How I did it: Stayed overnight in Glen Nevis combating the midges to get the tent up without getting bitten and had a wee dram to get off to sleep for the long day ahead.
We set off at 8am and climbed up via the tourist path initially until we hit the shoulder of the ben and headed over the back and down the v shaped valley then ascended up to Carn-Derg Meadhonach and walked along the arete and up the back of Ben Nevis.  

The back ascent from the arete to the top of Ben Nevis was pretty exposed and I was exhausted by the time we got to the top because you have to scale large boulders on a very steep slope but eventually it evened out and I reached the observatory which made it all worthwhile.....    it took 3 hours to decend back to the Glen Nevis campsite where we started.

Lessons & tips: I climbed Ben Nevis in June and it was still snowing at the top - take appropriate warm and waterproof clothes for those passing showers and a good packed lunch - a climb from sea level to the top needs fuel!!

Resources: Maps!  Make sure you know how to read them, weather report - vital

Dec 18, 2008, 04:53AM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers