Event name and year 2017

You should be able to walk over varied terrain for between five and seven hours, including steep inclining and declining pathways and steps. In the months leading up to your trek you should also have done two to three walks of a similar length.

Here's our training advice, kit check list and what to expect on the day  

Arriving at the event

What time do I register on the day?

Registration will be open at the Moorings Hotel from 6am until last registrations at 8am and you are free to register anytime between then. However if you are a slower walker please ensure you register between 6am – 7am to ensure you give yourself the best chance of reaching the summit.

Will I still be able to take part if I am late arriving at registration?

Because of the length and difficulty level of this walk, and in order to manage it efficiently and safely, the registration window is very strict. Registration will be open for two hours with no exceptions so if you arrive after this time we will not be able to register you.

What’s the best way to get there by public transport?

Fort William is the nearest town to Ben Nevis, and is on the train line from Glasgow. Please note Fort William is a 4 hour train journey from Glasgow. On the day of the trek you would need to get a taxi from Fort William to the Moorings Hotel for registration.

Can other walkers sign up on the day?

No. We must comply with the National Guidelines on this type of activity and undertake to manage this event responsibly in terms of the impact it has on the historic landscape. You will therefore only be able to take part on the day if you have registered in advance.

Will there be somewhere to park my car?

Yes, parking will be available for participants at The Moorings Hotel. As parking is limited, please car share wherever possible. Please do not leave vehicles on the roads or grass verges near the mountain. Walkers and other visitors must safeguard private property, including all personal belongings. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage.

The walk

What is the distance of the walk?

Approx. 10.5 miles, climbing to a height of 4,406ft.

How steep are the climbs?

The route up Ben Nevis is a well maintained footpath. At times there is loose rock underfoot, but no scrambling will be necessary. The walk is steep throughout until the final section on to the summit. Whilst being physically hard work due to the continuous ascent it is manageable by anyone with moderate fitness levels.

How long does it take to complete the walk?

This varies enormously depending on weather, fitness, instructions from your guides etc. However, as a rough guide, the average completion time is six to eight hours.

There is a cut-off point at the top of the switchback path on the way to the summit. All walkers must reach this point by midday or they will be asked to return direct to the registration base and will be unable to reach the summit.

Please remember however that we do not operate our event as a time trial or race. We ask that participants treat this walk accordingly and do not push themselves past their capabilities in order to achieve a ‘good’ time. Completing this walk at all is an achievement in itself!

Will I need to walk in a group?

This challenge is self-led. You will be provided with direction on where to walk and there will be a team of mountain guides along the route to provide assistance and check you're staying on course at all times. If you wish to walk with a guide please inform the events team on 07545 419 569 before the day of the event, so we can make arrangements accordingly.

Are there any toilet facilities en route?

No, there are no toilet facilities en route to the summit of Ben Nevis. There are toilet facilities at the registration point where you will register in the morning and return to after the challenge, so please make use of these.

Can I bring my dog/s with me on the walk?

We ask participants not to bring their dogs on their UK treks. This is due to the presence of local livestock on all routes.

What happens upon completion of the event – do I need to sign back in?

Yes. Every participant must check back in at the registration point whether you have completed the walk or retired early from the event so that we can account for all participants and ensure your safe return.

What happens if I am injured or fall ill and need to retire from the event?

We have full radio communications alongside the guides that will be along the route, as well as mobile first aid cover. In the event of a problem, please alert your nearest guide and arrangements will be made for your care or transport back to the registration point.

If I am a parent / guardian accompanying a 14-17 year old and have to retire from the event, what will happen to them?

It is strict policy for these events that 14-17 year olds must be accompanied at all times by the parent / guardian responsible for them, therefore the young person/s would have to retire from the event too unless another adult known to them was present in the group, was an experienced walker and willing to assume full responsibility for them from that point onward.

What will happen if the weather has been very severe leading up to the event – will the event still take place?

Our outdoor pursuit company regularly monitors the weather along the route in advance of a trek, and they will advise us of any safety concerns before the event goes ahead. Any decision to cancel the event would be based on their expert advice. Should we be advised to cancel the event, all participants would be contacted by telephone immediately.

What will happen if the weather becomes severe on the day?

As above, the specialists assisting us on the day will be in regular patrol of the route and assessing the weather and terrain at all times. Any decision to cancel or curtail the event will come from them and will only be taken if they consider the health and safety of the participants to be in doubt should the event continue.

How do I cancel my place on the event?

If for any reason you are no longer able to attend the event, please notify us by calling 0845 052 4184 as soon as possible (registration fee is non-refundable). As places on this event are limited your cancellation may allow us to reallocate your place to another supporter.

Training

Do I really need to train for this event?

Yes. All our UK treks and walks are physically demanding events; climbing mountains is no easy task and requires a certain level of fitness and stamina best acquired through training. The training you complete before the event will make a big difference. We provide advice and guidance on training and nutrition in participant Welcome Packs.
Kit and equipment

Do I need to bring water / food with me or is it provided?

You must carry sufficient water and food with you to keep you fuelled for the duration of the walk. We will provide bottled water and snacks at registration before you set off, but please note there will not be an opportunity to acquire additional water or snacks along the walk.

Hot and cold refreshments and a very warm welcome will be waiting for you on your completion of the trek.

What gear should I bring with me on the trek?

We provide an essential items kit lit in participants’ Welcome Packs. The essential items on the kit list are required for your safety. Our outdoor pursuit company will not let you take part if you are missing essential equipment.

What clothing should I wear?

We provide a list of recommended clothing in participants’ Welcome Packs, which is a mixture of warm weather and cold weather clothing. The weather is notoriously changeable in these mountainous areas and can be severe regardless of season. We therefore strongly recommend that you come prepared for all eventualities. In addition, walking boots are essential due to the terrain of the walks.

Will I need to know how to use a compass and map?

This trek is marshalled by mountain guides and is along a way-marked route. You will therefore not require a compass or map to complete this trek.

Fundraising

When is my sponsorship due by?

We ask that you raise the minimum sponsorship of £200 by the date of your challenge. People are more likely to donate the closer it gets to your trek, so really make the most of the weeks leading up to your trek to maximise donations!

Will the £200 I raise make a difference?

Absolutely! We hope that our UK treks and walks in 2016 will raise £213,000 towards Marie Curie’s work in providing hands-on nursing care to people with a terminal illness. Our nursing care is provided completely free of charge to people with terminal illnesses and their families, and can make the difference in letting them stay at home with their loved ones. The money you're helping to raise will pay for more than 10 Marie Curie Nurses for a whole year!

Can I give you my sponsorship money on the date?

Please do not bring the money you have raised with you on the day of the challenge as we are unable to accept it on site. Instead you can pay your sponsorship to Marie Curie in the following ways:

Online fundraising

If you’ve been collecting money through a JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving page, the money will be sent to us automatically.
By telephone
Call 08700 340 040 to make a card payment over the phone.
By post
Send a cheque with your completed sponsorship forms to:

Supporter Relations Team
Marie Curie Cancer Care
PO BOX 23897
14 Links Place
Edinburgh
EH6 9AB

Please make cheques payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Do you organise any other UK treks and walks?

Yes, we do. Information on all our mountain challenges can be found on our events pages or by calling 0845 052 4184.