We always knew this was going to be a long, tough day. Snowdon as Wales' highest peak demands much respect. Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland, also a good-sized mountain is held in high regard.
But Ben Nevis, The Ben as it’s often called, at 1,344 metres is the highest point in the UK and as such has a reputation to match its status, with fast-changing weather, gullies along the summit plateau with terrifying drops, and one very long trekking route to reach the prized pinnacle.
One thing we were not expecting was the hot weather. The chances of reaching Ben Nevis and having clear views from the top are slim and usually the weather is significantly colder at the top than the bottom. But not today.
The sun was shining and there were few clouds. That meant we had to pay special attention to staying hydrated and using suncream, a far cry from our expectation of needing plenty of layers, waterproofs and even hats and gloves. But as our mountain leader Dave Ascough said: “I’d much rather the weather forecast change from bad to good.” How right he was.
It was a long slog along the Mountain Track but the lack of clouds meant we could drink in the views and see some incredible sights and mountains all around us.
The Club’s Director General, Robert Louden, is bagging the four highest mountains in the four countries of the UK to raise money and awareness of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. And Ben Nevis was mountain three.
Our numbers on the peak were boosted as we were joined for the day by Robert’s guests – Steve Newlands and Derek Scott of AMG, which includes the Vango brand, plus Club National Councillor Debbie Carcary, Stephen Palmer, Holiday Site Manager at the lovely Glen Coe Club Site where we’d pitched up, and Linda Baker, from the Sites Department back at Headquarters. There was also an unexpected guest for the trek – Derek’s black Labrador Mac, who simply never stopped walking.
All trekkers were in for a real treat. It took us more than four hours of walking to reach the summit, but it was so worth it. Given the summit is clear something like 65 days a year, and many of those are in the winter, it was a treat, especially after the cloud-shrouded summits of Snowdon and Slieve Donard.
We pitched the Vango Ostro 300 tent complete with challenge logos at the summit, helped by our guests from Vango (well, they had to – it’s their tent). After a series of photos, a look around the emergency refuge and trig point, and not forgetting those unforgettable views, it was time to head down.
It was a long and very hot walk out, and the trail is full of rocks and boulders – ideal for turning ankles if you’re not careful. So we slogged on. The chatter of the ascent was gone as everyone just plodded on. In total, we were on the mountain for nine hours. But what a day. And what incredible views.
Our next peak is Scafell Pike in the Lake District which marks the end of the DG’s Challenge.