It was two months ago when me and hubby were watching this series on Mountains by Griff Rhys Jones. It was about mountains in england, Wales, Scotland the highest peaks, challenge associated and the surrounding mystical landscape. Till that moment I had no idea about the Ben Nevis or being it a highest mountain. But without a blink it was a mutual decision that Yes!! We are going to hike Ben Nevis Summit this summer!
Sometimes you don’t have to go through your bucket list to check what is next. You just add spontaneously something in to your list and that’s how on 28th June 14, we were on the summit of Ben Nevis.
It is a beautiful hike of 17Kms with some magnificent views around, that pushes you to walk further up. But once you complete the Summit, that rigorous walk of 8 hours gets replaced by sweet pain of accomplishment. You have a mixed feeling of happiness, proud and not to forget soreness :):)
Few pictures from our Hike.
It is true that one can rarely get a clear view from the Summit and it happened with us as well. As we were reaching towards Summit, there was snow and the whole thing was covered by thick clouds.
So once you reach at top of Britain, you will not be able to view anything down 🙂
Few details if anyone is planning to hike Ben Nevis:
1.Accommodation: Fort William is the perfect base. If you love camping as much as us, I will suggest you to stay at Glen Nevis Holidays Park. The location is awesome and it is cheap, you will be put up right at the foothill of Ben Nevis, over looking Ben Nevis Peak. Hike to Ben Nevis starts from visitor centre that is just 0.5 miles away from this site.
2. On hike: Waterproofs ( never forget them, it can rain or snow, never trust mountains weather), map, compass, water bottle, small snack box, fleece, thermal socks, walking poles, whistle, torch, mini first aid kit and most importantly a good walking boots.
3. Insect Repellent : Summer is great in highlands, but beware it’s Midges time. This tiny insect will suck the blood out of you, make sure you apply this creams or use a net.
4. A good level of fitness is required as it is not an easy mountain. You will be steeply climbing up till Summit and while returning, it’s a steep descend all the way till down. So tone up those muscles around knees, calves,feet.
5.Take a map along with and make sure, you are on a correct path that takes you up via Five Finger Gully and not via North Face. To climb Ben Nevis via North Face is a serious mountaineering experience.
6. Once completed the Summit, there is a nice Ben Nevis Pub right near to visitor centre. A pint will be a good way to celebrate.
Please free to get in touch with me if you need any specific information regarding hike or Fort Williams.
Great achievement.. u would definitely have that sense of achievement in mind after climbing Ben Nevis.. Amazing pictures too.. Keep up the spirit guys.. 🙂 🙂
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Thank you so much Shruthi. It was really exhilirating!!!
xxx
Aanchal
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Well done Aanchal!
This looks like a stunning hike to do! I haven’t heard about it before but I will try to remember in case I visit the country soon.
You deserve a good rest or….what about Mount Everest tomorrow ?! 🙂
Cheers from Sweden ❤
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Thank you so much Myriam. Mount Everest!! Oh Yes, I wish someday I will be up there 🙂
Yes please do it, it is wonderful hike with some breath taking landscape around. Feel free to contact me in case you are looking for any information. I will be more than happy to help you.
Loads of Love n hugs
Aanchal
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Good for you, Aanchal. You must have been so proud of yourselves. Lovely views from up there. 🙂
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Thank you so much. Yes I was proud and sore after 8 hours of climbing up and down. But it was worth it 🙂 Absolutely stunning views on the way that makes up for everything.
Much Love
Aanchal
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Fabulous pictures! I love hiking in the UK but haven’t made it to Ben Nevis yet. I can highly recommend south Wales for some wonderful day hikes – and tasty pub food at the end of the day! The Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula are my favourite areas!
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Hey Thank you so much for stopping by at my blog. Glad you liked it. Our interests are same, UK is the bestest place for walking. Ben Nevis is beautiful, do give it a try. You are right about Wales, I did some hiking on Breacon two months ago, and planning to hike Snowdon next month. I hope I will be able to do it and weather is good (fingers crossed 😉 ) I am definitely getting in touch with you for Wales related info like pubs or hiking places.
Much Love
Aanchal
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Great to know about you Aanchal..This is really a great personal achievement
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Thank you so much Chitra. Yes it was really a happy and proud moment for us 🙂
Love
Aanchal
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Hi Aanchal,
Helpful post, thanks! I am planning to hike Ben Nevis this summer (via tourist path). How’s the trail and the weather during your summer hike? Is it really recommended to hire a guide? Or the trail is already established for tourist? I will hike alone but I have experience hiking mountains in Asia.
Cheers,
DB
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Hey DB
Thanks for stopping by, glad you found it helpful.
Trail is good and well paved, you defintely do not need a tourist. You can do it all yourself,just carry a map. Weather is good at the moment but scottish weather can change frequently esp near moutains. You might be able to see all the weather while hiking 🙂 so do prepare yourself. Be careful around five finger gully as there are lots of loose stones and it as exposed so take care if its windy.
When we reached at summit, the view was all misty. Do check out my post on hiking checklist.
You will love the hike and most beautiful views around.
Let me know if you need further information.
Cheers
Aanchal
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Hi Aanchal,
Thanks for your prompt reply and for the tips. I’ll check out some topo maps to see the steep area. 🙂 Thanks again
Cheers,
DB
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Hi DB
No worries. Always happy to help. Regarding the steep area, Ben Nevis is a steep all the way up, litreally all the way up. And coming down is a steep descend.
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Hi Aanchal,
Thanks 🙂
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I’m sure the view was great over there, must be rewarding
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It was beautiful. That 4 hours of continuous steep climb was worth it 🙂
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That first photo is great – how happy you both look. I love the idea that something can get added to your bucket list because you went there and saw how amazing it is. I think that has happened to me, too, ha ha!
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