Information: Ben
Nevis
Ben
Nevis, or the 'Ben' as it
is fondly known locally,
sits majestically at the
head of Loch Linnhe, he,
its presence dominating
the landscape from all
corners of
Fort
William
and some parts of
Lochaber.
(Why not take part in the
Three
Peaks
Challenge)
The dramatic
effect of Ben Nevis,
Britain's highest
mountain, is emphasised
by the fact that it
begins its rise from
sea-level on the shores
of Loch Linnhe, to tower
4,406ft (1,344m) above
the town of Fort
William
providing
an almost paternal
presence. This can
best be seen from
Banavie
and from the banks of
the
Caledonian
Canal
What does
'Nevis' mean? The river and
glen running past the mountain
both carry the name, as does
the remote sea loch at
Knoydart, 40 miles to the west.
In Gaelic the mountain's name,
Beinn, Nibheis, has been linked
with Irish and Gaelic words
meaning poisonous or terrible,
implying a fairly ominous
character.
Ben Nevis, although not as high
as Alpine mountains, is
positioned on a more northerly
latitude and the climate can be
considered similar to Arctic
regions. While there may be a
welcoming sea breeze on the
shores of Loch Linn, he, 20-30
knots of chilling wind may be
evident on the summit of the
Ben. Many walkers/climbers find
weather conditions changing
within minutes - usually for
the worse - as they work their
way up the mountain. Those
walking up the mountain
footpath should be warned that
the the mountain can be
intolerant of the
inexperienced, ill-prepared
walker!
Stay at
Chase the
Wild Goose
Hostel at
Banavie near
Fort William Scotland for
comfortable, friendly
backpackers
accommodation
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