Following the ascent of Snowdon in 2007, David felt a desire to climb Ben Nevis
in 2008 and invited anyone who was interested to join him. After investigating
various possibilities Bill organised accommodation at the Clan MacDuff Hotel
just South of Fort William. Eventually 12 intrepid explorers booked on the 'adventure of a
lifetime' and began their training to conquer the 4,409 foot Scottish mountain
affectionately known as 'The Ben'. It was decided to spend 3 days in Fort
William in the hope that at least one would have favourable weather for this
historic ascent and the other two days could be spent exploring the local area.
(Did the group not know that only one day in ten is reputed to be clear on
'The Ben'.)
Thanks to Robb for the photos and comments.
Despite the efforts of the Scottish weather in dampening the spirits a fine time was had by all. Thanks to Bill for co-ordinating the trip and the selection of some fine accommodation.
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With a poor weather forecast at high level David and Bill were dispatched to buy tickets for the train to Mallaig. This 84 mile trip is described as one of the great rail journeys of the world. After crossing the world famous 21 arch Glenfinnan viaduct, which has been used in Harry Potter movies, it stops in the village to give you time to stretch legs and visit the museum. Continuing on the journey there are views to various islands and the southern tip of Skye, eventually reaching Mallaig with lots of time to explore before taking the return journey.
The skirt of the lone piper sees the intrepid travellers on their way
The Jacobite
and again
A welcome cup of tea at the dining car at Glenfinnan Station
The hills rising up from Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan, site of 'The Raising of the Standard' to rally the clans by Bonnie Prince Charlie
A highland slowplough!
Our first view of Mallaig harbour - not raining - yet!
After a short walk the Isles come into view through the mist - Rhum?
The mountains of Skye dominate the northern horizon
Returning to the harbour and looking forward to fish & chips and a cup of tea
Returning to the hotel the view was stunning . . . well, in between the rain showers and low cloud
Loch Linnhe heads out to sea
North towards the Great Glen and Loch Eil
Loch Linnhe - shortly before the rain
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Day 2: The Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls
A short easy walk climbing through
a wild, steep-sided, wooded gorge to Upper Glen Nevis and Steall waterfall, one
of the finest falls in the Highlands. The weather forecast suggested that The
Ben would be inhospitable but later we found out that the West Highland Way
party ran up to the top and jogged back!
The water of Nevis above the lower falls car park
Low clouds shroud the mountains of the glen
Heads down and we're off . . . up the glen
Having reached the upper car park we admire the water slide pouring down from up on Ben Nevis
A glimpse of what lies ahead
A water hazard is negotiated
The natural power of the falls has eroded the walls of the gorge . . .
creating smooth shining surfaces and hollows
The Steall Falls tumble down from the corrie between the peaks
Elevenses at the wire rope bridge
'Braveheart' David impresses the rest of the group with his high wire skills
Bill looks on as a helicopter swoops through the glen on a training run
Ben Nevis? The clouds clear before the rain
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Day 3: 'The Ben'
Despite the weather the groups elects to go fir it!!!!! It can only get better
and after all this is what we came for.
The leaders strike out onto the mountain path at the foot of The Ben
Looking ahead and we are not deterred
Bill makes the ascent look so easy
The Glen gets further away as we ascend
The stairway to the top?
The long and winding road - are we nearly there yet???
Locahn Meall an t-Suide, the 'Tarn, the point of decision - do we carry on?
Pam and Derek lead the way
Dorothy takes a moment to count the bends
The leading pack stop close to the summit for a Winter pose - this is June isn't it??
The war memorial on the summit, but where is the trig point? Where are you Derek? . . . . Over here!
Finally there!!!!
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And it's all smiles despite a misty wet day
The hut, and is this David appearing through the mist?
The highest lunch stop in the land!!
After descending in the rain and the mist - finally a view of Loch Linnhe from above
The group marches down the descending path to the tarn
Our destination lies below
The conquering hero, Bill strides home. "What a miserable day!" he cries. Bill would go to any lengths for a glass of Glenfarclas 105!
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