Pony Track

It’s a funny thing that with some mountains, the most travelled route is by far the least interesting. It's a phenomenon that afflicts many of the UK's finest mountains, notably Snowdon and Helvellyn, whose best routes are eclipsed by long and mediocre trudges up what is perceived to be their most accessible sides, even if there are numerous technically similar and more engaging routes nearby. Ben Nevis is one such mountain, and the Pony Track, also known as the Tourist Route, is it's exceptionally popular dud. To describe it as a bit dull would be an enormously favourably review. This long and somewhat underwhelming slog begins in Glen Nevis, and rises gradually at first (unless you start at the Youth Hostel, in which case it rises quite rapidly), before meandering up the sloping western aspect of The Ben. It is the runt in a litter of quality routes that proliferate this fine mountain's many slopes. As you might have gathered it’s a little difficult to recommend this route, however I cab but try and to be fair it does make for a handy descent, and is (arguably) quite a good introduction to the mountain for the inexperienced or less able walker. So why, you might now be asking should I have bothered to write this description. Well to put it simply, because it's there, and for SummitPost to be as complete a resource as possible, even the naff routes need to be included. Plus if people are going to insist on doing something they might as well be informed about it. But you can't say I haven't warned you!

The Pony Track
(Photo by SzaniUherkovich)

Ben Nevis is located close to Fort William in the NW of Scotland and is served by both bus and train services. Some information about reaching Fort William by public transport, as well as the public transport is available here. Trains can be booked here. If you plan to take the over-night train between Fort William and London (or on route) then make sure you have a berth reserved. As a last resort there is a seated carriage but if this is full then you won't be allowed to ride the train. Citylink operate a bus service between Glasgow and Fort William. Some of these buses also continue to the Isle of Skye. Fort William can also be reached from Oban, Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness. One bus a day runs to Mallaig and in summer a couple also go to Kingussie and Aviemore.

Fort William is easy to reach by car. I'm not going to list every road route here so consult Google Maps or an equivalent. There is a no good or bad approach but on occasions roads close due to heavy snow fall.

Although this route has two possible starts, they are located along the same road and are pretty easy to find. At the roundabout (NN 112 742) between Fort William and Claggan take the unclassified road signposting Glen Nevis east and then south-east along the glen following the southern side of the river. The first starting place is located at the large carpark (NN 122 731) just across the river from the Achintee Pub and Distillery (NN 124 730). The second starting point is some 1.5km further on down the road at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (NN 127 717). There is less parking here so unless you're starting particularly early, or are staying at the hostel, then this probably isn't a realistic starting point in high season.

Ben Nevis (Photo by Boydie)

If your starting at the Achintee carpark (NN 122 731) start by crossing the wooden suspension bridge across the River Nevis and follow the broad track past the Achintree Farm. Continue in a south easterly direction along a well defined path up a gradual climb follows the slope of the hill. After 1km or so you will meet the junction (NN 133 720) where this path joins the one starting at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (NN 127 717). If you have started at the hostel then your approach so far will have been short but steep. From the hostel cross the footbridge across the river and head in a slightly rough, but straightish path directly up the side of the hill past two very small plantations of forestry, until the path meets the junction.

From the junction the paths converge and contour around the hillside, crossing two metal footbridges, before following Allt na h- Urchaire/ Red Burn towards Lochan meall an t-suidhe (NN 143 727). As you near the head of the valley you will be taken on a short diversion in order to allow soil regeneration on part of the slope. Continue to follow the path in a north-easterly direction for around 400m until you reach a small cairn/wall (NN 147 724), which marks a juncture in the path. From here take the right hand turn and head in a southerly direction roughly following the contours of Carn Dearg (SN 159 719). The path then zig-zags steeply up the long slope to the summit plateau. Although the path is obvious in summer, in winter it becomes hidden by snow with the only a few cairns announcing it's presense. In these conditions it's worth checking the compass and navigating yourself to the summit trig-point (NN 166 712).

Pony Track near Red Burn (Photo by roadmountain)

Descent from Ben Nevis is often determined not by your point of arrival but by the weather and snow conditions. In poor weather descent will require more concentration than at any time on the way up as the top of the NE Buttress is only 300 yards away ; the top of tower ridge is 250 yards away, Coire Eoghainn Gully is directly behind you in the south and Five finger gully lies a short distance two the west. To avoid falling down any of these hazards accurate compass technique is essential. From the summit cairn follow a Grid bearing of 231° for 150 metres. Beware of the steep drop into Gardyloo Gully on your right. Remember to make the correct adjustment for the magnetic variation (in 2007 add 3° so that the bearing becomes 234°). Once you have completed this leg and passed the top of Gardyloo Gully, turn onto the second Grid bearing of 282°. Remember the magnetic variation (in 2007 add 3° so that the bearing becomes 285°).

As with any mountain walk in Scotland, be sure to wear a good pair of boots, carry full waterproofs, hat, gloves and a fleece mid-layer or equivalent. In winter the route becomes a lengthy snow plod and an ice axe is advisable. Crampons could also be considered, however for the most part you’re unlikely to need them, although they may be useful on the summit plateau.

Owing to The Ben’s northerly latitude and unpredictable weather, extra precautions should be taken in winter. A survival bag/bivy sack, head torch, emergency rations and even a snow shovel could save your life (or at least some fingers and toes) should you be injured or benighted.

Cicerone Guides

Ben Nevis and Glen Coe by Ronald Turnbull

The Munros Vol 1 Southern, Central and Western Highlands by Steve Kew

Scottish Mountaineering Club Guides and Publications

Ben Nevis - Britain's Highest Mountain by Ken Crocket

Central Highlands by Peter Hodgkiss

The Munros by Donald Bennet & Rab Anderson

The Munros CD-ROM by Ken Crocket & Donald Bennet

Other Guides

Ben Nevis and Glen Coe (Collins Rambler's Guides) by Chris Townsend

Ben Nevis and Glen Coe: Including Fort William (Pevensey Guide) by Allan Hall