
We parked up at Ben Nevis Visitor Centre - NN 123 731 around 9:30 - 10am. As a group we geared up for the day - checked that we had everything we needed (although the preparations had already been carried out at the Premier Inn, in Fort William). I was Leading the group of 5 to the summit of Ben Nevis. We proceeded across the Foot Bridge and up the foot path to Lochan Meall An T-Suidhe, not as frozen as the previous day's hike. Weather conditions were perfect and high expectations of a perfect clear summit to view the beautiful surrounding snow topped mountains. It was a great feeling to use the OS Map to check position throughout the route and improve my Nav skills with great accuracy, however this was an easy route to Nav. The learning was more to do with group management and I was able to put this into practise. The team copped well, I always find behaviours interesting and one member of the team proved to test everyones patients , overall the team worked really well together. At the lake we geared up with crampons on and ice axes in hand. At grid reference NN 147 724 we turned right. We continued our route checking the OS Map as we ascended, eventually reaching the Ben Nevis plateau. What an awesome 360 degree view - the perfect clear Winter day - I felt in complete awe of the views --- it was completely magical. We continued on, eventually reaching the summit cairn at NN 167 712 and a height of 1344m - on the summit the wind chill was was in the minus figures and we didnt want to stay for too long on the summit. This was a first for all of the team and a great achievement. It was very cold on the summit. After singing happy birthday to my son and presenting him with a birthday cake it was time begin our descent. Our descent was a lot quicker and took us approx 2 hours. Care was taken with the team and I was able to pass on my knowledge and experience to ensure a safe descent returning around 5ish.
Area :
Ben Nevis & Aonach Mor (Fort William To Loch Leven)
This area covers the mountains between Fort William, Loch Leven (to the south) and Loch Treig (to the east). The area includes Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg, The Mamores, The Aonachs and The Grey Corries. An impressive 20 Munros are split equally by Glen Nevis and the waters of Abhainn Rath. Relatively accessible from the A82, these mountains hold some classic walking and climbing routes such as The Ring of Steall in the Mamores and Point Five Gully on Ben Nevis. Includes all major peaks above 600m.