A June 2004 trip to Fort William by Wijnandts
Quote: At 1,300m above sea level, Ben Nevis is nothing compared to the high Himalayas or Andes, and not even the Austrian Alps. But very changeable weather makes this mountain a tough climb.
Attraction
There are several ways to go up, and there is even a running match now and then--the record up and down is 45 minutes or so. Perhaps the most interesting way is via the Carn More Dearg Arete. The famous pub on the foot is always extremely busy, and so are the first metres of the Pony Track uphill. Where others go right, immediately to the top, we went left, rounding Ben Nevis from the north. We descended into a valley, leaving the trail, to the last stop where water could be taken from a small river. Then we went up again to a steep ridge. From here, there is a magnificent view of our final destination (at least, we thought it was). The Carn More Dearg and the Ben Nevis form a funnel through which the wind is pushed with high speed up the slopes. Little ice particles were swept in our faces, and sight was often completely lost. We now had to pass a steep slope. But after a few metres, we decided to go down. We did not take the appropriate precautions to finish. Amazingly, there were hikers in lesser outfit (with sneakers and light clothing) who did continue. We went down, into the valley, following the river to the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 25, 2005
Ben Nevis Near Fort William Fort William & Lochaber, Scotland
Wijnandts Diever, Netherlands
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