Anyone climbed Ben Nevis advice please ?
Discussion
Dress for winter no matter when you do it. If there’s snow on the ground and you aren’t competent in winter, don’t bother.
It’s a very different place on the featureless summit plateau than at the foot, so knowing how to navigate from the shelter avoiding the gullies is a must.
While the walk itself isn’t too tough, the ongoing variation in the weather is what makes people get lost or rescued.
It’s a very different place on the featureless summit plateau than at the foot, so knowing how to navigate from the shelter avoiding the gullies is a must.
While the walk itself isn’t too tough, the ongoing variation in the weather is what makes people get lost or rescued.
GetCarter said:
MDMA . said:
I did it back in 92/93
On a side note, they were filming Braveheart that year and the surrounding Glen was the movie set for some of the villages.
I was there on hols that year too and also saw said set. One of the reasons I moved here (the scenery, not the set!).On a side note, they were filming Braveheart that year and the surrounding Glen was the movie set for some of the villages.
from what I remember, we stayed at Glen Nevis youth hostel. Walked straight across the road, over the bridge and River Nevis, then worked our way to the top. Not a hard climb (when you're 17), but had the change near the top as the weather came in quick and was snowing at the summit. I'll have to find the pictures. Edited by MDMA . on Saturday 28th September 13:15
As others have said be prepared for any weather and if it is forecast to be bad don't go. The tourist path is very straightforward but remember you are starting from a fairly low level so it is a long walk. Make sure people know where you are going and let them know when you get back. Don't just rely on your phone for navigation. The days are getting shorter up here, so make sure you have enough time to do it in daylight, but take a torch just in case.
Only thing I would advise from past experience doing mountain rescue, would be take small bothy / shelter with you and a spare base layer.
You'll sweat on your way up and coming down wet... And then likely cold... Is unpleasant, and not great for concentration.
Having the shelter and spare top means you descend warm and dry.
You'll sweat on your way up and coming down wet... And then likely cold... Is unpleasant, and not great for concentration.
Having the shelter and spare top means you descend warm and dry.
Please note, I'm not in shorts As you can see, glorious at the bottom, snowing at the summit. This was around 92/93. My mate did it in his shorts, white socks and sunglasses. I wouldn't do it wearing those, this time of year. 2 hours 35 minutes from the youth hostel to the summit. Not bad going back then. Think it would take a bit longer now.
As you can see, glorious at the bottom, snowing at the summit. This was around 92/93. My mate did it in his shorts, white socks and sunglasses. I wouldn't do it wearing those, this time of year. 2 hours 35 minutes from the youth hostel to the summit. Not bad going back then. Think it would take a bit longer now. Edited by MDMA . on Saturday 28th September 21:50
It is a long walk, a bit of a drag compared with Scafell and Snowdon
...& the top does have dangerous gullies: if there is snow on top, be sure you are on the path: those gullies can give the impression of being solid: Father-in-Law was RAF mountain, had to collect the remains of 9 bodies on one job up there many years ago: they summised the team had blindly followed a leader off the gully in fog+snow.
Only done it once as part of 3 Peaks back in 2005: mid June and still there was snow on the summit
Be properly prepared (I would take paper and electronic maps: OS Locate on phone can tell you exactly where you are if you’re not sure!)
Enjoy!
...& the top does have dangerous gullies: if there is snow on top, be sure you are on the path: those gullies can give the impression of being solid: Father-in-Law was RAF mountain, had to collect the remains of 9 bodies on one job up there many years ago: they summised the team had blindly followed a leader off the gully in fog+snow.
Only done it once as part of 3 Peaks back in 2005: mid June and still there was snow on the summit
Be properly prepared (I would take paper and electronic maps: OS Locate on phone can tell you exactly where you are if you’re not sure!)
Enjoy!
It's a tough old walk up the tourist track - Count the zig-zags and enjoy Britain's highest mountain.
As others say, navigation in bad weather is tough at the summit; don't fall down No2 or No3 Gully or find yourself in Five finger Gully..
With a few navigation skills and equipment, this might help
As others say, navigation in bad weather is tough at the summit; don't fall down No2 or No3 Gully or find yourself in Five finger Gully..
With a few navigation skills and equipment, this might help
AlasdairMc said:
Dress for winter no matter when you do it. If there’s snow on the ground and you aren’t competent in winter, don’t bother.
It’s a very different place on the featureless summit plateau than at the foot, so knowing how to navigate from the shelter avoiding the gullies is a must.
While the walk itself isn’t too tough, the ongoing variation in the weather is what makes people get lost or rescued.
Weather can change top to bottom much, much more so than you would ever think. Wind up at the top can be fiercely cold.It’s a very different place on the featureless summit plateau than at the foot, so knowing how to navigate from the shelter avoiding the gullies is a must.
While the walk itself isn’t too tough, the ongoing variation in the weather is what makes people get lost or rescued.
Its a long walk but rewarding. Personally first time up a hill like that I would want a view but it is a great feeling having gotten up and down.
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