Panoramic view from the summit of a rocky mountain at sunrise or sunset, with a hiker and a stone structure. The horizon shows a mix of mountains, valleys, and foggy clouds under a clear sky.
Mountain summit at sunrise with rocky terrain and clouds below
Three people standing on a rocky mountain summit at sunset with clouds below.
Two people hiking on a rocky mountain trail with a view of valleys and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A group of people hiking at dawn on a rocky trail, silhouettes visible against a colorful sunrise sky.
Rocky mountain slope overlooking a valley with a river, hills in the background, and a cloudy sky at sunrise or sunset.
Person with a backpack sitting on rocky mountain summit at sunrise, overlooking misty valleys and distant hills under an orange sky.
Two hikers with backpacks and walking sticks on a rocky mountain trail overlooking a scenic valley and hills during clear weather.
Two people standing on a rocky terrain during sunset with a partly cloudy sky.
Two hikers posing near a waterfall with rocky terrain and lush green grass in the background.
Silhouetted group on rocky hill at sunset with stone structure and mountains in background.

Ben Nevis Sunrise Challenge

Watch the sunrise from the summit of Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis), the highest mountain in the UK. An epic, unforgettable experience.

Please Note: We’re no longer offering the Ben Nevis Sunrise Challenge as an open event. However, you can still arrange a private trip through our Hire a Guide service – perfect for small groups or as a memorable charity challenge.

🔗 Hire a Guide: https://www.largeoutdoors.com/hire-a-guide
🔗 Charity Challenges: https://www.largeoutdoors.com/charity-challenge

Watch the sunrise from the highest mountain in the UK!

It’s an experience like no other, climbing a mountain in the dark with a supportive group and an experienced Large Outdoors guide, to wait on the summit for the first hints of light - then to watch the sun come up and reveal the surrounding landscape. We’re going to be doing just that, and on the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis (Beinn Nibheis), standing at 1345m (4,413ft)).

On the west coast of Scotland, right in the heart of the Highlands, the views from Ben Nevis are spectacular, from the hundreds of other summits visible from the top, right over to the Atlantic and the western isles.

After greeting the sun, we’ll head back down, where you can gaze out at all the scenery hidden during your ascent in the darkness. Arriving back in Glen Nevis, you can celebrate not only climbing Ben Nevis, but doing it in a way few other people do.

Suggested Itinerary - Ben Nevis Sunrise Challenge

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

You’ll meet the group and your Large Outdoors guide at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, just down the road from Fort William. After a safety briefing and check that all head torches are working, we’re ready for the approximately 11 mile (17.7km) long walk. We’ll strike out by crossing the River Nevis, and quickly start the uphill journey. Gradually we make our way up the rocky but clear trail that skirts the slopes of Meall an t-Suidhe.

Beyond this point, the trail begins to zig-zag upwards, leaving much of the vegetation behind as we rise up to the summit plateau along the rocky path. Then it’s the final push to the summit and time to cross our fingers that the weather is on our side for a spectacular sunrise. On a clear day, or through tantalising breaks in the clouds, the views are jaw dropping. From the sight of the islands of the Hebrides and the ocean, across to the surrounding mountain peaks, the moment is quite humbling, absorbing the incredible experience.

After taking time to celebrate on the summit, we’ll begin the return journey, which will be down the same route. By this point you’ll be a bit giddy having done the hard uphill work. However with steep descents still in the offing, as well as tiring limbs, you’ll be glad of the encouraging words from your Large Outdoors guide and distractions provided by the group’s discussions.

Most groups complete this walk in 8-10 hours.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: The exact time to meet will change, based on sunrise times, throughout the year. Please check your email confirmation upon booking for your meeting time.

    Meeting Location:
    Ben Nevis Visitor Centre
    Glen Nevis
    Fort William
    PH33 6PF

    Parking: There is parking available at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, even when Centre itself is closed. Per vehicle charge of £8 (at time of writing) applies via cash/card.

    Public Transport: Unfortunately, the meeting location and time for this Large Outdoors experience is not accessible by public transport. Ben Nevis Visitor Centre is located 2 miles from the nearest Train Station at Fort William, with services to/from Glasgow.

  • Included:

    • A Large Outdoors guide to lead you on your Ben Nevis Sunrise Challenge.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    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.
    • Warm Clothes (layers advised) - please remember on the mountain at night it can be significantly colder than during the daytime. Even during the summer months, a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, plus warm layers, hat and gloves are compulsory kit for this experience. It can be 20C in the daytime but hovering around freezing at night on the summit.