3 Peaks Day 1 - Ben Nevis 17 Sept 2011

3 Peaks with The Bourne Coffee Company
Day 1 - Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to Ben Nevis and Return
Distance 17km Climb 1352m
Saturday 17th September 2011

We woke up early, packed up and moved off before we saw anyone from the neighbouring tents. 

It was still early when we arrived at the Ben Nevis Centre where we planned on leaving the car.  Changing into our walking gear while the kettle was on we had a quick cup of tea before setting off.  Anne had decided to wait this one out and headed into Fort William for a paper and of course a look around the shops.

On the way up we saw very few people, a couple of walkers coming down, so if they had been to the top they must have had a really early start.  The sky was clear and you could see for miles but there was a mist or low cloud on the tops.  Not to worry I had walked this route a couple of times and I was happy with where we were going.

As we neared the top we started to come across groups of walkers who were also on the way up.  Shame the view was reduced due to the low cloud cover. 

Once we had reached the top it was time to start off back to the bottom.  There was no holding back and no waiting.  Although we were not doing the challenge I still wanted to get up and down the hills as fast as I could, I still had a lot of driving and road to cover.  On the way down we passed loads of people on their way up.  We arrived back at the car park at the same time as Anne returned from Fort William.

We had covered approx 17km with 1352m of climb.

After a quick stop at the Mill for a cup of tea we set off down to Keswick for the next stage of the 3 Peaks.  On the way down we stopped at the Bridge of Orchy for a meal.  I had the fish, Anne and David had the burgers.  We have always found the Bridge of Orchy a good place for food, and never been disappointed.  Having burgers meant that Anne and David had a snack for later in the journey, wished I had ordered the burger.

It was a long drive from Fort William to Keswick and I was so pleased that Anne and David had time to rest and sleep.  Ah poor tired wee things.

It was dark when we arrived at Keswick, we had a brief stop at the supermarket, to get supplies, mainly drink, before we headed to the campsite at Seathwaite.  On the track near the campsite there were a number of minibuses all parked up waiting for walkers doing the 3 Peaks Challenge.  We put up the tent, had a few drinks and a good night sleep.  We would take on Scafell Pike tomorrow.

More to follow


Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The  3 Peaks or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Follow link to Day 2 Scarfell Pike
Follow link to previous walk up Ben Nevis 20 March 2009
Follow link to a walk the National 3 Peaks Challenge
The Bourne Coffee Company previously Caer Urfa Coffee Company,