Snow on Ben Nevis summit plateau. Photo: Sarah Lewis/John Muir Trust

Walkers heading for Britain’s highest mountain are being warned to expect snow, despite the onset of summer.

Up to a metre of snow is covering parts of Ben Nevis’s summit plateau, and a slip could lead to visitors going over the mountain’s cliffs, with fatal consequences.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s mountain safety adviser Heather Morning said people heading for the 1,344m (4,409ft) summit should be cautious and aware of the late-lying snow beds.

The MCofS said last winter Scotland experienced exceptionally high levels of snowfall in the mountains and, with midsummer’s day approaching, a surprising amount of that snow still remains.

Ms Morning said: “Walking on snow in summer can really add to your day out on the hill and be a lot of fun if the snow is relatively flat. However, be warned: if you take a slip and start to slide, is there a chance that slide could take you over the edge?”

“There are still large cornices – ledges of snow hanging over the edge of the cliff face – on Ben Nevis and many other Scottish munros. Care should be taken to avoid these and stay on the rocky terrain, particularly in misty conditions when it might be difficult to see the edge.”

The council said the main tourist track up Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis is very well defined, but hillwalkers should always be prepared with a map and compass. Across the summit plateau, where navigation can be trickier, there is a line of large cairns to follow.

“Hillwalkers are advised to follow the line of the cairns which will keep them out of danger and away from the corniced edges,” it said.

“Weather conditions may also change quite markedly between Fort William, at sea level, and the summit, at 4,409ft, and anyone considering making the ascent should check the weather forecast.”

A simplified forecast is available on a special Ben Nevis site and a more detailed forecast can be seen on the Mountain Weather Information Service.

The MCofS also has navigation information on its website.