Discussion
No matter what the weather at the bottom, make sure you're equiped for bad weather at the top. It might not happen but most people get into difficulty because of insufficient preparation and assumptions about the weather.
If the summit is in cloud it can be a bit tricky to find the path down again as the top is a relatively large flat area. Make sure you know exactly where you are when you start the descent.
If the summit is in cloud it can be a bit tricky to find the path down again as the top is a relatively large flat area. Make sure you know exactly where you are when you start the descent.
What do you want to know? I've walked up it, moutain biked down it, oh and skied it in the winter (more so on Anoch Mor next door). There are a variety of routes some easier than others (including purpose built foot paths). Depends how difficult you want to make it for yourself otherwise it's just a steep long walk that anyone can do given the time and a reasonable level of fitness.
It's a doddle, if you take the path. I've done it in trainers on the path and done it in winter, climbing.
I'd recommend a map+compass in case you get lost, which frankly, you'll have to be trying pretty hard to do.
Waterproof coat - you'll almost certainly be in low cloud, even if it doesn't rain, and will get wet. Non cotton trousers so these dry when they get wet, overtrousers for the above, so they don't get too wet in the first place, proper boots and gaiters. In short, proper attire. Mainly to avoid getting soaked.
A water bottle, food, emergency chocolate bars and water, emergency survival bag, etc. Midge repellent!
Nothing too out of the ordinary; the book time for the path from the car park is, last time I looked, 3 hours up, 2 down. Assuming you've any level of fitness, you'll be within those times, and it'll be a piece of piss.
You really can do it in trainers and a t-shirt, but consider how stupid you'll look if the mountain rescue have to come out and get you....
I'd recommend a map+compass in case you get lost, which frankly, you'll have to be trying pretty hard to do.
Waterproof coat - you'll almost certainly be in low cloud, even if it doesn't rain, and will get wet. Non cotton trousers so these dry when they get wet, overtrousers for the above, so they don't get too wet in the first place, proper boots and gaiters. In short, proper attire. Mainly to avoid getting soaked.
A water bottle, food, emergency chocolate bars and water, emergency survival bag, etc. Midge repellent!
Nothing too out of the ordinary; the book time for the path from the car park is, last time I looked, 3 hours up, 2 down. Assuming you've any level of fitness, you'll be within those times, and it'll be a piece of piss.
You really can do it in trainers and a t-shirt, but consider how stupid you'll look if the mountain rescue have to come out and get you....
This time of year it should be fine, take plenty of fluids though! The path is quite easy, just gets a little steeper at the top.
Last did it in December, lovely day at the bottom as we started out, perfect clear skies, half way up heavy cloud suddenly engulfed the mountain, the last 1/4 was knee deep in snow!
Last did it in December, lovely day at the bottom as we started out, perfect clear skies, half way up heavy cloud suddenly engulfed the mountain, the last 1/4 was knee deep in snow!
Cheers guys.
My level of fitness is better than average, though I'm not an athlete. That is what I wasn't worried about, just the weather.
I will be in trainers but not just casual trainers, things like those Bear Grylls survival trainers. Built for purpose.
I'll take a picture at the top and show you all
My level of fitness is better than average, though I'm not an athlete. That is what I wasn't worried about, just the weather.
I will be in trainers but not just casual trainers, things like those Bear Grylls survival trainers. Built for purpose.
I'll take a picture at the top and show you all
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Good website for any other Scottish hills/mountains too and full of plenty of info and walk reports.
Good website for any other Scottish hills/mountains too and full of plenty of info and walk reports.
Stylus said:
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Good website for any other Scottish hills/mountains too and full of plenty of info and walk reports.
Thank you very much!Good website for any other Scottish hills/mountains too and full of plenty of info and walk reports.
This is a pretty good site for walks/directions, etc.
http://www.trekkingbritain.com/bennevisfromachinte...
I've never been up Ben Nevis but i'm doing it at the beginning of September. The recurring message i keep seeing on various sites is "be prepared for all the midges!". Apparently they are pretty bad until you get higher up the mountain.
http://www.trekkingbritain.com/bennevisfromachinte...
I've never been up Ben Nevis but i'm doing it at the beginning of September. The recurring message i keep seeing on various sites is "be prepared for all the midges!". Apparently they are pretty bad until you get higher up the mountain.
If you do a lot of walking OP it would be worth investing in a 2 man Bothy and one of these http://www.furtech.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idpr...
You'd be amazed how cold people can get if you have to stop for any length of time - hurt yourself, come across someone who has. A bothy and a relexcell bag are both life savers IME.
You'd be amazed how cold people can get if you have to stop for any length of time - hurt yourself, come across someone who has. A bothy and a relexcell bag are both life savers IME.
rhinochopig said:
If you do a lot of walking OP it would be worth investing in a 2 man Bothy and one of these http://www.furtech.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idpr...
You'd be amazed how cold people can get if you have to stop for any length of time - hurt yourself, come across someone who has. A bothy and a relexcell bag are both life savers IME.
My friend who'll be going with me has something similar to that.You'd be amazed how cold people can get if you have to stop for any length of time - hurt yourself, come across someone who has. A bothy and a relexcell bag are both life savers IME.
Not that one though.
Will there be snow in mid-July?
On the North facing sides it is likely, but I 'doubt' you'll have any issues.
But, and this can't be stressed enough, it is a mountain and the weather can change incredibly quickly and snow in July isn't unheard of so be prepared for the worst.
Edit* when I say likely on the North side I mean lying from last years winter, not falling on you.
But, and this can't be stressed enough, it is a mountain and the weather can change incredibly quickly and snow in July isn't unheard of so be prepared for the worst.
Edit* when I say likely on the North side I mean lying from last years winter, not falling on you.
PSBuckshot said:
Also, does anyone know a decent site for downloading and printing off a map?
By a proper Map, unless you are prepared to laminate it, any map you print off you will end up being a lump of blotchy paper pulp before you get to the top.Harvey Maps (Superwalker range) are pretty good and and waterproof. Most outdoor outlets in Fort Bill should have them
Semi hemi said:
PSBuckshot said:
Also, does anyone know a decent site for downloading and printing off a map?
By a proper Map, unless you are prepared to laminate it, any map you print off you will end up being a lump of blotchy paper pulp before you get to the top.Harvey Maps (Superwalker range) are pretty good and and waterproof. Most outdoor outlets in Fort Bill should have them
Semi hemi said:
PSBuckshot said:
Also, does anyone know a decent site for downloading and printing off a map?
By a proper Map, unless you are prepared to laminate it, any map you print off you will end up being a lump of blotchy paper pulp before you get to the top.Harvey Maps (Superwalker range) are pretty good and and waterproof. Most outdoor outlets in Fort Bill should have them
PSBuckshot said:
I bought an OS map from a VERY attractive girl in waterstones last night. (No pics sorry), got all my equipment sorted except boots which I'll sort out Friday or the weeekend.
Doing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. Very excited.
New boots just before a big walk - ouch. Take several pairs of socks and plasters with you - you'll thank me.Doing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. Very excited.
rhinochopig said:
PSBuckshot said:
I bought an OS map from a VERY attractive girl in waterstones last night. (No pics sorry), got all my equipment sorted except boots which I'll sort out Friday or the weeekend.
Doing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. Very excited.
New boots just before a big walk - ouch. Take several pairs of socks and plasters with you - you'll thank me.Doing the Carn Mor Dearg Arete route. Very excited.
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