Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to Ben Nevis 11 June 2009.

Ben Nevis Visitor Centre to Ben Nevis and Return
Distance 17km Climb 1352m
Thursday 11 June 2009

This was the first time we had stayed at The Goirtean on the West coast of Scotland at Smirisary near Glenuig, in the summer months. Normally we come in November and miss out on the midgies. It is such a restful, peaceful place. From The Goirtean there is a good half mile walk to the car park and this is a mini adventure in itself. 

This was my second time up Ben Nevis this year and Anne's first. I walked up Ben Nevis following my WHW. We had left the Croft early to travel to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. We would be walking the Tourist Trail, although I now believe it is called the Mountain Trail.  On our way up we passed very few people until we neared the Loch.

We took our time and were going at a steady pace. Near the loch we had seen the helicopter ferrying stones up the mountain side. It was as we reached the zig zags we were stopped with a group of other people as a helicopter flew overhead making a delivery of stones.

Large groups of Army Cadets started passing us as we neared the top, apparently they were all part of an Army Cadet challenge doing the Three Peaks.

Although there was still snow on the top it was not as covered as it had been in March, and as we circulated around to the top I was sure I had not taken this path in March, which made me a little concerned as to how safe I had been.

Too late to worry about it now. We soon reached the top and the views were stunning of hill tops peaking through the clouds. After a couple of photos it was time to head back down.

On our way down we started meeting more groups and people walking up.

It had been a good walk and we had a well deserved meal in Fort William before returning to The Goirtean.
We had walked 17km with 1352m climb.

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 in Scotland or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Follow links to other walks from The Goirtean. Meall nan Each and South of Loch Shiel.