Ben Nevis Pony Track
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The Pony Track or Mountain Track (sometimes also referred to as the tourist route), is the most popular route to the summit of Ben Nevis. However, it should not be underestimated. The path winds it's way up from Glen Nevis and it takes approximately four hours to get to the top. As the path is loose and rocky, we allow for the same amount of time to come back down.
Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis is achievable for most people but you will need good levels of fitness and stamina, and be prepared for a full day out in the mountains. From mid May until mid September we run Ben Nevis Group Walks up the Pony Track every Wednesday and Sunday. Book your place right now using the booking form below. Please be aware that for Group Walks at the start of May winter equipment may be required. We will let you know about this as early as possible, and if necessary equipment can be hired from Ellis Brigham in Fort William. Private guiding is available on any day of the week, at any time of year. Contact us to check our availability and make a booking. |
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Take a look at our Ben Nevis Information Sheet for even more information and useful tips. We ask people in our groups to enjoy each other's company, to share the experience, and to stay together, accepting that there will be a range of fitness levels in the group. Clearly we can not walk faster than the slowest group member, so it is down to the more able people to moderate their speed so that they can benefit from the guiding and group experience. Reaching the summit is never guaranteed, but we will always have a fun and informative day.
If you are organising a Ben Nevis charity event or challenge we can also provide guides and marshals for this. Have a look at our Events and Challenges page to find out more.
Although it was a challenging walk it was made great by the atmosphere created by the guide. My adventure to the top of Ben Nevis was the best experience I had while visiting Scotland. |
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Ben Nevis Open Group Walks
£100 per person Maximum ratio 1:8 Fill in our booking form below to confirm your place now! Please be aware that for Group Walks at the start of May winter equipment may be required. We will let you know about this as early as possible, and if necessary equipment can be hired from Ellis Brigham in Fort William. |
Private Guiding
1 person - £300 2 people - £165 per person / £330 total 3 people - £120 per person / £360 total 4 to 8 people - £390 Please Contact Us to check our availability or to get a quote for larger groups. |
To make sure you get the most out of your day we've included the following:
- Training plan
- Kit list
- Safety Brief
- Experienced Mountain Leader
- Action photos
The weather on Ben Nevis can change in a matter of minutes. Rain is common and it can regularly feel as cold as -10 degrees celsius on the summit, even in the summer. Make sure you are ready for your day by packing the items on the list below.
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To wear:
Thermal base layer top – polyester or woollen, no cotton Warm fleece Walking trousers – no jeans Spare fleece or synthetic insulating layer Waterproof jacket and trousers Warm hat and gloves (spare gloves recommended) Sun hat Walking boots (with ankle support) Further detail on these things can be found here - https://www.abacusmountainguides.com/blog/what-to-wear-and-what-to-carry-on-a-walk-up-ben-nevis |
Other equipment:
Rucksack – roughly 25 litres Lunch and spare food 1 litre flask or water bottle Whistle Walking poles (recommended but not essential) Sunglasses & sun cream Mobile phone in a waterproof case Camera Personal 1st Aid Kit - plasters, blister kit, all normal medication including asthma inhaler if you have one. |
I just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you for an unforgettable day on Ben Nevis.
Aimee was my guide – and I honestly couldn’t have wished for anyone better. She did an outstanding job and is not only an incredibly skilled guide but also a truly extraordinary person. With her calm presence, her intuition, and her warmth, she helped me take on a challenge that had been on my bucket list for years.
What made the experience so special was that Aimee saw me – not just as a client, but as a woman with unique needs on the mountain. From adjusting layers and pacing, to making sure I stayed warm and felt safe – she took care of all the little things that made a big difference. I felt completely protected and looked after the entire way.
I also want to thank you for the excellent communication and preparation beforehand. The information I received from Abacus Mountain Guides helped me pack exactly what I needed, and Aimee’s thoughtful messages in advance – with reminders and helpful tips – really gave me the confidence that I was ready. Without that support, I don’t think I could have done it.
We talked most of the way up – and what a joy that was! Aimee is such an inspiring person, and spending time with her was one of the true highlights of the day. On the way down, we had a few quiet moments (I was exhausted!), but even in silence, I felt supported and safe.
I also want to thank you as a company for making this private experience possible. I had expected to join a group of eight and was surprised to find it was just the two of us. As it turned out, that one-on-one setup was exactly what I needed. It made the entire adventure feel more personal and empowering than I ever could have imagined.
Aimee made this day one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you so much – to her, and to all of you at Abacus – for making it.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Bettina
Ben Nevis walks start and finish at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, Glen Nevis, Fort William, PH33 6ST (£8 charge per vehicle):
