Mist burning off on Ben Nevis ascent
Hiked up Ben Nevis at the weekend, having been roped into it last Autumn at some stage. The prospect of a 17km walk and a 1350m climb up the Mountain Path kept me out on regular mountain walks during Winter and Spring. Thanks to Dungarvan and Dublin Hillwalkers’ Clubs!
View of Glen Nevis
Last Sat morning saw Glen Nevis covered in mist with visibility very poor. Brought nearly 2L of water in back pack, lunch etc. Then off we went, 8.10 am, along with thousands more! up what used to be called the Pony Track.
The marvellous Blairgowrie Firefighters on a Ben Nevis challenge !
I found it to be a harder climb than Snowden which I'd done a month ago. When we got above the mist, the views were stunning under beautiful blue skies. We were blown away by the landscape even if it was a sweaty trudge upwards through the humid heat.
Gardyloo Gully just before the top.
Reaching the top at 11.30am, we had a lunch-of-the-year overlooking the magnificent terrain. Bubbling endorphins after the exertion of the climb ,along with breathtaking views make for quite a combination! More cloud and mist were hissing through the ridges and crags now.
Lunchtime views!
By 12.15pm, we were on our way down. The descent often felt harder than the ascent: rocks, stones and gravel on the relentless zig zag paths constantly challenging one to be aware of one's feet!
On the way down!
We more or less made it to the Inn at the foot of Ben Nevis for 3pm,some of us aching a bit, some more of us a little dehydrated but everyone on a high. And pretty thirsty too for some of that local brew!
A couple on an afternoon ascent!