Google Maps has been accused by Scottish mountaineering organization Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish charity the John Muir Trust of off

Google Maps Could Be Offering "Potentially Fatal" Hiking Routes for Ben Nevis

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2021-07-19 12:30:09

Google Maps has been accused by Scottish mountaineering organization Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish charity the John Muir Trust of offering paths up Ben Nevis that are "potentially fatal." Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. It measures a whopping 1,345 meters (4,413 feet).

Heather Morning, Mountaineering Scotland’s Mountain Safety Adviser, said in a statement: “For those new to hill walking, it would seem perfectly logical to check out Google Maps for information on how to get to your chosen mountain. But when you input Ben Nevis and click on the ‘car’ icon, up pops a map of your route, taking you to the car park at the head of Glen Nevis, followed by a dotted line appearing to show a route to the summit.”

Morning added: “Even the most experienced mountaineer would have difficulty following this route. The line goes through very steep, rocky, and pathless terrain where even in good visibility it would be challenging to find a safe line. Add in low cloud and rain and the suggested Google line is potentially fatal.”