The Highland Mountain Company

Ben Nevis via the Mountain path.

Today I was Ben Nevis with and the team did really well getting to the top in just over 3 hours as the weather improved.

We managed to get good views on the way down as the morning cloud cover cleared and got back to the pub in just over 6 hours in total. Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis via the mountain path

Yesterday Alistair was leading a group to the summit of Ben Nevis on a clear day with good views all round.

The group made good progress up and down and did well over the small snow patches that are still lingering from the winter. If you want to have a July snowball fight then the top of Ben Nevis is the place to be.

Beinn Sgritheall via the west ridge

Today I was on Beinn Sgritheall in a better weather forecast than expected.

With a lot of bracken bashing on the lower slopes and trying to keep on the small path, we made good progress to gain the start of the west ridge by the lochan.

From there it was open views to Knoydart and north to Torridon. With a stiff breeze we made the summit in around 3 hours. A good day all round.

We still have 1 space left on our Skye munros course on 29th May-1st June.
Aim to summit all the 11 black Cuillin munros over the 4 days.
1:2 ratio,
climbing kit provided,
£700.

Skye Munros Course | Skye Cuillin Ridge Guide for Walks Skye Munros course at The Highland Mountain Company. Summit the 11 Munros on the Skye Cuillin ridge in 4 days with an experienced guide & climbing kit provided.

Ben Nevis via the mountain path at night.

With the date planned for today and the weather being rubbish for the hills we managed to swap for an evening/night ascent last night, to make the most of the better weather.

We started at 4pm and made good progress up to the zigzags before turning the head torches on. With a bit of wind and snow falling we made our way up.

We got to the top of zigzag 5 around 1050m before making the sensible decision to turn around due to tired legs and knees, which were very stiff by the bottom, so good decision. Back down by 10pm.

Going up in the dark is obviously very hard in winter conditions and not recommended. To pass the Winter mountain leader which is needed to lead people walking in the UK in winter.

https://www.mountain-training.org/qualifications/walking/winter-mountain-leader/

You are assessed on night navigation. On days 3,4,5 of the assessment. Day 3 walk into the hills in a whiteout, dig a snow hole, night navigation most of the night, day 4 more whiteout nav all day then night navigation again, bit of sleep in the snow hole, day 4 more whiteout nav back off the mountains. With hopefully a pass at the end of it.

Ben Nevis via the mountain path.

After seeing lots of sunny snow photos through the week it was good to get out in it myself.

We made good progress up the mountain hitting the snow at the half way point and putting crampons on straight away. The snow is firm and icy at the moment with fairly big consequences for a slip in a good few places on the mountain path.

Lots of people making good progress up the hill. About 1/3 with crampons, 1/3 with micro spikes and 1/3 with trainers.

People with crampons were getting up, and down looking comfortable. Micro spikes were doing ok on the way up mostly apart from when it was steep and not very well on the way down, no better than the trainers. Most of the trainers were turning around after a bit of snow; hard work on the way up and on the way down.

Your feet are the one part of your body that secures you to the mountain, it’s worth giving it due attention. It’s a shame to compromise your chances of a summit in good weather after spending the time, money and effort to get to the start point.

Boots and crampons can be hired in Fort William for the price of a few drinks in the pub.

If you would like a winter day out then let me know, we still have some availability in March

https://www.thehighlandmountaincompany.co.uk/winter-guiding