TECH giant Google is to axe "potentially fatal" online routes up Scotland's biggest mountain, outdoors chiefs say.
Mountaineering Scotland and The John Muir Trust urged members of the public not to use Google Maps to find their way up Ben Nevis after "an increasing number of visitors" adopted the practice.
Last week the organisations told how, depending on how someone searches for the route, Google Maps may direct them to the car park nearest the summit as the crow flies, indicating a route described by experts as "highly dangerous, even for experienced climbers".
At the time, The John Muir Trust’s Nevis conservation officer Nathan Berrie said: "The problem is that Google Maps directs some visitors to the Upper Falls car park, presumably because it is the closest carpark to the summit.
"But this is not the correct route and we often come across groups of inexperienced walkers heading towards Steall Falls or up the south slopes of Ben Nevis believing it is the route to the summit."
And Heather Morning, Mountaineering Scotland’s mountain safety adviser, said: "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.
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"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.
"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."
Now the organisations have revealed that the US firm has mapped out changes to its guide to avoid the danger. In a joint statement, they said: "We are delighted to hear that Google Maps have updated the driving directions for Ben Nevis to direct people to the visitor centre car park in Glen Nevis, where visitors can find further information and directions to the summit."
Representatives from all three bodies have met to discuss similar issues in other areas and "potential solutions to provide users with more accurate and relevant information when they venture away from the roadside and into wild and mountainous places".
For example, in the north west of the country, a walking route produced by the system at the An Teallach munro would literally take people over a cliff if followed.
Anyone planning to walk Scotland's mountains and hills is advised to cross-check information on a map or consult a local guide.
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