So, what did I do about it? The long reach of Loch Linnhe stretches away to Mull and beyond in the southwest (Pic. I’ve just got back from climbing Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. When we almost encountered a brush with hypothermia due to being absolute idiots and not bringing our waterproof clothing, we were able to motivate each other to keep pushing ahead to warm up. Share on Social Media . The Harvey maps recommended above include an enlargement of the summit of Ben Nevis, along with the bad visibility descent route – i.e. The remains of the observatory are still visible today. It is perfectly normal for there to be snow on the summit plateau of Ben Nevis until well into the summer (Pic. Boy, 7, climbs Ben Nevis after his parents were told he would never walk. The climb generally takes anywhere between 7 and 9 hours. Please do not drop litter under any circumstances! The mountain is now all that remains of the imploded inner dome of the volcano. If looking after a group, it is important to make sure that every member of the party is keeping as comfortable as possible. The 1345m ascent was spread over just the right length for a decent average slope with a good amount of flatter stretches to balance. Weather phenomena recorded in previous years in Ben Nevis ☃ Water Temperature in localities in Ben Nevis ☀ Weather forecast for Ben Nevis in September ☔. [email protected], Wilderness Scotland Walk at a pace that you can maintain comfortably. My legs got the most tired in this section due to the steep incline and rocky conditions. US: 1-866-740-3890 Seriously. Having climbed Wales Mount Snowdon in March, just before the national lockdown, I knew climbing mountains is something I just love and would recommend to anybody. A seven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy is preparing to climb Ben Nevis at the weekend. Firstly, your personal fitness is important, and the best preparation for climbing mountains is to climb mountains! Friday 25th September was the day I decided to climb Ben Nevis for the first time! The average time taken to climb Ben Nevis is 7-9 hours, with the climb to the top taking around 4 hours, and the return 3 hours. Here are five essentials you need to put in your backpack when hiking Ben Nevis: First Aid Kit – at least a basic one with some blister plasters. It is rare to get clear views from the top, and indeed the cloud had closed in. At first, we found the path easy, and steadily climbing we left the glen behind. The impressive and imposing cliffs of the North Face are famous amongst climbers worldwide (Pic. By James Orpwood Choice of kit is very much influenced by the unpredictable nature of the weather, so the “layering system” is best applied to clothing, taking additional items to ensure your comfort and safety in varying conditions. If you are on your own, carry a personal “survival bag”, a small First Aid kit, and a fully charged mobile phone. Return to the glen is made by reversing this route. After reaching the end of the zig zag section and into the long rocky step section of the mountain, we felt much warmer and no longer feared for our lives (dramatic, right?!). Ascending and descending Ben Nevis is a journey filled with highs and lows. According to Wikipedia, ”evidence near the summit shows light-coloured granite (which had cooled in subterranean chambers several kilometres beneath the surface) lies among dark basaltic lavas (that form only on the surface). Mark and Scott are taking on the challenge to climb Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom on the 17th August. The mountain used to be an active volcano, until it erupted and collapsed on itself, millions of years ago. As the path starts to climb the mountain, the views become more and more beautiful. The path is very well trodden, and apart from in very poor weather hard to miss. Considerable efforts go into maintaining and repairing the mountain track each year, often by volunteers working in some pretty tough conditions. It is strongly recommended that your first ascent of Ben Nevis be attempted during the summer months (approximately May to September). Indeed, this ancient volcano is 1,345 meters high (4,413′ feet high), making it the highest mountain, followed by Ben Macdui, culminating at a solid 1,309 meters. – Take at least 2 litres of water with you! Ben Nevis via Mountain Path, August Climbing this mountain was the highlight of my trip to Scotland in late summer (early August). ! Wanting to briefly get away from thinking about what I can and can’t do in face of Coronavirus, I decided to go to the Scottish highlands for the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis in an effort to improve my running. Knowing what the weather will be like during your climb is key for physical and mental preparation. If you’re going to climb Ben Nevis, make sure you have fun! If you have poor phone signal, it may be possible to send an emergency message to 999 or 112, although your phone should be pre-registered in order to achieve this (see https://www.ngts.org.uk/how-to-use-ngt/contact-999-using-ngt.html# for further information). The name of the mountain track itself provides interest in that many people refer to it as the tourist route. Highland In the relatively cold mountain environment, decomposition of such things takes much longer than might be expected, leaving nothing but an unsightly mess for those who follow. That’s a long way. A Silva Expedition 4 compass is recommended for mountain navigation. Watch this beautiful video from charity John Muir Trust who manage the visitor impact and conserve the beauty of this area. Having driven all the way to Scotland, we wanted to tackle the longest path so we could soak in all the sights. This helps to maintain footfall on the path and avoids eroding other parts of the mountain. Additional items such as sunglasses and sun cream can be judged according to the weather forecast, and don’t forget any personal medication that you may require during the course of the day. Pic 6 – Lochain Meall an t-Suidhe, “the halfway lochain”. CLIMB BEN NEVIS . My brother and I arrived at the Glen Nevis visitor centre at about 10:00 AM, paid for parking and headed towards the start of the Mountain Path. Absolute fail. The ascent raises your heart rate, pushes you to your physical limits, challenges your balance and agility, tones your leg muscles, burns plenty of calories and engages the upper arms and core. Anything you take up the mountain should come down with you. I hate staying in one place for too long, and 4 months in my hometown of Maidstone in Kent has been too long. The normal time taken to climb the mountain path is 3.5 hours. I’ve never appreciated a car’s heating system as much as I did following the descent! On a clear day you can see Northern Ireland up to 120 miles away, 5. James Robertson was the first recorded person to climb Ben Nevis, and that was back in August 1771. It is good practice to walk at the speed of the slowest member of the group. BritRail Passes for Overseas Visitors If you’re planning on travelling around England and Scotland then the best option is to buy the BritRail GB Pass. It is essential that you take a map suitable for navigating in the mountains, a compass, and knowledge of how to use them. Bein Nibheis can also mean the famous Scott god Lugh, who was well known to have spent his time on tall mountains. Treat yourself after a great achievement in the hills with a good dinner and maybe even a wee drink :). Take your time climbing the mountain. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Castle Ridge (Moderate) is the shortest at 270m and the easiest. 5), as the approximate line of the modern path follows a line once used by those accessing a weather observatory which used to operate on the summit of Ben Nevis. At this point, you ascend a straight on the mountain top before changing direction and ascending the next straight in the opposite direction and so on until you arrive at the last section of the mountain which is characterised by the lunar landscape towards the summit. Whichever starting point is chosen, all lead on to the pony track which climbs steadily along the lower flanks of the hill Meall an t-Suidhe. As the foggy, cloudy and rainy conditions made it hard to see more than 5 metres in front, we were careful to stick to the path and not stray off course. If the conditions are particularly nice, it’s possible to see the Northern Ireland mountain of Knocklayd. From here, the path crosses the summit plateau, up a couple of final inclines, to the corner of Gardyloo Gully (marked by three cairns). You could climb Ben Nevis with your romantic partner, family members, work colleagues or your mates. Having others you like and respect climb the mountain with you will make it an incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and wholesome experience you will remember for the rest of your lives. Enjoy! It is worth bearing in mind that a covering of snow, particularly when accompanied by low cloud, can make route finding and navigation very challenging. Take great care in this area as the path takes you very close to the edge of cliffs. Alpine in stature, imposing and elegant in appearance, the four great ridges of the Ben are superb experiences to climb. How Long does it take to climb Ben Nevis? I needed an an adventure, yet a productive one. The summit of Ben Nevis is located at a height of 1,345 … To this day, the ruins of the observatory can be viewed upon reaching the summet. From here, the famous zig zags begin, with the path climbing steadily up the western flank of the mountain, right to the edge of the summit plateau at the top of the zig zags at a height of 1200 m. (Note the circular shelter and abrupt flattening). I’m someone who loves travelling and exploring new places. I loved scaling up rocky slopes, seeing sheep on the Scottish hills, motivating other runners to persevere, pushing my limits, experiencing different parts of the mountain. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This not only maintains morale, but it keeps group members together and avoids faster group members having to stop (and possibly get cold) whilst waiting for slower group members to catch up. “Be bold, start cold” is a good rule of thumb as you will generate heat whilst walking uphill. So make the most of those rest breaks, keep them brief but purposeful, and keep moving at a steady pace. Published: Apr 25, 2019More by James. In 2019, a team of highliners crossed Gardyloo Gully (4,000ft up) on a piece of cable. A seven-year-old boy with cerebral palsy whose parents were told he would never walk has climbed the highest mountain in the British Isles. 1), while close by, iconic mountains of the Mamores and Glen Coe dominate (Pic. Ben Nevis 9th August 2014. The mountain will always be there – the trick is to make sure you can come back should you wish to do so! On the other hand, if your goal is to climb the mountain for training and you’re not feeling any bodily resistance from the climb you should probably speed up. Great family achievement in climbing the BEN! Above here, the path turns sharply right, continuing until the Red Burn is crossed. Ideally, climb some lower hills to get used to both being out in the mountains and the effects of several hours of continuous walking up- and downhill. In this article, I detail my experience and give top tips for making the most out of a Ben Nevis climb. In June 2011 (just 8 months after I finished my treatment), my dad and I climbed Helvellyn (the third highest mountain in England). After a bit of online research, the ‘Mountain Path’ appeared to be the longest option described as the most straightforward. There is a platform at the mountain’s summit which we quickly ascended with a fellow climber being kind enough to take our photo. Never the less, the Mountain Path made for a beautiful and challenging first time up Ben Nevis. Most hiking ascents of Ben Nevis start from either the Achintee Inn or theVisitor’s Centre, both in Glen Nevis. Furthermore, many people climb Ben Nevis for the amazing views it gives, of the nearby towns, valleys and lochs. In Scottish Gaelic, Beinn means mountain and Nibheis means malicious. The summit lies approximately 150 m northeast of here, and is unmistakable with its raised trig point, emergency shelter, and remains of the weather observatory. Walking and Climbing Ben Nevis. James Robertson, an 18th century botanist, was in the Scottish highlands on a mission to collect specimens for Edinburgh’s College Museum. Secondly, just before your attempt, look up the weather forecast. Being with my brother made the climb up Ben Nevis enjoyable because there was somebody else I knew going through the same struggles and emotions. At the top of Ben Nevis is a rocky plateau of about 100 acres, a trig point denotes the highest point, while there is also a ruined observatory (now a shelter for those caught out by the weather). Most people choose to start their climb by at least 9am. In 2018, BASE jumper Tim Howell jumped off of Ben Nevis which was covered by BBC Scotland. Also bear in mind that you will need to stop to eat, drink, adjust clothing layers and take photographs, all things which can rapidly eat time! My brother and I treated the climb as training for our running so we powered ahead and were able to get it done in about 2.5 with only one small stop for water. It’ll make it a more fun climb. If you don’t live near the hills, or you are visiting Scotland on a tight time schedule, at least try to make sure you have a good basic level of fitness, best achieved by walking, running, cycling or swimming. Enjoy. The summit plateau of Ben Nevis (Pic. An extra warm layer or two available within the group, a spare hat or two, and perhaps an extra couple of pairs of gloves will be very welcome if you find yourselves having to stay put for any length of time. Ben Nevis with kids My friend and I are planning to climb Ben Nevis in August, along with our three children (aged 12, 13 and 15). Caeden Thomson, who has cerebral palsy, has raised more than £8,000 after trekking to the top of Ben Nevis … August 23, 2014. From skiing, ice-climbing and running, the mountain hosts many sporting events and is used for a variety of sporting purposes. As you can tell by the picture, we were happy to be standing on the highest natural point within the UK despite the wind, fog and rain! Ben Nevis stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the region of Lochaber, close to the town of Fort William. This is the hill visible from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, often mistaken for Ben Nevis itself! Its proper name is in fact the pony track (Pic. Being the absolute rookies we are, my brother and I purchased a range of waterproof clothing for the trip but forgot to pick up the bag that it was stored in from our home in Kent. If I could do something that be physical and demanding, it would improve my running. With a peak of 1,345m high, Ben Nevis is the highest and most iconic mountain in the UK. Thank you Scotland! Staying down in Glen Coe we got up at 6am to get ready and drove up to Glen Nevis. the compass bearings necessary to negotiate your way safely from the summit of Ben Nevis back to the zig zags. This includes “biodegradable” waste such as bananas skins and apple cores. Ever since I have been little my mum, my dad and I have always been keen walkers. The key word here is responsible, and we can all do our bit to help minimise our impact on Scotland’s wild places. Published: Dec 10, 2020, Meike van Krimpen | More By This Author After crossing a conveniently placed bridge, traversing a trail of steps and hopping over stones in the stream of a waterfall, you’ll come to a long zig zag section. Reaching to the top feels good! Runners First is a blog for the running community. Published: Sep 30, 2020 5 min read, Emy MacLeod | More By This Author PRICE FREEZE - Book at 2020 Prices and £100-£300 Travel Voucher for Every Traveller ». He was a botanist from Edinburgh that was in the area to collect botanical specimens. His entry read: ‘I ascended Ben Nevis which is reckoned the highest mountain in Britain. Learn how your comment data is processed. 2). It was a busy day for climbing so my brother and I found we were overtaking many others during this stage as we like to go at a decent pace. The plan is to put together a few teams to climb Nevis in August this year. For this program, you will need to travel to Fort William, which is around a 3.5 hours drive from Edinburgh (Scotland) and around 2.5 hours from Glasgow(Scotland). There are ruins of a meterorological survey on the summit, 6. Travel guide and advices. My and my fiance and another lovley couple had checked the weather the day before and it was to be clear skies, hardly any cloud and temp to be about -11 at the top. As you do! I’ve just got back from climbing Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. 6). However, high winds, heavy rain, snow, and poor visibility can and do occur during any month on the year on Ben Nevis, so always pay attention to a reliable mountain weather forecast such as those produced by the Met Office or the Mountain Weather Information Service. Read an overview of the climate. The top of Ben Nevis is surprisingly flat and huge. It is not quite halfway, but the path does become easier for a time here, providing some welcome respite for the legs. Climbing a mountain takes you out of the artificial walls of the modern world and thrusts you into the sheer might and beauty of nature. Other than this, other essentials include food and drink, and a headlamp with spare batteries. When the infamous Scottish weather of rain and cloud subsides, those who reach the summet enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from the moutain’s peak. Don’t be fooled by the weather conditions down in Fort William, it will be very different on the upper slopes of Ben Nevis, so make sure you take warm and waterproof clothes including hat and gloves. My name's Craig and I run. The upper section is rough and stony, so vigilance is required when navigating the latter stages of the route. Particularly important during busy periods of the climbing year like in summer when conditions are less treacherous. During the final 30 minutes of the descent, the rain picked up once more and we received another battering of Scottish rain before reaching the solace of the car. The first recorded ascent of Ben Nevis was made on the 17 August 1771 by James Robertson, an Edinburgh botanist, who was in the region to collect botanical specimens.Another early ascent was in 1774 by John Williams, who provided the first account of the mountain's geological structure. Having looked on the Met Office’s website, we were primed to take on the wind and the rain. This is crucial if attempting the mountain without a guide, but even if you are going with a guide, it does no harm to check the mountain weather forecast yourself so you have a good idea of what to expect on the day. Enjoy. It was during the zig zag portion of the mountain that the rain started to fall, with the blowing wind ensuring we got a good soaking. While the view from the top is nearly always hidden in clouds, the views from your journey up will astound you and will give you many opportunities to take stunning photos as you take a break from walking. Just after a small bridge, the path turns sharply into the valley containing the Red Burn, climbing more steeply to Lochain Meall an t-Suidhe. In the late-1870s, the Scottish Meteorological Society built an observatory for studying the weather at a high altitude. We set off at 10:30AM. There’s a distillery at the foot of the mountain. The highest mountain in the whole of the UK, it seems as if half of Scotland is spread before you when at the summit on a clear day – from the mountains of Skye in the northwest to the Cairngorms in the east. Brave! Extra Layers (Warm Clothes) Waterproof/Windproof Jacket. The bottom line is, please take your litter home! These are vitally important, particularly if the path is buried under snow, and it is worth familiarising yourself with these prior to your ascent. There are photo opportunities at every second up the mountain so make sure your phone/camera is charged and ready to snap at a moments notice. 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