If one is blessed with fine settled weather, then the Glen Nevis tourist path up Benn Nevis is achievable by most fit an active walkers.
The only associated issues with Benn Nevis, is its extreme height, and cloud covered plateau for over 300days of the year.
The tourist path up the mountain, is very safe and straight forward, as long as visibility is excellent, as the huge plateau area at the summit is confusing even in clear weather.
Thousands ascend its slopes every year, and thankfully casualty numbers are quite low, considering its popularity.
Taking a very active nine year old keen walker, up the mountain is achievable, as long as the weather is kind.
Ive been up to its summit only once, and i could describe it like climbing Snowdon, but adding at least one to two hours to your walk.
If the weather is kind, and visibility is good, then the tourist path up Benn Nevis should pose few difficulties to any active walker, even one as young as nine.
Like any mountain, especially the tallest in the Uk, its summit rarely goes above 4C throughout the year, so go prepared even in lovely weather.
If the weather is at all changeable, especially mist, then give the mountain a miss, as there is simply no shelter whilst climbing up the never ending tourist track.
If you have clear visibility throughout the walk, then its just one very long slog of around 3hrs to 4hrs the top, and about 2.5hrs down.
I found no difficulties when climbing to its summit, even though the sheer size of the boulder strewn summit took my breath away.
The only challenge is navigating this huge summit plateau in mist, as i found it had many smaller paths going off in various directions, and if the old weather station buildings cannot be seen clearly, its no place to lose ones bearings, as its always bitterly cold up there.
Choose the best weather possible, go fully prepared with very warm clothing, particularly a hat that covers your ears, and very warm gloves.
Go with an open mind, and if the weather looks uncertain during your adventure, do not be ashamed to turn around.
Unlike Snowdon, Benn Nevis is nearly a thousand feet higher, and theres no warm inviting cafe, or train offering assistance for those out of their depths.
Just go prepared, and if at all possible visit when the weather is fine and settled.
Its just one of those mountains on any keen walkers tick list, and now ive reached its summit, i do not feel any urge to re visit it.
The only summit on my do before i die list, is Benn Hope, Scotlands most northerly Munroe.
Ive stood several miles away from it, outside a posh coach that took me along the great North Coast 500 route, on our way to the Kyle of Tongue.
It just had that magic, come and climb me grip on me, so some day, i will make the terribly long journey back to the top of Scotland to hopefully reach its summit.
No, Benn Nevis, in fine settled weather should pose few climbing issues to a young walker, especially someone already with a keen and active interest in hill walking.