Anyone climbed Ben Nevis

I shall be visiting your wonderful countryside next June and I would like to climb the 'Ben'

Is it possible to do without ropes etc. I've heard there is track to the top??

Anyone been can offer some tips.

The tracks good enough that you could get the sv up there , or the other side (non touristy is a bit more challenging.

Because of the track and ease of access etc a lot of people underestimate it, dont plan properly,

I've seen folks heading up on nice summer days in their shorts and jesus sandels (with socks) dragging the kids, not realising that its -7 with wind chill and 2 feet of snow at the top.

As long as you are sensible / prepared then its no problem, pretty much any level of fitness will manage, only the time it takes will differ.

If youve done any hill walking its just the usual, spare clothes, inc waterproof jkt, water, mars bars etc, its not rocket science, but every year some people manage to make a right mess of it.

http://www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/b...s/footpath.htm

Hope this helps.

Piece of ****...

I've cycled up it and mountain biked down in my lycra

Done it when I was about 10, not terribly difficult. Although it started raining and I didn't have waterproofs so ran down ahead of my mum and sister. And promptly slipped on a loose, wet surface and very nearly fell off a VERY steep incline. Then I got scared and got assisted all the way down from these Spanish tourists who were awffy nice.

I don't like to remember that day, can still visualize the 'drop'.

In June your Granny could walk up it. Loads of Mums struggle up in high heels dragging the reluctant kids.

In the winter the unprepared (= stupid) usually come down by RAF helicopter or on a stretcher courtesy of mountain rescue (or once in a while somebody comes down in a body bag).

Take decent boots and if its a hot day get some zip off walking trousers and take a fleece in your backpack. This way you can stay cool on the way up, but don't have to come straight back down 'cos its bloody freezing at the top. Have fun!!

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

In the winter the unprepared (= stupid) usually come down by RAF helicopter or on a stretcher courtesy of mountain rescue (or once in a while somebody comes down in a body bag).

Don't scare the guy, he said he was going in june, lol

Originally Posted by on yer bike

Don't scare the guy

Fee, Fi, Fo, Phum - I smell the blood of an English man!

For risk of identifying the victim and out of respect for the family I won't put the date, but this very unfortunate incident was in the past couple of winters. Sure the family wouldn't mind this example being publicised, purely to educate folk that winter climbs of the Ben are not to be taken lightly!

"xxth Feb 200x - Scottish Mountain Rescue, Northern Constabulary and SARDA Scotland, search for a missing walker on Ben Nevis. After a substantial search in deep snow the search was stood down. The body of the walker was discovered some weeks later as the snow melted."

But don't be put off DanDare, in summer it really is a pussy cat! Are you coming by bike? We'll arrange an SVEcosse ride out and show you the best roads to Fort William! We could even camp out in Glen Nevis and walk it with you.

Originally Posted by on yer bike

Don't scare the guy, he said he was going in june, lol

If its anything like June this year then he'll need crampons, an ice axe and oxygen!

There was snow at the summit in july

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Are you coming by bike? We'll arrange an SVEcosse ride out and show you the best roads to Fort William! We could even camp out in Glen Nevis and walk it with you.

Truly the man with the plan! Count me in.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Are you coming by bike? We'll arrange an SVEcosse ride out and show you the best roads to Fort William! We could even camp out in Glen Nevis and walk it with you.

Sounds like a plan!