Part of the Grampion Mountains in the Highlands, Scotland we were pretty excited to be climbing Ben Nevis! Such an amazing destination and boy did we get lucky! It is all that remains of an ancient volcano that imploded millions of years ago.
Perfect weather, minimal to no cloud cover, AMAZING scenery and no injuries, it was all we could have ask for. See our youtube clip here.
We had this on our radar since Miss B was researching as part of her worldschooling, the countries we were visiting on our 5 month roadtrip of the UK and Northern Europe. We already had a couple of treks pegged in Norway, when she found out that Ben Nevis was the largest mountain in the British Isles and we just HAD to do it. Easy sell to mum and dad, adding another peak or trek to our roadtrip is great and it was decided – lets do it! Always encouraging input from Miss B on our adventures.
Kids Travel Worksheet – Ben Nevis
If you are heading to Ben Nevis with kids, don’t for get to buy our 6 page Kids Travel Worksheet on Ben Nevis.
Lots of Fun facts, mountain math, details of the hike and associated subjects to enhance the learning of your child.
Before you climb
Points to consider before climbing Ben Nevis. December is the wettest month of the year. The summit is clear one in ten days of the year. You are not guaranteed to get a sensational day like we had in late May.
Arriving the day before our climb we stayed in North Face car park (full details and gps locations on our blog) with many other campers – some with tents. Got to love Scotland and its love of wild camping.
Supplies & What we took
There is an Aldi and Lidl in town and not hard to access food and 
necessities.
Day before the hike we ensured hydration was increased.
The morning of our hike we ate a healthy breakfast of Weetabix (not kidding) and Banana and packed our day packs.
We included such items as;
Hats and Sunscreen
First Aid Kit
Paw Paw cream (in case of chaffing, happy to report not required!)
4 litres of Water (this was just enough for 3 people and we will now look into a lifestraw for Troll Tunga in Norway
3 x Fruit and Nut mix packs and Brazil Nuts (Miss B favourite)
4 x Cheese Bread (bread roll with cheesy top)
Apples in bag so somewhere to put core (leave no trace/what goes in must come out)
Toilet Paper
Battery Pack (in case phone/camera ran out of charge)
Poncho to cover day pack in the event of rain
Hiking Sticks
Tissues
Chewing Gum
Phones/Camera/Tablet
Jacket/Jumper
Hiking Boots, Pants ect
Survival bracelet incorporating whistle, rope, compass
Waterproof watches
Note; No piano, Model T Ford, Four poster beds or other crazy items people have taken up the mountain before us! You do need to get approval if you feel inclined to bring something equally absurd up the there.
Ready to Go!
When we were ready to go we entered Glen Nevis in the Tom Tom to arrive at the Ben Nevis information Centre (which opens at 9:00am to 3:00pm)
Arriving at 8:00am we took the last marked car park, so we recommend getting there early (for both the car park and the hike) car parking was 4 pound for the day. When leaving there were cars EVERYWHERE in designated parking bays and not.
Sunscreen applied, hats on and away we go – you do want your jacket for the first part and last part of the hike so best to start with it on. Cold at the beginning and cold at the top! We were there in late May. Very fortunate to have avoided one week prior to our hike there was 2 foot of snow. Yikes, close call.
Amazing Views and Scenery
Even though you know the views and scenery will be amazing as you have seen the photos and probably watched the you tube videos (ours hopefully). Nothing will prepare you for the spectacular scenery and endless idyllic surroundings you find yourself enveloped in. My personal happy place.
There were many stops along the climb to appreciate the sheer beauty of what we were experiencing. A most notable moment when Miss B saw her first snow! She was very excited to be informed there would be more waiting at the summit by other hikers on their descent enchanted by her excitement.
Ben Nevis Mountain Track originally was called Pony Track, due to it being used by ponies to carry supplies to the observatory. The observatory was built at the summit in 1883 to monitor weather at high altitudes, it remained open for 20 years then was left unmanned due to funding.
Taking three hours to reach the summit, in no hurry as we had spectacular weather, views and climbing conditions. It is noted that the average temperature at the summit is one degree below freezing.
Upon arriving at the summit, we were fortunate enough to have a fly over which I caught on video of a military aircraft, which made our day. Enough snow to bring out the child in us all, snow ball fights ensued! Sorry to anyone that may have been caught in cross fire! Lots of laughing, numb fingers and gratitude for this wonderful experience.
What goes up must come down!!
Descending commenced at 12:00pm and took two and a half hours and would have taken less. The amount of hikers increases (some prepared and some not so prepared for the adventure ahead) as the day wore on.
Upon arriving back at Betsy, the campervan, we made up a couple of electrolyte drinks and consumed them (which we had prepared for in advance bringing them from Australia and knowing we enjoyed the flavours).
An amazing day was had by all, Miss B for her first snow (now a big fan, apparently throwing snowballs at your parents is AWESOME! Her words not mine). We can not explain the scenery with giving it the credit it deserves. We are lovers of nature, hikes and also achieving goals.
This was all of those and a wonderful way to provide confidence and a sense of achievement for the littlest Cake and Eat it 3 member ahead of what will be an amazing roadtrip, adventures and memories for years to come.
NB. Having a respect for nature is important, weather can change and being prepared is very important. It is advised to allow between 6-8 hours to complete the hike. Proper footwear or hiking boots is essential, both Miss B and I wear Keens hiking boots and we were very happy with them. Check the weather before you go.
We look forward to our next trek coming soon! Check out our youtube video of our climb here.
Happy Travels!
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