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The Biggest Ben of them all - Ben Nevis, Britain's Highest MountainThe Scottish Highlands offer some of the most amazing views of natural landscape in all of Europe. For anyone living in London, the trip north to this region is a must, and there is no better way to get in touch with the natural beauty than to hike up one of the 284 mountains the Scots refer to as munros. The munros are the mountains in Scotland with peaks over 3000 feet (914 metres). In the western highlands lies Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. At 1343 metres it is not exactly Everest, but hiking up to its summit offers travellers a chance to explore the area in a much more meaningful way than simply getting out of a tour bus and taking a photograph on the way to Loch Ness. On a clear day the view from the peak is one of the most breathtaking sights in Scotland, with views to the surrounding mountain range and lochs leaving an indelible image. As with most mountain climbs, Ben Nevis' summit can be tackled from various starting points, but for those wanting to walk rather than rock or ice climb, the excellent track starting just out of the town of Fort William is the best way to make the approach. The route starts about 2 kilometres from the town centre, where there is ample car parking. This particular walking track's gradient is not too difficult, so people of all ages and varying degrees of fitness are able to complete the return journey (5-7 hours). The track does become steeper towards the summit, and much rockier (this part is often covered in snow and ice during the winter months). However the path takes the formation of a series of s-bends at this height, so the gradient is still not excessive by any means. The view only a few hundred metres into the walk is classic highland panorama, and there is even a bizarre loch you walk past near the valley between Ben Nevis and bordering mountain Glen Nevis which seems to have no earthly right to be situated so high. Weather conditions are very important when climbing Ben Nevis, no matter what route is taken. The climate can change rapidly when approaching the summit, and usually does. Low clouds, mist, sleet, and even blizzards can sweep across the exposed peaks, and for this reason it is important for hikers to check weather forecasts before they set off. A useful method of doing this is by checking the regularly updated webcam images that monitor the climate at Ben Nevis and surrounds. These can be seen at http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/ . It is always a good idea to carry a topographical map and compass in the event of poor visibility on any hike. Summer is the most popular time for people to climb Ben Nevis, but the easier level tracks are often very crowded. Climbing the mountain in winter though provides more of a challenge due to the freezing temperatures and snow cover. Standing on the summit having walked in conditions of this nature, sometimes in knee deep snow, is arguably a more rewarding experience, though the views from the top are hardly as spectacular. Aside from the relatively easy walking track, more experienced climbers can use their mountaineering skills by ascending up the northern ridges of Ben Nevis. The most popular would be “Tower Ridge”, which requires the climber to negotiate a 600 metre cliff face with difficult gradient. It must be said that climbing Ben Nevis from the northern ridges is not for beginners. For people keen to try and “bag” the biggest of all munros, Fort William offers plenty of accommodation and is the closest town to Ben Nevis. Getting there is easy, with Citylink buses leaving from Glasgow (3 hours). There is also the option of catching the train from Glasgow, which itself offers spectacular views of the west highlands. For more information on the Ben Nevis and Fort William area, the website http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk has useful information on accommodation and weather conditions. You could also pay a visit to the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board, Cameron Square, Fort William (+441397 703781).
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