David + Alan on the summit of Ben Nevis - 1,345 metres (4,413 feet) - 15 July 2021
Loch Lomond David . . . approaching Glencoe
Two stops on our drive up to Fort William in Scotland from Newcastle
Fort William main street Alan outside 'The Grog + Gruel'
David + Alan pause for a selfie on the bridge over the River Nevis River Nevis
Foxgloves and Glen Nevis on the climb up the lower slopes beneath Meall an t-Suidhe
The 'mountain track' was originally called the 'Pony Track' . . . it dates back to 1883 . . . it incorporates many zig-zags on its way to the summit. There is a more challenging route to the summit called Carn Mor Dearg Arete which follows an exposed path requiring rock scrambling skills. Today Alan and I were very happy with the 'mountain track' route to the summit of Ben Nevis.
David on the path climbing out of Glen Nevis Steepening steps of the 'mountain track'
Alan on the 'mountain track' beneath the steep slopes of Meall an t-Suidhe
Alan on the 'mountain track' leaving the plateau with the blue waters of Loch Meall an t-Suidhe
View out to the west with the sea loch of Loch Eil just visible beyond Glen Nevis
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The 'mountain track' follows the stone cairns leading upwards to the summit plateau itself
David enjoying a snow-patch at the side of the 'mountain track' just below
the summit plateau of Ben Nevis
Looking down into the dramatic Gardyloo Gully . . . North Face of Ben Nevis
Stunning views of the peaks of 'The Mamores' and distant Glencoe
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David on the summit of Ben Nevis 1,345 metres (4,413 feet)
Alan on the summit! We've done it!!!!
It is interesting that we were standing on the top of a mountain actually called 'Beinn Nibheis'!! Ben Nevis is an anglicisation of the orginal Gaelic name. It can be translated as 'Venomous Mountain' or 'Malicious Mountain'!! It could also refer to a god's name, specifically the Celtic god 'Lugh', whose place of worship was said to be on mountain tops.
Looking down the dramatic North Face of Ben Nevis from the summit!
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I spent a quiet five minutes at the edge of the North Face away from other walkers . . . I just wanted to enjoy the dramatic views in a few moments of 'mindful tranquility'. The rocky cliffs of the North Face were truly breathtaking! It was easy to see how millions of years ago Ben Nevis was once an active volcano! I was now looking at the rocks below me . . . the remains of a volcano that had actually collapsed in on itself . . . evidence suggest that the collapse caused a 'mega explosion' comparable in force to the mighty volcanic explosion of 'Krakatoa' in 1883! Over time erosion has further shaped Ben Nevis . . . particularly glaciation in the last 'ice-age'.
In these quiet moments of reflection I thought about my previous ascents of Ben Nevis . . . in 1992 as a young student on a trip around the Highlands and Island of Scotland with a college friend Dez . . . it was actually only a few months before I started 'going out' with my future wife Lynne! Our first date was at a college disco on the 4th November 1972. It was on the second date I said to her . . . "I am going to travel the world. Do you want to come with me?" She said "yes'!! The start of a life-long love of travel and adventure!
In 2004 Lynne and I climbed Ben Nevis with friends. We experienced a 'white-out' blizzard at the summit.
David at the summit of Ben Nevis in 1972!!
David slowly descending down into Glen Nevis!
I would love to hear from you either by commenting directly to this blog or by secure email as outlined in the 'Contact' section of my website . . . 'Beyond the Sacred Mountains'.
Once again I would like to finish my blog with a quote from one of my climbing heroes:
"You don't have to go far; the adventure is in yourself."
Reinhold Messner
Regards and see you soon on another of my adventures on . . . 'Beyond the Sacred Mountains'
David