Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the British Isles and the highest peak in Scotland with an elevation of 4,409 feet. This large stony plateau occupies an area of 40 hectares. The first person to climb to the top was a botanist James Robertson who made the ascent on August 17th 1771.
More than 100,000 people climb Ben Nevis every year. This mountain got its name from the Gaelic, Beinn Nibheis, meaning poisonous or terrible. Every year a race is held in September which includes ascending and descending the hill.
Quick Facts: –
- The famous poet John Keats also made an ascent to its summit in 1811.
- This mountain is also a part of the Three Peaks Challenge which includes climbing three mountains which are Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdown in 24 hours.
- A footpath and an observatory to monitor the weather was built near the summit in 1883.
- In 1884, an office, two bedrooms and a visitors room were also added to the observatory.
- The observatory was closed due to a lack of funding. The final log entry was made on October 1st 1904.
- The path is known as the “Pony Track”. It was originally constructed to take building supplies to the weather observatory.
- This is also the most commonly used path by tourists who attempt to ascend the mountains.
- Snow can be found on the mountain throughout the year. The average temperature of the summit is -1°C.
- Ben Nevis is the remains of an ancient volcano which collapsed millions of years ago.
- There is also a World War 2 memorial located near the observatory ruins.
