Map & Elevation
About this Route
Ben Nevis (1,345 m) is the highest mountain in the UK. This GPX begins at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis, crosses the River Nevis and joins the Mountain Track near Achintee. Its authoritative OS metadata records a 16.3 km out-and-back route with 1,353 m of ascent.
The Mountain Track is the usual walking route to the summit, but it is still a serious mountain day. The path is long, steep and rocky, and above the Half Way Lochan area cloud or snow can hide the line. Carry suitable hill equipment and be ready to turn back.
The upper plateau is broad enough for walkers to lose the track within metres of the summit in cloud. Gardyloo Gully and Five Finger Gully lie close to the safe descent, which is why the official bearings matter. Snow can remain high on the mountain long after Glen Nevis looks springlike, and the Red Burn is an avalanche path in winter. Check the summit forecast, not just Fort William, and turn back early if time or visibility is running away. There is no easy shortcut from the upper mountain back to Glen Nevis.
The Mountain Track is well worn, but the upper mountain still demands proper clothing, navigation and enough time for a long descent.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start from the visitor-centre car park in Glen Nevis. Cross the River Nevis by the footbridge and follow the GPX towards the Mountain Track at Achintee.
Join the clear Mountain Track near Achintee. Climb steadily on the maintained path, keeping to its zigzags and avoiding short cuts.
The route passes above Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe rather than visiting its shore. Continue east on the main stony track as the ground becomes rougher.
Cross the Red Burn on the Mountain Track, then begin the sustained upper zigzags. The burn can be hazardous in spate, and nearby slopes can hold avalanche-prone snow.
The gradient eases onto boulder-strewn upper ground. In cloud or snow the path may be difficult to identify, with steep gullies and cliffs close to the safe line.
The summit has a trig point, emergency shelter and observatory ruins. Return by the same GPX route; in poor visibility, use the official descent bearings only if you can navigate accurately.
Regain the Red Burn crossing after the upper zigzags. Check the water and stay with the maintained Mountain Track rather than cutting down the steep slopes.
Retrace the Mountain Track to Achintee, cross the River Nevis and finish at the visitor centre. Take care on the long, rocky descent when tired.
Essential Tips
Summit conditions can be cold, wet, windy or snowy even in summer. Check the Met Office or MWIS mountain forecast and carry warm layers, waterproofs, hat, gloves and a head torch.
Mountaineering Scotland advises 231° for 150 m from the summit cairn, followed by 282° to reach the zigzags while avoiding Gardyloo and Five Finger Gullies. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
The GPX-based planning estimate is 5 hr 31 min, but Mountaineering Scotland advises that the Mountain Track commonly takes 6–9 hours. Start early and keep enough daylight and energy for the descent.
This GPX starts at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, about 4 km from Fort William town centre—not at Braveheart or Upper Falls car parks. Parking is limited; check current transport and car-park information before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Ben Nevis Mountain Track route?
The GPX metadata records 16.3 km and 1,353 m of ascent, with a Naismith planning estimate of 5 hr 31 min. Mountaineering Scotland advises allowing 6–9 hours.
Where does this Ben Nevis GPX route start?
It starts at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis, at grid reference NN 122 730. It does not start at Braveheart or Upper Falls car parks.
Do I need navigation skills on the Mountain Track?
Yes. Cloud or snow can hide the upper track. Mountaineering Scotland advises a 231° bearing for 150 m from the summit cairn, then 282° towards the zigzags; carry a map and compass and know how to use them.