Hello!
I will be climbing/hiking Ben Nevis in a month or two if all goes well. With an uncle and my father.
My uncle is 'leading' this so far and had decided that the 'Tourist' / Easy route would be fine. Nothing too easy but not too taxing on their knees etc! Although keeping in reasonably good shape, neither have done much of this kind of exercise in a long while. I dont want any problems so want to get it all gripped as much as possible to avoid any mistakes!

Any information on this route, accomodation ideas/names etc would be really handy. Cheap might be good, maybe a reliable and resonable B&B would probably suit them best.

Might do a bit of fund-raising on it at work etc so its not just a holiday. Any info glady welcomed.

Many thanks!

Built in 1958 so the Scotch people can gaze in awe with appreciation and love on the nearby England.

and get a good, long look and see if we have anything they like or not?

Here you go..this is the route we use...tiz a three booter meaning you will need probler walking gear (Leather boots, Gaiters, Leki poles an advantage etc etc)

Ben Nevis by the Mountain Track (Walkhighlands)

There are a few other routes available on the same website. Ben Nevis walks, including Glen Nevis and Spean Bridge

That site has maps, downloads for tyour GPS etc etc.

I was up on Mount Keen on Saturday and we started at the car park in plus 7, sunny conditions, by the time we reached the top we had had rain, snow, sleet and walked across ice, snow and bog.

Just remember, go prepared for every condition and let someone know where and when you are going. Most of the accomodation around there are geared up for walkers so they will keep your right.

Have fun!

The tourist route is ok. You won't get lost on it. Start from the tourist info rather than the youth hostel. This avoids a coronary in the first 10 mins climbing up to the main path, whereas the Tourist info route is about half a mile longer but a gradual climb. You'll thank me for it.
As a safety tip I would work out beforehand some grid/mag bearings for the summit. It's a dogleg route of about 150m, skirting a 200ft ish gully. If you're in good visibility you won't need them as the route is clear, but if it's dark or the cloud is in they'll be handy to have in your pocket.
Your only other problem will be the rock steps half way up. With your little legs you'll need a bunk up each step.
Walking poles are handy for the descent to take a bit of the strain off the knees



Sent from my iPhone using the ARRSE application. No excuse for fat fingers. Learn to spell.

PS...if you are going in the next 2-3 months, take crampons

Thanks 2/51 I'll be taking the safety side very seriously don't worry. Making sure they gett some relevant exercise in advance. etc (I've already started)
Also without going OTT I'll be acting as QM and ensuring everyone sticks to a strict kit list, no excuses! Dont need tons of gear just the right gear. The sight of my uncle, a man who farmed in Zambia for a decade, still helps run an Oxford farm, rides big bikes etc crying and snivveling about the cold or lack of sarnies is too much to contemplate! Jokes aside even on easier routes shite can happen so...care shall be taken.

The tourist route on Nevis has got to be one of the most boring walks known to man.

Fort William is heaving with B&Bs. My suggestion wouuld be to have a look at those on the WHW website uunless others have a particular recommendation:
The West Highland Way, Milngavie, Fort William, Walking in Scotland- Members Listings

My preference is to stay out of Fort William though and stay here:
Clachaig Inn

Originally Posted by wedge_cadman

The tourist route is ok. You won't get lost on it. Start from the tourist info rather than the youth hostel. This avoids a coronary in the first 10 mins climbing up to the main path, whereas the Tourist info route is about half a mile longer but a gradual climb. You'll thank me for it.
As a safety tip I would work out beforehand some grid/mag bearings for the summit. It's a dogleg route of about 150m, skirting a 200ft ish gully. If you're in good visibility you won't need them as the route is clear, but if it's dark or the cloud is in they'll be handy to have in your pocket.
Your only other problem will be the rock steps half way up. With your little legs you'll need a bunk up each step.
Walking poles are handy for the descent to take a bit of the strain off the knees

Sent from my iPhone using the ARRSE application. No excuse for fat fingers. Learn to spell.

Brilliant Mr Wedge. That's really handy info. All will be noted and I will be makig sure I do alot of route prep in advance and making sure we are all clear on the route before kick-off. I've started doing alot of map reading already and will be re-viewing this classic. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mountain-Nav.../dp/1871890551
Mountain Navigation written by the amusingly named author Pete Cliff!
These little legs are surprisingly mountain-goat like I'll have you know! :o) Like steel springs they are!
I shall be recommending walking poles, I have two, one each would do them I think? I can give mine out, probably dont need one. I did the Dolomites recently without them. They were very popular there where Nordic Walking is all the craze!