Overview
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Group walks up Ben Nevis every Wednesday and Sunday from the start of May to the end of September. Your chance to join a group and together with your guide, climb to the summit at 1344 metres (4411 feet). Based in Fort William and only using local guides, you won't just climb Ben Nevis, you'll learn all about the mountain and the wildlife, geology and history it has to offer. The pub at the end of the path is a great place to finish the day with a well earned pint!
Please note that for walks in early May winter boots, crampons and walking axes may be required if there is still snow on the mountain. This kit can be hired at an additional cost from Scottish Mountain Hire in Fort William and we will advise guests as early as possible if it will be required.
For all of the walks under 18 year olds MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
What To Expect
Ben Nevis
Not only is Ben Nevis the highest point in the UK but it is home to some of the rarest plants in the UK and has always played a central role in the development of mountaineering across the world. Don't just climb Ben Nevis, discover more as you learn all about it's history, geology, flora and fauna! If you are reasonably fit and conditions are good you should be able to walk up Ben Nevis in a walk of six to eight hours - but you should never take it lightly. Good planning and preparation are vital - conditions can change dramatically even in the best weather. The Mountain Path starts in Glen Nevis and is around 16km (10 miles) there and back. It climbs 1,300m and is a full mountain walking experience which requires sturdy boots and good equipment. There can be snow patches on the route until July or August and the summit is regularly 9C colder than at sea level. So if it is a warm 18C in Fort William it might be a cold 9C on top with wind chill making it feel much colder.
Abacus Mountain Guides began life in 2000 in Fort William. With over twenty five years of experience, IFMGA Mountain Guide Mike Pescod and Abacus Mountain Guides provide world class mountain adventures on the west coast of Scotland. World class adventures require world class instructors, so we only use the very best. All our hill walking, mountaineering, climbing and mountain biking instructors are fully qualified with UK or international qualifications, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very keen to share their enthusiasm with others!
Options
Group Walk up Ben Nevis from Fort William
What‘s Included
Experienced mountain leader
Lunch
Transport between your accommodation and the start/finish point
Personal accident insurance
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
115 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thank You, Abacus, for a Wonderful Experience and Dream Come True
E3768TOlauras,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot say enough about Abacus Mountain Guides, and Aimee in particular. It was a wonderful experience in every respect, from my email communications with Abacus prior to the hike (while I was still in Indiana), to the hike itself with Aimee leading the small group I was part of. In spite of the rain and clouds most of the day, including at the summit, hiking to the top of Ben Nevis was a dream come true. My husband was unable to do the hike with me due to recent hip surgery; so I agreed to join a group rather than try to do it alone, and Abacus was the perfect choice. I appreciated the reasonable pace Aimee set, how informed she was about the mountain with plenty of stories to share, her attention to each member of our group -- it was truly a wonderful experience.
Wonderful day walking Ben Nevis
Ambassador332028,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent day! We were a group of 4 with Will as our guide. Will was informative, knowledgable, made us laugh, gave us moral support when needed with the odd ‘fib’ along the on how far still to go. From making an email enquiry, to the booking and actual day itself, Abacus were brilliant and would definitely use them again. Ben Nevis was a big walk up and down and having Will along side giving not just me, but everyone else in the group the extra support when needed was brilliant. My legs may still ache a little but I loved every single moment. Thank you!
Great day on the Mountain with Abacus Guides!
O4961ADamandaw,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00thank you Ryan for a great day out on Ben Nevis! lots of information about Ben Nevis and the surrounding area gained whilst safely guiding us up and down the mountain.
Sunny day on Ben Nevis ☀️🏔️
maria h,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic weather and a really great guide :) We ended up being a small group, but we had such a lovely time. Really nice conversations with the guide too :) Very good trail all the way up. Snow at the top, but no problem at all
Great guidance, easy logistics & thoroughly memorable climb
roryo816,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James Coomber via Abacus Guides was our guide for a Ben Nevis hike via the CMD Arete. James was fantastic - he shared insightful tips and learnings on winter skills throughout the expedition, but also allowed my friend and I to go at our own pace and push our abilities ourselves. James's expert guiding ensured we got to the top of the mountain and back down safely, with winter conditions and path-finding challenging in some places. James was friendly, approachable and good company, as well as professional and informative. The ridge was a challenge for me personally, but the feeling at the summit was well worth it! Abacus were efficient in processing the admin/logistics throughout, and we used their joint company for kit hire, which was also very seamless. Highly recommend.
Out of this world
Johnegg12,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience, and the guide was amazing. We were blessed with blue skies on a snowy Ben Nevis!
Book Them and Do Ben Nevis
Plough54321,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was great, the people that I was with were great. I did not reach the top due to the weather but that was ok. I will back back and Abacus is so professional. Book THEM
Excellent day out on Tower Ridge with Cal
BoardingPass625654,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather didn't quite play ball but none the less we had a good day. It was my son's first time in the mountains with that amount of exposure but he had no issues or concerns, partly down to the support provided by Cal who was helpful throughout and was very good at assessing our abilities at the start and as the day progressed. Definitely recommend him as a guide on the Ben.
Thank you to the amazing team at Abacus Mountain Guides in Fort William - Ben Nevis mountain path guide
911laurend,Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend Abacus Mountains Guides. This year I set myself the challenge of reaching the summit of Ben Nevis. Although I love hiking, I have never taken on anything like this, so thought it best to use a guide. I researched many companies and decided to go with Abacus. It was definitely the right decision! They were very efficient. When I booked, I received a helpful checklist and information document and a week before I was due to take on the challenge, I received an email saying everything was still on track and I was given the name of my guide, where to meet etc. I reached the summit on the 28th May with my guide, Hayd'n. He was so encouraging, friendly and enthusiastic. It was an amazing experience from start to finish. As I said at the start, I highly recommend them.
Fun hike
seahj2025,Jan 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fun hike. The view on the up and at the summit was amazing. The guide is very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend even for beginners!
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