Neptune's Staircase Locks – Ben Nevis summit loop from Banavie
Neptune's Staircase Locks – Ben Nevis summit loop from Banavie
58
runners
Neptune's Staircase Locks – Ben Nevis summit loop from Banavie
05:32
33.2km
1,540m
Running
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
200 m
Neptune's Staircase Locks
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.30 km
Footpath to Ben Nevis Distillery
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
12.2 km
Trail junction at Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe
Highlight • Viewpoint
This meeting of paths is an important junction. Those taking the popular Pony Track to the summit begin their climb on the zigzags by heading south. Better, though, to head north for Coire Leis and the North Face of the Ben. From here the awesome hikers' ridge, the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête, can be accessed, as well as various scrambles and climbs on the world famous north face.
Tip by
13.1 km
Ben Nevis Zigzags and View of Halfway Lochan
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
16.5 km
Ben Nevis summit
Highlight • Summit
An estimated 75,000 people ascend via the straightforward, zigzagging Pony Track to the summit every year. Meanwhile, the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête represents a more adventurous, grade one scramble that is perfectly achievable for fit hillwalkers.
If visibility is hindered on the summit plateau, the great cliffs of the North Face represent a very real danger. To get back to the Pony Track from the summit trig point, walk for 490 feet (150 m) on a bearing of 231 degrees, which will take you safely past Gardyloo Gully on your right. Then follow a bearing of 282 degrees, which will take you down to the zig-zags on the mountain track.
Tip by
20.3 km
Red Burn Waterfall Crossing
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
33.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
21.4 km
9.90 km
1.68 km
138 m
Surfaces
14.3 km
8.82 km
5.83 km
3.69 km
202 m
146 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,330 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 11 July
23°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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