in. The sense of achievement is great, and the views on the way up and from the top are unforgettable. Highly recommended!"

Ben Nevis is 4,413 feet (1,345 meters) high, making it the tallest mountain in Scotland and the British Isles. Britain’s second-highest peak is Snowden in Wales, which measures 3,560 feet (1,085 meters). England’s 3,209-foot (978-meter) Scafell Pike is third.

To reach the summit of Ben Nevis, you need to walk; there is no cable car. The most popular hiking route is Mountain Track (also known as Ben Path, Pony Track, or Tourist Route), which starts at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, just outside Fort William.

The best time to visit Ben Nevis is from May until September. Visitors benefit from extended daylight hours and relatively dry trails during this period. You can climb Ben Nevis all year round, but winter climbers should be prepared and well-equipped for challenging snow and ice.

Yes, guided tours are available for Ben Nevis and typically depart from Fort William. You can join a guided hike to the summit of Ben Nevis and admire the mountain during a sightseeing tour, or you can ride the scenic gondola at the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, which climbs the mountain of Aonach Mor.

For a Ben Nevis hike, packing sturdy walking boots with good ankle support is essential. You should also pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers of wool or polyester (not cotton), and lightweight pants. You’ll also need a day pack filled with water, a packed lunch, and snacks.

Yes, it is possible to climb Ben Nevis in a day. The hike typically takes around 7–9 hours round-trip. However, if you are climbing in the fall or winter, remember that daylight hours are shorter, so you’ll need to set out early. If you're not an experienced hiker, consider joining a guided tour.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Ben Nevis. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in the Scottish Highlands:

• Glencoe

• Isle of Skye

• Fort Augustus

• Loch Ness

• Eilean Donan Castle

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in the Scottish Highlands.