With its toes in the sea and its head in the clouds (more often than not), the vast hulk of Ben Nevis dominates its surroundings. It has a split personality, a rounded south flank contrasting with the dramatic north face, the most impressive bit of mountain architecture in the UK. With various names over the years, from the Pony Path to the Tourist Route, the most popular way up Ben Nevis naturally takes the less demanding side. The trail was officially re-christened the Mountain Track in an effort to deter the unprepared, and better reflect the nature of the challenge. It's the only route to the top attainable by absolutely anyone able bodied, but this long, winding path still involves a big ascent (and descent) on rubbly ground, taking you high up where the weather will be doing its worst. Ben Nevis is a place for everyone, and the Mountain Track must be Scotland’s most trodden hill path. Don't let that put you off; it's still a grand day out, and while a plod among the crowds may be a far cry from the peace and quiet found on most Highland hills it can still be fun in its own right, approached in the right spirit.
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9.76 miles, 15.70 km, 1,350m ascent, 6 – 7 hours. Fort William
