Munro Profile 1: Ben Nevis

Region: Fort William to Loch Ericht
Height: 1,345m (4,413 ft), the Highest Munro in Scotland

Ben Nevis marks the beginning of many journeys. As the tallest mountain in Scotland, it draws climbers, storytellers, and campervan travellers alike. This profile focuses on practical access, parking, and route details, with space for legacy notes and local nuance.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Ben Nevis Visitor Centre Car Park

Location: Glen Nevis, PH33 6PF
Capacity: Approximately 120 vehicles, including campervans
Facilities: Toilets, water refill station, information boards
Charges: £2 per hour or £8 per day
Overnight: Permitted for campervans (check signage on arrival)

Alternative Options

Braveheart Car Park: Smaller, overflow option
North Face Car Park: Access point for the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route
Glen Nevis Campsite: Full facilities, located about a 10-minute walk from the main trailhead

Note: Overnight parking is not permitted at Lower Falls Car Park

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Mountain Track (formerly Pony Track)

Distance: Approximately 17 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,340 metres
Terrain: Well-maintained path with rocky upper sections
Time Estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Navigation Notes

The summit is frequently cloud-covered, so a GPS or map and compass are recommended
An emergency shelter is located near the summit cairn
The path is popular and well-marked but remains remote and exposed to rapid weather changes

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

Visitor Centre and Braveheart Car Parks both allow daytime campervan access

Overnight Options

Glen Nevis Campsite: Dedicated campervan pitches with toilets and showers
Wild parking may be possible further up Glen Nevis road, but local restrictions and signage should be checked
Lower Falls Car Park does not allow overnight stays

Fuel and Supplies

Fort William offers full services, including supermarkets, outdoor shops, and medical facilities
Nearest fuel stations: Morrisons and BP on the A82

Legacy Log

First recorded ascent: 1771 by botanist James Robertson
Summit Observatory: Built in 1883 and staffed until 1904
Name origin: “Beinn Nibheis” possibly translates to “venomous mountain” or “cloud mountain”
Annual events include the Ben Nevis Race, charity climbs, and summit litter cleanups

Closing Notes

This is the first in a series of Munro profiles designed for campervan-based exploration. Entries are added every other day, focusing on access, parking, and route clarity. If you’ve climbed Ben Nevis, parked nearby, or have tips for fellow travellers, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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