North Face

Spectacular views of Britain's highest mountain

Follow the way-marked trail in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis for a feel of the open high country and spectacular views of the north face’s towering cliffs. Climbers from around the world come to test themselves on the classic routes here.

Listen for the soothing sound of the Allt a Mhuilinn, meaning ‘the mill stream’, as you head uphill. The stream once powered an old mill and now supplies hydro-electric power to the aluminium smelter in Fort William.

Walking trails

North Face route card (PDF)

Walking

North Face Trail

A steep climb is rewarded with magnificent views into the towering North face of Ben Nevis, over Fort William and out west towards the road to the Isles.

A good smooth surface, with long steep slopes throughout. The upper path is narrow and can be slippery when damp.

2 ¼ miles / 3.5 km

Allow 1 ½ hours

More information

Following the Allt a Mhuillin (the mill stream), this steep path has fine views of Ben Nevis and Loch Eil. Britain’s highest mountain is particularly impressive from this trail, as the menacing 2000 ft (610 m) cliffs of the North Face tower above you. You may well see climbers tackling the challenging routes across the rock face.

Beyond the stile the path enters open hillside: you’ll need the right clothing and equipment for this.

Activities

Ben Nevis hill walk

North Face car park is the starting point for the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route up Ben Nevis. While considered to be one of the most spectacular hill walks in the country, it's a long and extremely challenging route even by the standards of experienced hill walkers. It should not be attempted without the proper equipment and planning. This is not to be confused with the more straightforward, if still long and exposed Mountain Path route up Ben Nevis, accessible from Glen Nevis.

Facilities and access

Mountain access

Picnic area

Viewpoint

Walking

Parking (charge)

The nearest public toilets are in Fort William, 3 miles to the south, or Nevis Range, 2 miles to the north.

Car parking information

The charges to park at this forest car park are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour – all vehicles
• £3 for all day
• Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More about parking

Getting here

From the A82 at Torlundy, follow the turn-off signposted for the 'North face' car park. Follow this road up over the railway line where another sign on the right will guide you to the car park.

Using SatNav?

PH33 6SW is the nearest postcode to the turn-off at Torlundy.

Public transport

Buses between Fort William and Nevis Range/Spean Bridge can stop at Torlundy on request. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions