National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis

By Dave Roberts   

on January 4, 2021   5/5 (1)

Posted in National 3 Peaks Planning

National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis

Further Details

Route Summary:

Start and Finish:

Distance: 16.59 km

Ascent: 1355 m

Time:

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

Hazards:

Public Transport:

Parking: 

Post Code for Sat Nav: 

Weather Forecast:

Recommended Guidebooks:

Recommended Maps:   

National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland and the UK at 1345m in height. Whichever route you choose, you’ll have to earn most of that 1345m! The Mountain Track is the regular National Three Peaks route up Ben Nevis. There are only a few realistic 3 peaks routes up Ben Nevis, here are the pros and cons of all those walks. As they all start close to Fort William, there’s little if any option that reduces the travel time to Scafell Pike available.

The mountain track up Ben Nevis

Why the mountain track is Good for the three peaks

This is the most popular route for a reason. It’s reasonably straightforward to follow, even in the failing light. There’s loads of information on the timings. Its a long route, but that’s more than compensated as you can set a fast pace on this path.

Why the mountain track is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

Everyone and their dog has done this route! It’s also quite long.

National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis Mountain Track

The Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arete

Why the CMD is Good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s the scrambling route of choice

Why the CMD is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s even longer in distance, ascent and duration than the typical mountain track. Why make things harder?

Ben Nevis CMD National 3 Peaks Scrambling Route

Ben Nevis Via Carn Dearg South

Why the Route is Good for the three peaks Challenge

This is the shortest route at under 5 km one way as well as the quietest.

Why the route is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

 The route from the steall falls car park is the roughest most direct route to the summit of Ben Nevis. There’s little glamour in this route, and is a tough proposition under foot. Because of this, Any gains from the distance saved will probably be lost.

National 3 Peaks Route up Ben Nevis

The Ledge Route up Ben Nevis

Why the Ledge Route is Good for the three peaks Challenge

 If you want a shorter scrambling route, this is an option.

Why the Ledge Route is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

Why make the challenge harder for yourself? If you must scramble, see our article on the scrambling options for the three peaks.

For more information on Ben Nevis, we suggest you visit our sister site  – Walk up Ben Nevis

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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