"Ben Nevis" a Fort William Travel Page by GrumpyScot

Because Ben Nevis (4,400 ft) is Scotland's highest mountain, and I didn't know when I'd next get the chance.

Also because the boys wanted to see snow.

Set off from Stirling and drove north via Crianlarich and Glencoe. I recollect that we started walking around 11am and it took us 6 hours for the round trip. It's a long slog from close to sea level to the top. We shed most of our warm clothes within a few minutes of setting out, only to put them back on when a cold, damp cloud descended on us.

The picture shows a view of Loch Linnhe from about halfway up, and demonstrates the rocky terrain and the threatening cloud.

Undeterred by the rain ("Scotch mist") we pressed on into the cloud and over the last few hundred metres which consisted of boulders and patches of snow. There are some serious cliffs here, and it was easy to see how in mist you could lose your way and plummet to a messy death.

We stopped so the boys could have a snowball fight, and took some photos near (not on!) the cornices. At the top the mist cleared and we had a tremendous 360 degree view over the surrounding area. There used to be a cafe on the summit - pity it's not there now - but we ate our sandwiches in the lee of a boulder structure and then set off on the descent.

The descent was particularly hard on the feet, and by the bottom it was a relief to take off our boots. At this point I found I could barely limp to the pub which is conveniently located at the start point.