On the rooftop of Great Britain: Ben Nevis

(S/F) Start the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre near Fort William (Scotland) and follow the river (the river is on your right). Reach the wooden footbridge.

(1) Cross the bridge. After the bridge turn right and follow the river on your right on the other bank. Reach a trail.

(2) Turn left on this path that goes down the slope. Arriving at a fence.

(3) Follow a section within the fenced area and turn right.

(4) Follow a series of rather wide loops. Head around the mountain on the left (the Meall An t-Suidhe), and reach a ledge.

(5) Here you will see Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe on the left. Continue to a T-junction.

(6) Turn right, continue the climb to the 720 marker.

(7) Continue by climbing with wide loops up to the 1200 marker.

(8) Finish up by a steeper section following the beautiful, large cairns along the end of the route. Do not go to their left where there are ledges and there is a risk of falling. Finally arrive at Ben Nevis.

(9) Return by the same route to reach point (3).

(3) Make optional small detour to the right via the Ben Nevis Inn to reach the Visitor Centre.

(10) Retrace your steps.

(3) Head to the right along the path that leads to the car park of the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre (S/F).

Check the weather at the Visitor Centre (S/F) before heading out. Always bring warm windproof clothing because at the top the conditions can be very harsh (even at the end of May 2016 there was snow).

The time suggested by the Visitor Centre is 4 hours for the ascent and 3 hours for the descent. Do not expect to be able to do it in less than this.

Like most hikes in Scotland, there are very few signs or markings indicating the path.

For this hike, the path is well laid out and there is no risk of error. Do follow the cairns at the upper part of the path to avoid the risk of ending up on ledges.

Once you have made it back, a cold beer on the terrace of Ben Nevis Inn (10). You’ve earned it!