BEN NEVIS

Ben Nevis, or the 'Ben' as it is known locally, sits majestically at the head of Loch Linnhe, its presence dominating the landscape from all corners of Fort William and some parts of Lochaber.

The dramatic effect of Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain is emphasised by the fact that it begins its rise from sea level on the shores of Loch Linnhe, to tower 1344m (4406ft) above the town of Fort William, providing an almost paternal presence. This imposing colossus is one of 284 Munros (mountains in Scotland that reach an elevation of 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or more).

Ben Nevis is somewhat infamous for its inclement weather. The summit boasts the following statistics:

• 355 days a year cloud-covered, on average
• 261 full gales per year, on average
• 4,350 mm of rainfall per year

The draw of the highest peak in the British Isles attracts over 100,000 ascents a year. A significant number of these visitors have little experience of mountains, and many are caught out each year by the quickly changing weather. Between 1990 and 1995 alone there were 13 fatalities on the mountain (Eight of these were due to falls while rock climbing).

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 mountains 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 climates.

 

USEFUL LINKS

Ben Nevis webcam

Ben Nevis weather