Ben Nevis

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After arriving back home in Scotland last week, I drew up a list of things I wish to do before I go back to work. Top of the list was Ben Nevis, the biggest mountain in scotland.

Headed to Fort William on the 7am bus from Buchanan St. bus station. Got there about10am and walked 2miles to the campsite in the Glen Nevis valley. Everything I read before I left said it should take between 6-8hours. Since I was setting out late in the day, I thought it would be easier to stay over night. Had my backpack with my tent, sleeping bags, stove and all the other stuff.
By the time I got everything unpacked and set up it was 12noon. There are two starting points. One at the Glen Nevis visitor centre, which I walked past on the way to the campsite or at the Youth Hostel further down the road. The latter is the most difficult as it is very steep, but it is also the quickest way to join up with the main path. As it was midday I decided to start there.
The climb was difficult at the start and I never saw anyone till I reached the main path. After that I started to see lots of people. Most were sitting down having a rest or lunch. I kept on going and stopped every 30mins for a short break. The quality of the path varies greatly in different sections. There was also diverson signposts around the middle. Though unsuprisingly no workers there. On their break I suppose.
Near the top the were still pockets of snow. Seen two kids having a snowball fight and rolling about in the snow. I laughed to myself as I knew in 5mins they would be running, crying to their parents that there hands are cold.
The top was covered In mist and I could'nt see anything. When I went to ask someone to take a picture of me at the summit, my batteries died in my camera. Typical. Headed down after I had my lunch and kept going right to the bottom. I reached the campsite at 1605. I looked at the bus and train timetable and decided that i had enough time to pack my stuff all up and make a run for the train.
I caught the train 2mins before depature and after i got off at Queen st, i just caught the 38bus home. Couldn't belive my luck as I was home by 2130 and was able to lye in my own, big, comfortable bed.

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Comments

[Paul K]

Well done !
Good job on making it to the top of Ben Nevis, well done Paul.