Ben Nevis Challenge: May 18th

Ben Nevis Challenge: May 18th

Regular price £45.00 £55.00 Sale

Climb the UK's Highest Mountain

Visit the magnificent Scottish Highlands and summit Ben Nevis, Scotland's iconic peak, “the mountain with its head in the clouds” Climbing to the highest point in the UK is a lifetime experience you will never forget. 

The round trip is 11 miles to the summit and back. Starting and finishing at the fabulous Ben Nevis Inn, it begins by crossing the River Nevis and after a steep start reaches a plateau at the famous ‘half-way Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, with views over the spectacular wooded Glen Nevis below.

The pony track path is clear, but long, rocky and steep most of the way. The views are simply breath-taking; surrounded on all sides by peaks as far as the eye can see; over the islands of the Hebrides and out to sea.
 
 

SCHEDULE

(approximate timings dependent on hiker pace at weather timing)

Sunday

12:00 Ben Nevis Inn meet (limited free parking)

12:30 Start Ben Nevis Challenge Hike

14:30 Half Way Point of climb

16:30 Summit Ben Nevis

17:00 Begin Descent

18:30 Half Way return

20:00 Finish at The Ben Nevis Inn

20:30 Dinner Celebration

 

Given the extreme weather conditions that can be experienced on the highest mountain in the UK, there may some flexibility in the schedule to allow attempting Ben Nevis in the best possible conditions.

  

 

Signing Up & Fundraising Discount

Please read our terms and conditions before signing up, including the cancellation policy.

You can choose to pay the full price or to take a discounted rate with a pledge to fundraise for one of our nominated charities. Simply select which option(s) you would prefer from the drop down menu near the top of this page. Then click "Add to Cart"  and proceed to checkout. 

Once entered, please complete our applicant H&S form, so we know how best to look after you on the event and to finalise your place.

Accommodation & Transport

These are not included for this event booking.

If you do not wish to drive, trains, even an overnight sleeper, can be booked to Fort William station.

Please book accommodation early, as this is a very popular area, where prices are often high late on. Booking.com and Airbnb are great places to start.

Other recommendations include:

Convenient:

Victoria House B&B

Clan MacDuff

Number 29 Blar Mhor Road (3 Bedroom House)

Ben Nevis Inn (Great bunkhouse option)

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (Budget option)

Favourites:

Corran Bunkhouse (Excellent value!)

If you have any questions or would like assistance making bookings, please email: info@getoutdoorsuk.org

Additional Help

If you would like some expert accommodation advice we recommend contacting:

laura.wheeler@email.travelcounsellors.co.uk

 

 

IMPORTANT INFO:

  • A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
  • Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity. 
  • Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
  • Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
  • While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
  • Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
  • Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
  • Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
  • Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
  • Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
  • Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
  • Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
  • Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.

 

Health & Safety Application Form:

If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.

 

Weather:

Hill and mountain walking can be hazardous! Not being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions can lead to over exposure or heat stroke. Layers are key, allowing you to easily adjust your level of warmth. We are likely to experience some nasty weather, so for your safe enjoyment please bring the items specified on the kit list:

 

MOUNTAIN KIT LIST

Essential to be properly equipped
Tried and tested clothing only
Only pack items needed for walking 
  • Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
  • Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
  • Double layer walking socks.
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers.
  • Base layer top – breathable.
  • Warm fleece and spare fleece.
  • Walking trousers - NO jeans!
  • Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
  • Post-challenge clothes.
  • 3 litres of fluid per peak.
  • Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
  • Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
  • Head torch with spare batteries.
  • Whistle for sounding the alarm.
  • Toiletries, towel.
  • Mobile phone & waterproof case
  • FULL LIST HERE 

 

Training & Fitness:

It is certainly one heck of a challenge and the fitter you are the more enjoyable you will find it. The level of training needed depends totally on where you are starting from. Completion of the challenge is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.

As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as you can prior to the event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 10 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.

Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain of walking up a steep mountain and a great way to pack in some intense last-minute training if you are feeling a bit behind.

Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.

However you can't truly replicate the relentlessness of a steep mountain incline. Great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia has 14 Peaks over 3,000ft; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains. There are also the Malvern Hills, Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds, which have lots of hilly walks. There may be other hilly areas near you.
We have lots of group walks coming up that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming challenge and meet other members of the team. So please browse our website www.getoutdoorsuk.org and come join us soon! We're adding new dates all the time. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push your fundraising page if you are supporting a charity and update supporters about your challenge journey via social media, etc.

Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that will slow you down during the challenge.
 

  

Food & Drink

Walkers are expected to bring all of the food they need for the walk. Please pack a substantial lunch as you will be walking for a long day. Also plenty of snacks and a minimum of 2 litres of water and 3 litres if it is hot.

As with kit, make sure you have tried and tested anything you eat during the challenge - you do not know how your body might react to anything new. The last thing you want to do is test the unknown during the trip. E.g. BEWARE energy gels if you have not used them before!
  
 

 Summit Ben Nevis, Scotland's iconic peak, “the mountain with its head in the clouds” Climbing to the highest point in the UK is a lifetime experience you will never forget.

 

 
 
 
We only regret opportunities we don't take
 

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