Ben Nevis

[Deedee]

"The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is urging caution to the thousands of hillwalkers planning to climb Ben Nevis this Bank Holiday weekend and in coming weeks. Winter conditions and snows in excess of two metres deep are making navigation in poor visibility particularly challenging above the 900 metre contour line on Scotland’s highest peak. Some of the navigation cairns, relied on by many walkers traversing the summit plateau, are completely buried under snow, heightening the risk of accidents on The Ben’s renowned cliffs."

[buckielugger]

Ive attempted it 4 times and succeeded twice, weather halted other two tries.

So even if its good weather when climb starts, be prepared to abandon if it gets bad later on and higher up.

Compeed blister plasters are essential walking accessories, they protect well and stay stuck on for ages. ##### any blister before applying plaster to let out fluid & pressure.

Rest often on way up, its a lot of height to do and from sea level.

4 hours up is about right but if it takes 5 hours or more, don't worry, best to not hurry and be able to keep going. Descent takes a long time too. Can be the most painful part on the feet too with much more jarring on uneven rocky steps.

Summit is rarely clear so take care not to stray close to edges particularly if full snow cover.