We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
This tour will not be accompanied by an explore tour leader. Instead you will have a tour representative. The tour representative will not be with you for every section of the tour and will often not stay at the accommodation at night or eat out with the group in the evening. However they will be available for you and your group during the included activities and will help if any problems occur.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
UK |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£14.50 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
£5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling within the UK although insurance cover for holiday cancellation, curtailment and personal effects is strongly recommended.
For all non UK nationals travel insurance is necessary and must cover medical and repatriation expenses.
Do you need to organise travel insurance for your holiday? If so, you can arrange Explore Travel insurance - which covers you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us on 0844 499 0901 for a separate quote. If you have purchased Explore Insurance you should carry the Master Certificate leaflet with you, which outlines the conditions of the policy together with a copy of your Confirmation Invoice, which is your proof of purchase of insurance. Explore Worldwide are an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority.
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Visa Requirements
Entry visas NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. Citizens Other nationalities should check with your consular office or your booking agent.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
In the Highlands the weather can be very unpredictable, so be aware that weather conditions can change on an hourly basis, especially on the higher slopes of Ben Nevis. Between the months of April and September the temperatures around Fort William range from 11-15°C, with rainfall measurements between 4-8 inches. Warm clothing will be required on the mountain and be prepared for rain at any time of the year – on average Ben Nevis receives over 170 inches of rain annually and snow can be found on its upper slopes pretty much all year round. Please note, there maybe occasions where it is not possible to reach the summit itself if weather conditions do not allow a completed walk to the top of the mountain.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Clothing
Wind/water-proofs (jacket and trousers), a warm fleece, hat, scarf and gloves are all essential. Be aware of the fast changing weather conditions on the mountain and remember to wear layered clothing to suit the possible sub-zero temperatures on the summit (even in summer).
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Footwear
Comfortable walking boots. Trainers for relaxing and if you want to go sea kayaking.
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Equipment
A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream, good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are all essential. You may also wish to bring a blister kit with you in case of problems.
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General Information
Country info
Area: Highlands and Islands: 15,000 sq miles.
Population: Approx 5,000,000.
Language: English, Scottish Gaelic, plus a number of regional dialects.
Religion: Christian (72%), Muslim (3%), Hindu (1%), Others (1.6%), with the rest being made up of none specified.
Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 240V 50Hz.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Ordnance Survey produces some excellent maps of the Highland region and Ben Nevis.
Recommended Books: Rough Guide: Scottish Highlands and Islands, Mike Cawthorne: Hell of a Journey, Chris Townsend: Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, Alan Hall: Ben Nevis & Glen Coe: Including Fort William, Ken Crocket: Ben Nevis: Britain’s Highest Mountain.
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