This struck fear into my heart as my usual rule is that I don’t climb anything that requires technical stuff – especially in the scary snow. The Ben as it’s affectionately known is climbed by 150,000 people every year with another 100,000 people turning back due to bad weather or finding the ascent too challenging. Read More, WELL TRAVELLED + LUXURY + ADVENTURES = THE BOUTIQUE ADVENTURER © 2020 The Boutique Adventurer Travel Blog . The video of Dave Macleod making the first ascent of the mixed climb Nevermore on Ben Nevis, followed by two other first winter ascents in the Glen … When we run group walking and private guide services, we often leave enough time for a 8-10 hour excursion. The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass covers more than 75 properties & the Scottish Heritage Pass covers over 120 properties between April 1 and October 31. If conditions had been perfect i doubt the climb would have been as memorable. mobile wi-fi rental wireless internet anywhere you go in. The visibility on Ben Nevis was not great – although at that point I was only concerned about taking photos rather than actually being able to see where I was going. My legs ached, my knees hurt, my feet were stinging and i was absolutely soaked, plus the thought of the distance back down was unnerving. Ben Nevis Training Guide: Part 4 – Nutrition Weather phenomena recorded in previous years in Ben Nevis ☃ Water Temperature in localities in Ben Nevis ☀ Weather forecast for Ben Nevis in October ☔. And I had already checked that I could have room service. Travel guide and advices. Indeed, this ancient volcano is 1,345 meters high (4,413′ feet high), making it the highest mountain, followed by Ben Macdui, culminating at a solid 1,309 meters. We set off to climb Ben Nevis at about 9am and the weather was awful so i knew it was going to be a challenge. British Rail Passes for Overseas VisitorsRail is a brilliant way to get around Scotland. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Anyway, we got to the go/no-go zone and John said he thought I could handle climbing Ben Nevis so I couldn’t say no. Pick up the good path beside the river (on the east side) and follow it for several kilometres into the bowl of the mountains, between Ben Nevis and the Carns. We were a small group and we enjoyed the challenge of the climb, made more challenging given it was raining for most of it. He also told me how many people disappear climbing Ben Nevis each year as the weather comes in so quickly and destroys visibility. That is an ascend of 1,345 metres. Read an overview of the climate. They came back with Atlas Mountaineering. BritRail Passes for Overseas VisitorsIf you’re planning on travelling around England and Scotland then the best option is to buy the BritRail GB Pass. The Ben Nevis walk lets you know what you are in for from the beginning. Our daily dog walks gave us some reprieve and and a small taste of our surroundings. He looked at me like I was a bit mad and said well it doesn’t get worse than total whiteout. And this can, of course, continue once you arrive. This part of the climb was when things got tough, not so much physically but the weather made the climb so much more mentally demanding. I have never been so happy to see a car in my life as I was that day. The most important thing to pack is solid footwear. ⇒ 6 Best Places to watch Sunsets in Seattle. Even in summer, Ben Nevis can be very cold, wet, windy and covered in snow; and remember, it will get colder and windier the higher you climb. Don’t be fooled by the weather conditions down in Fort William, it will be very different on the upper slopes of Ben Nevis, so make sure you take warm and waterproof clothes including hat and gloves. One guy said the descent is much more dangerous, and he was right. Climbing Ben Nevis: Finding a Guide. However, the summer months can be quite wet, and Scotland gets some bad storms in June and July. The first third of the climb was much easier than expected with the only annoyances being trying to get around the groups of slower hikers and the fact i was soaked to the skin after about five minutes. A restaurant meets you at the top. Weather in Ben Nevis in September 2020. The fact conditions were so bad probably made the experience better in some ways as i loved the intensity. This covers all train journeys across all of the United Kingdom. If you like the idea of staying super close to Ben Nevis but after something more decadent you can actually stay at Inverlochy Castle – but prices do start at £313 per night. The mountain path ascent will generally take between 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours, with a further 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours descent. The Ben Nevis Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is noted for a diverse range of habitats and wildlife. Kudos to you for completing the hike. Read an overview of the climate. ⇒ Another great option is to drive through the stunning South West of Scotland – don’t miss the lovely areas of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire. The crampons were actually great – so much easier to walk in. Here is a fantastic itinerary that covers everything great to do in Edinburgh in 4 days. A 'bunch of idiots' who decided to climb Ben Nevis in trainers and without a map during Storm Ciara are 'lucky to be alive' after mountain rescuers saved the group from hypothermia and 80mph winds. An hour later we stopped climbing Ben Nevis for the first time that day – it was about 3 pm. That is approximately 791 male adults standing on top of one another. This allows for a steady ascent, up a well maintained path. The best place to fly into to climb Ben Nevis is Glasgow. Privacy Policy However, I find Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. You can enjoy a bar meal on the loch, some stunning views and you are right in Fort William. He had been in conditions that bad before but never anything worse which was quite sobering. Mountain climbing is a kind of adventure I always love to do. All about climbing Ben Nevis and a mountain of work. We continued to climb this path in near zero visibility and sideways rain. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Airline Reviews And the ice axe was heavy but fine. Video: Dave Macleod winter climbing in Scotland planetmountain.com. We got so far and reached the plateau so the last 10 minutes were trivial really, as one of the other climbers said to us.It's this point where things got physically challenging for myself. I emailed the hotel I was staying at (The Lime Tree) and asked for a recommendation.. The weather on Ben Nevis can change dramatically from a sunny hot day to heavy rain and strong winds, with very limited visibility – it is therefore very important that you pack for all eventualities and all weather conditions! Finally, I was able to eat something although I was so exhausted by that point I could barely be bothered. I can certainly see how this is the case. Next time I come I will spend more time here. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this. I would also be careful going up in a group (which they run in the summer) and stick close to the guide and other members of the group. There was a constant stream running all the way down the rocky path which made slipping a real possibility. If you’re planning on exploring the Highlands and the islands of Scotland then a better option is the BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass. After I sent him an email the owner Connor actually rang me and asked if I knew what I was getting into. Enjoy a work out to the top or learn the sport’s basics on other rock faces on the mountain. Like all of the Bens, Nevis is a hugely more impressive experience on a clear and sunny day. All rights reserved | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. I would highly recommend climbing Ben Nevis in better weather than I did – preferably June before the midges. It was a great day. I checked it out against shots on a clear day on Ben Nevis online the next day and could not believe the difference. I have visited over 70 countries and love finding hidden gems, boutique hotels and great food and wine. That hike sounds really scary. Join the Boutique Adventurer's email list to read about new emerging destinations, airline and hotel reviews and much more. Great blog. Rain or shine, Ben Nevis is an excellent location for climbers of every calibre. Ridge was very slippery from all the rain, then got icy about 400m up, then finally a snowy/icy finish to cap it off. ⇒ Looking to explore the South and South West of England? John was keen to get us down as quickly as possible – so was I but it was hard work on the knees heading down – and scary stuff heading down at quite a fast pace in crampons. There is a BritRail MPass which has an e-ticket that can be downloaded onto a mobile. Access WIFI at local rates with the mobile wi-fi rental wireless internet anywhere you go in Britain. I’m Amanda, an Australian who has been living in London for over 16 years. However, it has one key restriction which is that the travel must be taken on consecutive days so make sure you check if this suits your plans before purchasing. I haven't been to Scotland yet, and this guide will surely be a big help If I climb this mountain. At one point John turned to me and said: “We’re here”. Boutique Hotels Ideas like these are so useful for a hiking freak like me! How Long Will it Take to Climb Ben Nevis? It’ll make it a more fun climb. Do bring a water bladder and/or water bottle with at least 2 litres of water. It really is the most lovely way to see Scotland in my view. She was worried about herself at this point so we decided to turn back as a team. A driving monument to Scottish history and an inspiring presence. I pitched my tent at the campsite in Fort William, right at the one of the starting point to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Climbing Ben Nevis in winter is a challenging day out but still very attainable for all kinds of levels and we are available to guide you to the summit safely in winter conditions. I was in the area but unfortunately only for one day. ⇒Wineries in Montepulciano: 12 Not to Miss. Then came the worst bit – getting down the mountain. I asked where we were and he replied that we had reached the summit of Ben Nevis. However, high winds, heavy rain, snow, and poor visibility can and do occur during any month on the year on Ben Nevis, so always pay attention to a reliable mountain weather forecast such as those produced by the Met Office or the Mountain Weather Information Service. Be prepared. Luckily there was a snow-covered rock that I could put my hand on and get a photo on my phone. He was very experienced and gave me a lot of warnings about climbing Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis stands at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, close to the town of Fort William. It is recommended that amateur walkers should only attempt to climb Ben Nevis between June and September. There is nowhere to buy supplies once you are on the climb so make sure you bring snacks, some lunch etc. ⇒ If you are travelling around Scotland don’t miss the lovely Edinburgh! On practically any day, Ben Nevis is a cold, beautiful and solitary place of majestic peace and ancient power. your pocket wifi can be picked up at Heathrow or Paddington Station. ⇒ Baden-Baden Spa Guide: Naked or Clothed? If you would like to stay as close to Ben Nevis as possible you can stay at The Factors Inn which is on the grounds of Inverlochy Castle. Hi! Climbing Ben Nevis will be an experience that you will never be able to forget. We headed off and decided we would review how fat to climb about an hour or so in. Extra Layers (Warm Clothes) Waterproof/Windproof Jacket. Both mountains are among the nine in Scotland over 4,000 feet. Passed by many beautiful views but sadly I didn’t have the chance to enjoy it because of the poor visibility. Suncream – Yep, i’m not joking. Weather phenomena recorded in previous years in Ben Nevis ☃ Water Temperature in localities in Ben Nevis ☀ Weather forecast for Ben Nevis in September ☔. Being with my brother made the climb up Ben Nevis enjoyable because there was somebody else I knew going through the same struggles and emotions. If you are heading to Scotland from London, in particular, it can be a lovely experience to take the train. Ben Nevis: Mostly a climb in rain - See 2,457 traveler reviews, 2,362 candid photos, and great deals for Fort William, UK, at Tripadvisor. Summer days are quite long in Scotland – the sun comes up around 5am and it gets dark around 10pm. Check out my posts on Ockenden Manor Spa in Sussex, wonderful Things to do in Winchester, a Day trip to Brighton, Exeter Cafes, Exmouth Boat Trip options, 9 The Crown Filming Locations you can visit, Fun things to do in Cardiff, 7 Boutique Hotels in Cornwall Places to visit in South Wales, Where to Stay in the Cotswolds, Cotswolds Tour from London, Luxury Hotels Yorkshire and spa hotels South West England. This place is so beautiful and the views are breathtaking and everything is so green. ... Fortunately the weather had been absolute shit and the rain helped to dissolve the guilt of our entrapment. But it’s up and back in the day. He also explained that the weather changed very quickly climbing Ben Nevis. I hired the crampons and ice axe from him for my climb up Ben Nevis as well as some winter climbing boots. An hour later we put on crampons and I had my first go at an ice axe. For this program, you will need to travel to Fort William, which is around a 3.5 hours drive from Edinburgh (Scotland) and around 2.5 hours from Glasgow(Scotland). I covered all of the costs associated with my climb up Ben Nevis. Temperature of water and air, precipitation, amount of days with rain and advice on the best time to visit Ben Nevis. Taiwan's export orders likely rose in December for a 10th straight month, a Reuters poll showed, buoyed by continued demand for technology products during … It's a truly beautiful area to visit. Ben Nevis is a beautiful place to visit for fantastic views over the Scottish countryside. There are some fantastic UK City and Sightseeing passes which offer free entry to all must-see attractions & great deals. The climb generally takes anywhere between 7 and 9 hours. I was groaning in pain most of the way down and had serious jelly legs.Overall the climb took 6 hours, 4 up, 2 down and despite the weather and the fact we didn't get to see some of the best views due to the cloud the trip was well worth it. The rocks were slippery and climbing down some of the big rocks was very risky, exhausting and painful at the same time. Ben Nevis, in Fort William, Scotland, is the highest mountain in the UK, standing tall at 1,345m. Not being able to see how much more path ahead was a real pain as we were essentially climbing blind at this point. This is not a stroll in the park, it is demanding. Layers are critical as the weather is so prone to major changes. The best time to climb Ben Nevis is from late spring to early autumn. There are good facilities at the base, toilets, food and ski/snowboard hire. I had an amazing hot shower and jumped into my high thread count sheets. The last thing nobody told us about climbing Ben Nevis was… that it's even harder coming down!!! Thanks Denny - the truth is I didn't know what I was getting into so I don't think I was that brave!!!! If you’re staying in Glasgow check out my post on the best tours to take in Glasgow. Ben Nevis Mountain Track hike details. Instagrammable Your photos are really amazing as well. Once you arrive in Scotland I would highly recommend that you hire a car. The navigation is generally very easy and the weather conditions are just like Ben Nevis and Snowdon. I really didn’t think climbing Ben Nevis would be that big a deal. We were literally 10 minutes away from the summit which was frustrating, but like they say, safety first. Reaching to the top feels good! Food and Wine Hiking distance: 10.5 miles Hiking duration: 6 – 8 hours Altitude: 1,345 meters Elevation gain: 1,145 Difficulty: moderate When to hike: From May to September. If you haven't climbed Ben Nevis (which most Scottish people we spoke to hadn't) then i suggest you do it. Shoes should have good ankle support and a solid grip. After crossing the bridge over the River Nevis, you will start to climb steeply using the steps conveniently provided. The climb from the loch up to the half way waterfall was still relatively easy and we had not hit the clouds by this point.Everything after the waterfall and hitting the cloud layer was unbelievably intense. As I was travelling solo I decided to find a guide to help me in climbing Ben Nevis – thank goodness. The other option is to fly to Inverness which is on the east coast and drive through Loch Ness and head down to Fort William. Either way, enjoy spectacular views in the crips and clean air of the Western Highlands. If you are travelling solo and heading to Scotland check out these organised tour options: Don’t leave home without travel insurance. We work with neighbours and other land managers in the Nevis Landscape Partnership to manage this special and popular area. Despite this the climb was a great experience and we were all pleased with our achievement. The Ben Nevis Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) recognises important geological features. Another hour and a half of painful walking as my soaked socks made my foot slip inside every step – guaranteeing me another lost toenail. This in your pocket wifi can be picked up at Heathrow or Paddington Station. LOTS of water! My son loves hiking Thanks for sharing so much information. Winter climbing boots have a much firmer base so work better with crampons vs normal hiking books. And I’ve done Kilimanjaro. Stay in Touch in the UKGrab a WorldSIM PrePaid Global SIM Card to stay in touch at reasonable prices. 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