TRIPADVISOR COMMENT JUNE 2009

"A group of 36 of us stayed in this hostel before we did the 3 Peaks challenge the next day. We were in need of a good night's sleep and that's just we got. The hostel was really well run, very clean and comfy bunk beds that were squeak free unlike a lot of other hostels we've stayed in. There were lots of bathrooms with hot and powerful showers so no queuing and the sinks in the bedrooms were were great to have.

The staff were very friendly and the kitchen and communal rooms were spacious and well organised. Continental breakfast in the morning was laid out for us to help ourselves and was very nice. The price of the rooms and breakfast were very reasonable.

All in all Chase the Wild Goose is a great hostel in a great location - very near Fort William, Ben Nevis which makes a spectacular backdrop to the hostel. I would definately recommend staying here!"

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Three Peaks Challenge

Ben Nevis (1344m)

Ben Nevis from Corpach

Situated in the Highlands region of Scotland, Ben Nevis is the highest peak in Britain. The coastal town of Fort William is at the foot of the Ben, and has many outdoor sports and climbing shops, good accommodation and places to eat. It is at the end of the West Highland Way, and popular with tourists in the summer, and with skiers and winter climbers during the winter, so arrange accommodation before you arrive.

The 'Mountain Track' Route.

From the car park at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre, cross the footbridge and walk beside the river a short while, then left beside a wall up to the start of the main path. Climb steadily and soon the path from Glen Nevis joins from the right. Continue upward, crossing two Alpine style footbridges, then more steeply to Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe, where a second path joins. Please note any erosion diversions in force.

Bear right at the junction and head up the zig-zagging trail. After the zig-zags, the path eases onto the summit plateau, which should be treated with caution, especially in poor visibiliy.

Walking times

As a rough guide, you should be aiming to achieve
these times at least on the mountain

From the Visitor Centre:

2.5 - 3 hours climb,
2 - 2.5 hours descend.

Remember that as Fort William is at sea level, you will have to climb almost the full 1344m to the top. The start to Scafell and Snowdon both allow you to gain some height in your vehicle first. This is one good reason to start your challenge in Scotland rather than Wales !!

The path to the top is steep or very steep for it's entire length, but is well maintained. Good navigational skills are required for the summit in poor visibility.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with permission of Ordnance Survey and Multi Media Mapping.