Visitors to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, are being reminded to clean up after themselves following reports that an emergency shelter at the summit was found filled with beer cans, cigarette packets, and old, moldy food. The John Muir Trust, which manages the mountain, said that hundreds of kilograms of litter are removed from the area each year. The problem has grown worse since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when more people began visiting natural areas for outdoor recreation. Ben Nevis sees over 160,000 visitors annually, many of whom are not familiar with the challenging mountain conditions. Some climbers are not properly prepared for the weather and may seek shelter in the emergency cabin, leading to increased littering. Mountain Rescue teams are often called to assist in such situations, adding to the challenges faced by those who maintain the area. Author and snow patch researcher Iain Cameron shared images of the shelter on social media, drawing attention to the extent of the mess and expressing concern. He emphasized the importance of the shelter, which provides a crucial refuge for injured or exhausted climbers in harsh weather conditions. Local Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Andrew Baxter criticized the state of the shelter, calling it disappointing and urging visitors to take their waste home. He highlighted the need for visitors to respect the mountain and avoid littering, which increases costs for local councils that must hire countryside rangers to educate the public on responsible behavior. The John Muir Trust has placed clear signage at the base of Ben Nevis, directing visitors to the nearest toilets and litter bins. Despite these efforts, littering remains a persistent issue throughout the year, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing waste in popular natural areas.