9k Run Claggan: Scenic Route to Ben Nevis and Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe

Route Overview & Local Insights

Push your limits on this breath-taking 9.2km out-and-back trail that ascends from the Ben Nevis Visitor Center Bridge toward the serene "Halfway Lochan," Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. This is a purely unpaved, hilly adventure with over 650m of elevation gain, making it a "Category 5" climb for runners who love technical mountain terrain. As you navigate the winding Mountain Path and pivot onto the North Face Path, you’ll trade the shelter of the Claggan valley for rugged, sub-alpine terrain above the 500m contour line. Expect a mixture of rocky steps and gravel trails that demand focus, rewarded by sweeping views of Glen Nevis and the towering cliffs of Britain’s highest peak.

The area surrounding Claggan and Ben Nevis is steeped in mountaineering history, serving as the gateway to the Grampian Mountains. While the main summit path is famously busy, this route offers a slightly different perspective as it breaks away toward the North Face—the legendary playground for ice climbers and hardy hill runners. Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, which translates to the "Small Lake of the Hill of Sitting," sits in a dramatic bowl and provides a moment of stillness before your fast, technical descent back to the visitor center. Be mindful that the weather in the Highlands is notoriously fickle; what begins as a mild afternoon in the valley can quickly transform into a misty, cold mountain challenge.