"Fantastic walk today, glorious sunshine all the way. The route is very well maintained."
"Amazing views weather was just perfect."
"We had clear conditions at the summit with mist below."
"Had a great walk up Ben Nevis in stunning weather."
"The walk was even more fulfilling as we had the weather on our side."
"It was 23 degrees in Fort William and 10 at the summit."
"Perfect weather conditions allowed me to stick to the ridge and not to use the bypass."
Cons:
"The weather throughout the day changed from bleak, as we ascended past halfway loch, to raining sideways with cutting winds and zero visibility."
"Beware, it gets really cold, wet and windy at the top, weather proof and warm clothing with gloves is a must."
"Would have been awesome if we didn't do the walk on a foggy day."
"It was a cold, windy day when we went. There was snow (we were told 2metre deep snow) at the second half of the mountain."
"It's been really cloudy every time I have been up it!"
"Just be aware it can be cold and wet at the top."
"Views would have been lovely from the top but it was thick fog all around."
Difficulty and Terrain
Pros:
"Moderate to hard climb but achievable with reasonable fitness."
"Fit people can go up and down in 4-7hrs and probably do another mountain the following day."
"The hike up was a pretty constant grade, the terrain changes a bit under foot as you go."
"For experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling but are not climbers, this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis."
"A safe route all the way to the top. Good wide path away from the bigger drops."
"Well maintained route with some beautiful views."
"The summit plateau has a genuinely alpine feel with huge snow cornices projecting out over plunging cliff walls."
Cons:
"But on my decent it was far too busy."
"The top is clearly like you are on the surface of the moon (as others have already said) but the sense of achievement you will get from doing this is pure bucket list joy ...... unlike the following day or two in which you will be walking like a B-Movie zombie."
"It's rough and STEEP in places."
"However if you're unfit, fat, old or unprepared, I would suggest allowing 11hrs and leaving VERY early, so you don't have to try and get down in the dark."
"The mountain track is difficult in sections due to the shale towards the top."
"The pressure on the knees makes it very painful. Not for the faint hearted."
"The trip up is a hard slog for the casual Walker."
Preparation and Equipment
Pros:
"Always have the correct gear for walking in the mountains."
"Good walking boots are an essential."
"For whoever attempts this mountain, it can be done by amateurs, but you need the kit. Good boots, walking poles and waterproofs."
"If you find yourself thirsty, the spring flows through the mountain tastes crisp and sweet."
"Take plenty of H20 and bug spray!"
"Remember to carry some energy drinks and snacks as well."
"Would recommend hiking sticks especially if you are novice."
Cons:
"Shame the soles fell off my walking boots after starting down."
"I said farewell to my faithful karrimoor boots after this mountain. They parted company at the soles."
"But be prepared for the weather because I wasn't, just had a rain poncho instead of a proper rain coat."
"Make sure you have correct equipment and don’t climb in jeans and trainers like I did..."
"Do not try and go up without the right equipment. You will encounter all weathers and the descent is extremely slippy."
"Can be incredibly dangerous in the wrong conditions!"
"This mountain WILL catch the inexperienced out."
Experience and Views
Pros:
"Worth the walk for the sense of achievement at the end and breathtaking views."
"It is by no means the prettiest in Scotland but on a nice day it is like standing on top of the world."
"Amazing experience. Stunning views."
"The views along the way are beautiful and well worth the effort!"
"An awesome walk with absolutely amazing scenery."
"However even if you only walk 1/3rd of the way up the views are spectacular and worth while."
"Amazing views at every stage and even with huge rain cover and clouds everywhere, you will struggle to find a more attractive environment to enjoy hurting yourself in."
Cons:
"Didn't feel like an amazing achievement going up the tourist route but still a great day."
"Last hour walk was horrific and I wish they had a lift.... great day out but Cass said there are too many rocks...."
"The only views we had were of the hundreds of other peaks poking through the mist for miles around...🤩"
"On a busy day it is a densely populated pilgrimage route to the summit, so don't expect mountain solitude here."
"It's a very long and arduous walk often with clouds preventing a good view."
"Such beautiful promising views throughout the whole thing, every 5 minutes you get a different view too."
"The climb up was more spectacular than the actual summit."
Accessibility and Cost
Pros:
"It is also free."
"There are plenty of other ways to the top."
"I could see for miles in every direction on the Summit."
"The view from the summit is well worth the climb if you are lucky enough to have the right conditions."
"You can even have a little snowball fight!"
"The UK's tallest mountain. Access is completely free."
"The highest point in the Island - definitely worth to go."
Cons:
"Arrive early ie before 0800 or you won't get parked."
"The parking is limited at the bottom."
"The car park is expensive at £8 for the day, and the toilets were bust the day we went."
"Parking was £8 for anything over 2 hours."
"It's not a general walk for a dog, the ascent can be 4 hours and another 2 coming down."
"Could do with a proper cafe in the visitor centre though!"
"There were far too many people in jeans and trainers soaked to the skin."