Glencoe - Scotland

Ben Nevis (4409 ft)

This was to be my fourth ascent of Ben Nevis, Scotland, in fourteen months. If the clear blue sky remained, prospects would be good for a clear view at the top. (On my previous three visits, the top had been shrouded in cloud.) The route up the Pony Track (the 'tourist route!') is relatively easy to follow, often more like follow-me–leader’ as the route is such a popular ‘family’ walk.

Caution is required in poor visibility on the final approach to the summit, as the path follows close to the north face. An error would be fatal. Also, snow cornices overhang the north face often through the summer covering the footpath. Danger exist of falling through the snow when trying to follow the path. A compass should be used under these conditions, both to reach the top and on descent to the same path.

The walk started from the Visitor Centre car park in Glen Nevis. Once over the river Nevis, it was across the couple of styles before joining the main route up to Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. The temperature steadily rose as height was gained .... not only from walking but the strength of the sun.
(photo: Looking down Glen Nevis after crossing the river Nevis.)

It wasn’t long before we were passing Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, and on the way to Allt na h-Urchaire (Red Burn) flowwing down the side of Ben Nevis. This is about halfway and start of the trek up the zigzag path. Steady progress was made with the odd stop for photographs and water.
(photo: Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe from the zigzag path)

The golden rule of walking is that you can never be sure how the weather will develop ..... and it looked like that today. Clouds had started to develop over Ben Nevis as the path rose past Carn Dearg. Surely not another ‘clouded Ben Nevis’ visit!
(photo: Carn Dearg)

(photo: Suddenly the clouds had descend on the approach path to Ben Nevis)

Fortunately, the clouds were rather thin and kept clearing. Eventually, we reached the level area where the path passed close to the north face of Ben Nevis.
(photo: Looking past the top of Ben Nevis to Carn mor Dearg)

A few more paces and we were at the trig point..... and on top of Ben Nevis, the highest point of Great Britain. Time for a coffee and a snack.
(photo: Carn Dearg and the glen below. Not sure what the cross in the foreground commemorates.)

It was quite cool on Ben Nevis, so we didn’t spend too much time sitting around. After a couple of more photos we started our descent.
(photo: 'Posing' on Ben Nevis)

(photo: The top of Ben Nevis with the start of Carn mor Dearg arete)

It is essential in poor visibility to use a compass to clear the top of Ben Nevis, as it is quite easy to venture down Five Finger Gully or Surgeons Gully. Both are dangerous areas with no safe route down .... and inevitably no way back up!


(photo: Looking south towards Stob Ban)	(photo: Fort William and Loch Linnhe)

The descent was uneventful, just continual pounding of the knees from walking down the rocks and loose shingle. Once passed Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, the final steep area around Meall an t-Suidhe was negotiated and we were on the long gentle descent to the Visitor Centre.
(photo: Bidhein Bad na h-lollaire across Glen Nevis)

The final few hundred yards walk was postponed as I noticed a bar along the track that led to Achintee House. (Just before the first stile leading down to the river Nevis) A cool pint of larger later, we crossed over the river Nevis to complete our journey back to the car .... and it was still glorious sunshine. My fourth ascent of Ben Nevis ... and at last a clearish view.