FAQ

We often have people contact us with general questions they need answering. We’ve compiled some of the most popular questions and answered them. If you have any questions that weren’t answered from reading over our website, or if your questions aren’t answered in the FAQ below, please contact us.

How long will it take me to climb Ben Nevis?

This is dependent on your fitness levels. As a rough guide, we state the average person climbing via the mountain track, can do the climb in roughly 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, during the summer months. It will vary though depending on weather conditions, how many rest breaks you take etc.

It’s not unheard of to have a climb take up to 8 hours when the weather conditions aren’t in your favour, such as when it’s snowing etc.

I’ve heard you have to have permission to climb Ben Nevis?

No permission is required to climb Ben Nevis. People often get confused by this as you do need permission to do certain other things. However, for general climbs, no permission is needed.

Can you bring dogs up Ben Nevis?

Dogs are allowed on Ben Nevis. However, there are a few things we recommend you take into consideration.

• Only bring your pet if they’re well-trained. Ideally, dogs should be kept on leads at all times. Ben Nevis is not a place that you want to go chasing after a pet, that will not return to you.
• Sheep do graze on the mountain up to around 700 metres.
• Be prepared to carry your doggy bags all the way and down the mountain. There are no bins on Ben Nevis and dog faeces should certainly not be left on the ground.
• As you venture higher up Ben Nevis, the ground gets extremely rough full of loose stones. These can be hard on your dog’s feet/pads.