Ben Nevis Trip Plan ⛰️
• The bus leaves the Alona Hotel at M&D’s at 5:00am.
• We’ll stop at Ballachulish for a toilet/shop break (around 30 minutes). Use this time to start getting fuelled up and ready.
• Aim to start walking by 9:00am at the latest.
If you’re driving yourself, plan your departure time accordingly.
• We’ll be starting and finishing at Glen Nevis Restaurant & Bar.
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Route Options
There are two routes up Ben Nevis:
• ⛰️ Tourist Path
• ⛰️⛰️ CMD Arête Route (includes summiting two Munros)
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After the Hike
• Once we’re down, we’ll have a dip (wash) in the River Nevis, right beside the start/finish point.
• Then it’s food, beers, and announcements:
• Braveheart’s most committed and influential male & female for 2025/26
• A toast to my mum, Katie McMillan, marking 20 years since she passed
I first climbed Ben Nevis in 2006 raising money for the British Heart Foundation in my mum’s memory, and I’ve continued every year since. This will be my 26th summit, and something I’ll always keep doing at least once a year for her ❤️
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Travel Back
• The bus leaves Fort William at 8:00pm
• Expected return to the Alona Hotel around 11:00pm
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What to Bring
• A walking bag for the climb
• A separate bag (left at the bottom) with:
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Food/drinks for after
• A few drinks for the bus
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Food Plan
• Eat before getting on the bus
• Eat again at Ballachulish stop
• Bring extra food in your hill bag
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Clothing
• Dress for the weather
• I usually wear a kilt & t-shirt with proper footwear
• Always pack extra layers:
• Jumper
• Gloves
• Tammy/hat
(Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it)
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Timing Check (Tourist Path)
• You’ll cross a waterfall halfway up
• Aim to reach this point by 12:00–12:30pm
• This keeps you on track to summit and return before the 8:00pm bus
