As the lockdown continues, so does the lack of hills, therefore
for April, it’s time to take a look back at not just one, but two visits to the
UK’s highest mountain: Ben Nevis. At 4413 feet, the ‘Ben’ has to be all fell
walkers dream hill walk, to scale its heights. I have been fortunate to have climbed it
twice, and both with clear views all around. The first walk was in 1995 with
Kath and John-Paul, all much younger with more hair; and also in 2012 with
Kath, John-Paul, Andy and Alec – again younger with still more hair.
The first time we climbed it we stayed in a hotel in Fort
William and walked straight from the hotel. The second time we climbed it, we
stayed at the camp site at its foot (Glen Nevis Campsite). We took the ‘Tourist
Route’, which it is straight forward route, albeit quite strenuous with lots of
zigzags. It’s a slog and even in summer the top can be full of snow. Not to be
taken lightly, though, so make sure you have right equipment with you and don’t
just decide to nip up it with sandals and a carrier bag with a Tesco Meal Deal.
There is a sense of majesty when you reach the top (‘Hey, I’m
higher than anyone else n the UK!’), and a feeling of great achievement. Views
all around of other Munros, both near and far. Time for some photos and the
walk down for a pint of ale and a great buzz – you’ve bagged the ‘Ben.’
One day I hope to climb it again (if this lockdown ever
ends) and write again about it in this little old blog….
Here's a video I did of it... Ben Nevis 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment