My clients for this ascent of Ben Nevis were from the Cheshire area and
were doing their own 'Three Peaks' Challenge, to climb the highest
mountains in England, Scotland and Wales. They had already climbed
Scafell in England and Snowdon in Wales so their final challenge was
the ascent of Scotland's and the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
We met outside the Ben Nevis Inn and headed up the mountain path along
with hundreds of other walkers including those doing a sponsored ascent
of 'The Ben' for the Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The mountain was shrouded in low cloud and once above 500 metres
visibility was poor. We just followed the crowds up the mountain
path. Those climbing the mountain all appeared to be in good spirits
despite the poor weather.
Near the summit we reached the snow line and the path to the top had
been marked out for the sponsored walkers to prevent them going too
close to the cliffs. We eventually reached the summit where numerous
walkers were taking photographs of the cloud covered summit and having
a snack. We did likewise before commencing the descent.
We returned by the mountain path and once around the 1000 metre mark
the cloud broke and we had views down into Glen Nevis and out over Fort
William. During the descent we met numerous walkers who were involved
in a 'Three Peaks Challenge' ascending the mountain, some of whom were
finding it hard going.
Eventually we reached the car park at the Ben Nevis Inn and despite the
poor weather my lady clients appeared to have enjoyed the experience,
although one found it fairly hard going.
Apologies for no photos on this occasion but no point in taking
pictures of low cloud.
For stats see:
http://caledoniahilltreks.blogspot.com
Lindsay
www.caledoniahilltreks.com