Climbing Ben Nevis Mountain Walking UK Highest at Loch Linnhe<<>> Climbing Ben Nevis (Bheinn Nibheis) is part of the Three Peaks Challenge and attracts hikers of all descriptions. It is also great for just walking for the day and having a great time. UK highest mountain at 1344m (4,406ft) was formed around 500 million years ago when two of the earth’s plates collided and the collision began to build the Caledonian Mountain Chain.
The 'Ben' as it is fondly known locally, sits majestically at the head of Loch Linnhe, with its presence dominating the landscape of Glen Nevis around Fort William. The magnificent vistas and unspoiled beauty of the region will lift your spirit as you walk and enjoy the stunning scenery of mountains, valleys, glens, corries, waterfalls and river gorges. Whether you are intending to climb to the summit or just enjoy the local views you'll have a wonderful time.
The Gaelic Bheinn Nibheis (Ben Nevis) is thought to mean terrible or poisonous. The closest is probably venomous. Don't let that put you off. Tens of thousands of people spend time climbing Ben Nevis every year without mishap. In good visibility the main route to the top of Ben Nevis walking, is straight forward enough. However when the mist or low cloud descends or the mountain is covered with snow and ice you have to be careful. Because it’s then so easy to miss the path get lost and ‘fall off’. Especially at the summit plateau because of it’s lack of features and 2000 feet cliffs on the north east face.
Before you begin climbing Ben Nevis it’s advisable to visit the Glen Nevis visitor centre to get the latest weather reports and some good advice for your climb. The weather can change in minutes so be prepared because you don’t want to be one of those who have to be rescued or lifted off… do you? Remember that this is a serious undertaking and dress for the mountain and not for the Glen. Plan for Scotland's changeable weather as whatever the time of year you go up it is usually cold, windy, wet and covered in cloud.
It is said that you have to climb it five or six times before you get a good view from the top. On my climb I was fortunate to have chosen a glorious day in September and I had lunch on the summit in a T-shirt. Where I enjoyed the views over Loch Linnhe, Carn Mor Dearg, Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, the rocky ridge of the Mamores and the mountains of Glen Coe. The view is extensive and extends to over 190 kilometres (120 miles), including such mountains as the Torridon Hills, Morven in Caithness, Lochnagar, Ben Lomond, Barra Head and to Knocklayd in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The simplest and most popular route in climbing Ben Nevis is the "tourist" route (also known as the Ben Path, the Mountain Path or the Pony Track). It begins at Achintee Farm on the east side of Glen Nevis at around 20 metres above sea level. Although the trip there and back is only 16km (10 miles) you will need to allow 6-8 hours.
There is no need to try at set some record because this stands at less than one and a half hours during the Ben Nevis race which takes place in September.
On your ascent spare a thought for the Victorian Clement Wragg who climbed Ben Nevis every day to record the weather. <<>> With the opening of the Ben Nevis Weather Observatory in 1883 a pony track was made for supplies and that over time became the tourist path, which you will most likely climb. The path climbs steeply to the saddle by attractive Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe (a great stop for the coffee you have in your backpack), then ascends over the Red Burn up the path in a series of famous zigzags. Then over ‘Five Finger Gully’ to the summit plateau. The highest point is marked with a large, solidly built cairn atop which sits an Ordnance Survey trig point. This is where you need to stand for the obligatory ‘Photo snaps’ and there will be plenty of fellow climbers only to ready to take reciprocal pictures. As you explore the mountain Nevis summit you will see the remains of the observatory and the War Memorial next to it. In 2006 the John Muir Trust discovered a piano, it was buried under one of the Cairns on the peak. Removal men from Dundee had carried it up for charity over 20 years earlier. Always keep back from the edge as the wind gusts can take you by surprise and be sure to return by the correct path. A Victorian Fort William hotelier established an annex on the summit that provided dinner, bed and breakfast on the top of Ben Nevis! That is no longer the case so enjoy climbing Ben Nevis walk and savour your time at the top but allow plenty of time for your descent because it’s hard on the knees and it can take as long to come down as it does to go up. Enjoy your climb and remember leave only footprints!
|
