Any advice for Ben Nevis please!

[Sunsetsandcocktails]

Hello all, I’m planning to hike Ben Nevis in a couple of weeks and wondered if anyone had any advice or could tell me what it’s like!

I’ve heard mixed reviews on the difficulty so far. We’ll be choosing the easiest route (the pony trek route?) and won’t be rushing.

I need to buy a backpack if anyone has any recommendations for a lightweight one that will fit the layers I will inevitably take off, water/food etc. ?

thanks in advance!

I've not done it since I was in my early 20s (40 years ago) and remember it as basically a long uphill walk (followed by a long downhill walk), loads of other people doing it even back then so there really wasn't much scope for getting lost. Some people in very unsuitable footwear (I still remember one woman had sandals with heels...not recommended!)

There's a lot more expert advice upthread but re the weather I was curious what it's like at this time of year. The met office gives mountain summit forecasts which are useful for a quick check. Today looks glorious, tomorrow becomes foggy most of the day, and then next week there's some snow - but decent weather down in Fort William.

If you're not a regular hillwalker, and the weather forecast is bad, don't go, there's so many nicer things to do in that part of Scotland so the trip won't be wasted. Snowdon is similar in that regard, we didn't walk up it till our third trip to the area because of the weather.

I didn't show the wind forecast on those screenshots...omg..well, glad you're not going this week OP because no one sane will be up there!

What3words app may help in emergencies it is not to be used instead of of a OS or guide .
I strongly recomed you down load it, turn your WiFi and data off and take yourself off to somewhere unfamiliar but safe and use it to navigate to the next town. .https://what3words.com/how-to-use-the-what3words-app

If you are going to use W3W please be aware of its limitations. So many mountain rescue teams treat it with a degree of scepticism in remote areas. I've used it a lot and don't trust it out of urban areas. Edale Mountain Rescue did a brilliant post on their FB page recently about using W3W and digital mapping in the hills.

And remember that coldness drains phone batteries.

Wow thank you all for your replies, these are very helpful and I am taking them all on board and thank you @Greenbike for your detailed post.

I am an experienced hiker, apologies if it sounded like I was just venturing out on my first walk! I just need a new backpack, I have good walking boots/waterproof layers etc.

and thank you to the poster who mentioned the mountain weather app, I will check it out and I am fully prepared not to do it if the weather is bad.

I reckon backpacks are almost as personal choice re fit as boots - I really think you need to go into a shop and spend time adjusting everything to see what works for you (height, hips etc). I may be more aware of this because my DD and I are both short!

Definitely, will pop to the shops this week and try and few out!

Slipping off a damp step is my greatest fear. Are there any boots that can mitigate that?

Not read the full threat. I would say Ben Nevis is very straight forward to climb using the route you're taking. It can get very busy so go as early as you can. Also make sure you take clothing for all weathers. When I walked it, it was blazing sun at the bottom and freezing with snow at the top.

Slipping off a damp step is my greatest fear. Are there any boots that can mitigate that?

I don't know about boot recommendations, @musicalfrog , but living in a limestone area which can be incredibly slippery when wet, we never walk without a stick nowadays. It makes a huge difference IME.

I'd definitely wear proper hiking boots with ankle support and deep treads. On the way back down check the treads after you get past the scree as tiny stones can get caught between them. You need to prise them out before you get to the very smooth rock (fine if dry but dodgy when wet).

Hiking poles are brilliant at keeping you upright if your boot skids. You just jab your pole down, let it take some of your weight and move the slipping foot down to a safer surface.

I didn't know that. That's a really useful tip. Thank you.

Sorry - should have actually answered your question! I have Salomon boots. I love them. Really lightweight but sturdy. Great ankle support and no breaking them in. They were comfortable from day one.

Get brilliant socks. The best socks are the very thick Bridgewater ones made for boys (ie in smaller sizes suitable for women's feet.) Avoid the women's ones as they tend to be much thinner (why?) unless you can feel the quality in the shop.

Thx @errolthedragon and @meadowwild much appreciated 👍

I’ll add that there will probably be snow on the top. It’s been snowing the last few days. In addition to waterproofs (jacket and trousers, fleece, take a warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter. Poles, the descent is a knee killer. Check the forecast very carefully and don’t go if it’s too windy or snowy. www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Ben-Nevis/forecasts/1344

Where do you hire a guide and what’s the rough cost?

@ivykaty44

Never heard of hiring a guide but unless you are experienced in mountain walking and navigation you should only attempt in good weather (check summit forecast not just base) carry a paper map and compass you have practiced with, and wear proper mountain walking gear, carry an emergency blanket and waterproof matches. Remember it's far colder at the top so snow and ice later in the spring!

I've been up 3 times and it really is ok in decent conditions. I wear full hiking boots (ankle protection is important) carry waterproof jacket and trousers even if it looks ok as weather can change, I take energy bars, trail mix as well as normal lunch, more water than you think and so on

Start early! I did it on a good weather day. Coming down took longer than going up for us. So don't eat all the food once you're up 😂

There was lots of people looking very unprepared on our way back (not proper shoes, not carrying backpacks for food/ water) so wonder how they got on!

@ivykaty44 Ben Nevis Guides

Loads of snow up there now.

Thanks Ibiza