Not only is Ben Nevis the highest point in the UK but it is home to some of the rarest plants in the UK and has always played a central role in the development of mountaineering across the world. Don't just climb Ben Nevis, discover more as you learn all about it's history, geology, flora and fauna! If you are reasonably fit and conditions are good you should be able to walk up Ben Nevis in a walk of six to eight hours - but you should never take it lightly. Good planning and preparation are vital - conditions can change dramatically even in the best weather. The Mountain Path starts in Glen Nevis and is around 16km (10 miles) there and back. It climbs 1,300m and is a full mountain walking experience which requires sturdy boots and good equipment. There can be snow patches on the route until July or August and the summit is regularly 9C colder than at sea level. So if it is a warm 18C in Fort William it might be a cold 9C on top with wind chill making it feel much colder.