Ben Nevis Sunrise Challenge

Yes - summiting Ben Nevis is a proper challenge. This is a long day (most groups complete this walk in 8-10 hours) with 11 miles (17.7km) to cover, as well as 1,353m (4,435ft) of ascent. It’s important we walk at a good pace to complete the challenge within the designated time. Most groups complete this walk in 8-10 hours.

You should ensure you have a good level of fitness before embarking on the challenge, comfortable with walking long distances with a good level of ascent and descent. We’d also recommend making sure you’re comfortable walking in the dark - it can be unnerving for some - and with your head torch. The more training you do, the more enjoyable you’ll find the challenge.

In terms of Large Outdoors experience levels, we grade this walk as Active Plus - see Large Outdoors experience levels here.

The guide determines the pace, based on the group as a whole. They will do their very best to accommodate the speed of the group they are leading, whilst providing the encouragement needed to complete the challenge. The pace might be a little slower or faster than you’re used to but your guide will advise you of the pace required to complete the challenge safely within the designated time. Most groups complete the walk in 8-10 hours.

There is a cut-off time and point that your guide will work towards in terms of setting the pace. If you miss this cut-off then you will be unable to continue with the challenge and asked to turn back - this is for safety and the fairness of the group experience, in line with our Terms & Conditions.

Your guide reserves the right to ask you to drop out of the walk at a safe point if they are concerned about your ability to complete within the time limit and/or to meet the cut-off point in good time. This is for safety and the fairness of the group experience, in line with our Terms & Conditions.

If at any point you feel that you cannot keep up and/or will not be able to complete the challenge, it’s vital you let your guide know as soon as possible. Your safety and that of the group is their paramount concern, so the sooner they know the sooner they can assist.

As per the Compulsory Kit List, it is important that you have money and a mobile phone with you if for any reason you are unable to complete the challenge and need to leave the group - you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to your accommodation/for onward travel.

Please see our General (Walking) Kit List, which applies to our Ben Nevis challenge walks.

The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should have the items listed. Failure to attend with all of these items may mean you are unable to take part, as per our Terms & Conditions.

DON’T FORGET: To bring your head torch - you will not be allowed to start the walk if you don’t have a working head torch with you. We insist of a head torch for your safety - a handheld torch or the torch on your phone is NOT suitable.

There are toilets at the start/finish point but please note these are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee opening times and/or availability (they are not usually available at the times we run our sunrise walks). There are no toilets on the route or at the summit.

There are no opportunities for water refills or food along the route, so you should bring sufficient water (at least 2-3 litres per person) and plenty of food.

Always remember: your Large Outdoors guide is there to help you! If you experience any difficulties please let them know as soon as possible.

If you think you are developing a blister, let your guide know and they’ll take a little time to make sure you get a plaster on it and try to advise you on stopping your boots rubbing.

The best way to deal with blisters is always prevention: a good pair of socks (or two - spare socks are a luxury worth having on a big challenge walk!) and a pair of boots that are already worn-in. This challenge is not the place to break-in a new pair of boots, so make sure you take them out for several good training walks before the big day.

All of our Ben Nevis Challenges are guided and undertaken as a group. This is part of the experience and we hope you have a fantastic time.

We strongly recommend that you stay with the group and your guide throughout the challenge.

If you choose to leave the group, our guide will advise you that you are leaving the Ben Nevis Challenge organised by Large Outdoors and we will therefore not be responsible for your wellbeing going forward.

As good practice, your guide may ask you to contact them by text message when you have returned to your car/accommodation. However, your guide cannot be your ‘emergency contact’, so you must notify a trusted third-party of your intentions so they can contact the emergency services if you do not report in at an advised time.

As per our Compulsory Kit List, we ask you to ensure you have a mobile phone and money with you.

Parking at the meeting point is pay-and-display, so you’ll need cash/card to pay for vehicle parking.

If for any reason you are unable to complete the challenge and need to leave the group, you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to your accommodation/for onward travel. Taking a mix of cash and a card is advised.

If, for any reason, you leave the group, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to your car/accommodation as a courtesy.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a mobile phone with you when you’re exploring the outdoors, just in case of emergency. There’s usually a signal for parts of this walk, although it can be patchy in places.

Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

We do not provide any transport for this experience.

Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.