Is Ben Nevis hard?

[Marijn]

Is Ben Nevis hard going? My 16 year old son wants us to go on holiday near there, and climb it. We have climbed Snowdon and although it was really tiring and took forever, it wasn't dangerous and we didn't need special equipment. We walked up, didn't need to do any climbing as such. My son is telling me that Ben Nevis is the same. But I've got a feeling it is dangerous and that you need to actually climb it, and use special equipment. We are not climbers. And we have only ever been up Snowdon.

[tinglepie]

i didnt once but some inconsiderate loser caught hypothermia and we couldnmt complete it. i was well annoyed

[Bravehearted]

Refrence to early bath meant you'd find it hard going to stop running down the steep incline. If you do want cafe's the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland is the best place in the world to do a bit of hill walking and climbing if you like. If the Swiss think a toile is required...they'll oblige saving you looking for a bush to hide in.
Let your son do the climb put don't let him stray from the well trodden path. Don't climb in misty conditions there are sheer drops near and around the summit.
Most of all pray for a cool dry day, a thing of rarety in the Fort Willianm area

[Bravehearted]

An injection of Courage...about half a bottle should do the trick!

[Marijn]

I understand what you meant by early bath, I was just wondering how long a drop it was to the water. Since I've been a mum I've totally lost my death wish, neither do I want my offspring to risk their lives. Our passports have expired so we can't go out of Britain this time. Thanks for all your input so far. :-)

[madboutcats]

if you walk it or not i hope you have a lovely time as its a very pretty area of scotland, and the foods great too, oh and not forgetting the whiskey.

[Marijn]

Thank you madboutcats. I won't forget the whiskey, a hot toddy would be just the thing to have when we're back down the mountain.

[gen2]

I have been up Ben Nevis 3 or 4 times but some years ago now. Most of the dangers have already been mentioned. No steep edges if you go up the main tourist path from Clen Nevis. However, not far from the summit there ARE steep cliffs so if the cloud comes down or there is a whiteout, you have to be absolutely certain you don't stray from the track.

Also be aware that even in summer, the conditions at 4,000 ft up can be more like winter so take warm clothing and also waterproofs and windproofs. The weather can change very quickly in the time it takes to climb the mountain. I would also advise taking a map, compass and whistle. Take some sugary food (for energy) along with water.

[Marijn]

Thank you gen2 for your very useful info

[thugulike]

I did see people in flip-flops and bleeding feet. Not a good look.

[madboutcats]

why do people insist on wearing the wrong footwear, i seem to remember hearing a tale from the lake district of a group of people being resued and some of them were in high heels and carrying suitcases. notafish if you get the chance take the road to mallaig its a lovely drive and it takes you past the glenfinnan viaduct as seen in harry potter films.

[Marijn]

When we were in the Orkneys last year we were getting ready to spend a day in the mountains, when the owner of the cottage came to ask us to look for something in the cottage that the previous occupants had left behind, (it was a dagger?!!) Anyway it distracted and delayed me. We drove to the mountain, and when I arrived, I realised I'd left my trainers behind and I was wearing my gold mule sandals. I slid out of my sandals all the way up the mountain and had to come all the way down on my bottom, it took hours and hours. Will definitely be more on the ball when we go to Ben Nevis.