Why not join us for a fun filled weekend amongst some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the world and ascend Britain’s highest mountain.
The first thing to say about this event is that it is a walk. There is NO climbing involved. Nowhere on the path that we will be using, will the gradient be steeper than 1 in 5. As the maximum gradient is only 1:5, any normally active person should have no problem in reaching the “roof-of-Britain”, from where, on a clear day, there are spectacular views over the Western Isles of Scotland. The footpath to the top is approx. four and a half miles in length and the walk will take around 8 hours, five up and three down.
You will be travelling from early morning on Friday, so you may have to book a day off work. All hotel rooms are twin bedded. If you are travelling alone we will pair you up with another person on their own. Don’t worry about this, you will soon get to know the rest of the group.
There will be a meeting as soon as we arrive after which we sit down to a hearty meal. On Saturday we rise bright and early for our shot at The Ben. After a full breakfast we board the coach again for the short trip to the base of the mountain, then off we go, “up-yon-ill”. After the walk, Saturday is by no means over, there is still the famous party/disco, which normally goes on until the wee small hours, so bring your glad rags. We depart on Sunday morning at 10.30a.m. arriving home early during the afternoon or early evening.
We will supply all the specialist equipment for the event, but you will need to bring a few bits yourself, i.e. Walking Boots, Water Proofs, Woolly Hat, Gloves, Flask and a small Rucksack, etc. If you cannot get hold of these then you may hire them in Fort William for a few pounds. You will be supplied with sandwiches before you set off on Saturday morning.
We will supply:
- Train Transport from virtually anywhere in Britain (ferry or flight – Northern Ireland).
- Twin bedded hotel accommodation.
- All meals.
- Celebratory party.
- Insurance.
- Ben Nevis guides.
- Certificate of achievement.
Note. If you wish you can arrange your own transport to Glasgow International Airport, or train station, the coach will collect you around 2pm on Friday. We will drop you back to the airport or station on Sunday around 2pm.
If you do not need us to provide transport, please indicate this on the application form.
Insurance
You are insured for this event on the UK Outdoor Pursuits Company’s policies. These are Third Party Liability policies. You are NOT insured for loss of baggage or personal effects or simple accident.
If you wish to take out extra cover for such things you should contact your insurance broker as soon as possible.
Medical exclusions
You may NOT participate in this event if you are pregnant or have ANY problems with your heart or blood pressure (regardless of what your doctor may say). THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
Plain Speaking
Whilst there is no climbing involved, the walk itself is an arduous mountaineering experience.
You will need to be a reasonably active person to get the most out of the experience. This said however, on past events, over the last 20 years, around 98% of participants do reach the summit.
The weather is, to say the least unpredictable at any time of year and so you must be prepared to walk in what could be quite cold, windy or even snowy conditions.
Equipment
Virtually everything that you require for this event can be hired from the hotel in Fort William.
Each person must either provide themselves with, or hire: good quality leather walking boots, a complete set of waterproofs, a rucksack, a flask, plus a pair of gloves, hat and thermal socks.