Having bagged Scafell Pike and Snowdon the previous years, the only natural choice for this year was Ben Nevis, or The Ben, as I’m told you may refer to it if you’ve climbed it. This would be my second time up here as my dad and I climbed it around 1997, in what was maybe the forerunner to these weekend walks.
It’s a long drive up, but well worth it, we stopped just north of Glasgow for a leg stretch on the shores of loch Lomond, and skimmed a few stones, then onwards, through the majestic Glen Coe and into Fort William.
We got our first glimpse of the top through the cloud
and found a steam train!
The next day, we got ready and set off. The plan was to take a more challenging route up the north face, which was a bit of a scramble. We headed off up the normal path, but skirted around the side, past a mountaineering hut, and followed a stream up towards snow, in July! Of course, when presented with such an opportunity, you build a snowman!
After quite a precarious scramble up some loose scree, we got to the top. Views weren’t great, but it’s a great feeling knowing that at that moment, you’re the highest person in the UK!
Except for Brian May’s feet apparently
I was presented with a gift of red socks
and had a climb up the cairn
Then it was back down, were we went for a great curry and some drinks, and the drive back home the next day. Another brilliant weekend!
