Barry,Tony,Mike & Nigel
on top of Ben Nevis in May

The temperature was about 13 degrees, and we were in for a hot sunny day. The first part of the climb was the steep ascent, known as heart attack hill, up to join the main path. The path then climbs steeply over rocks and boulders for about a mile until you reach the tarn. We rested here to regain our breath. With the sun was just beginning to rise, we left the tarn for the steady climb up to the zigzags.

The path then steepens again sharply, as we began the rough, uneven ziz-zag up towards the still hidden summit. The next 2 miles were an uneven mixture of gravel and rocks, that were to play havoc with your knees on the way down. At the end of this stage we reached a stretch of snow (yes it was June), sliding our way up this, we then followed the steady climb towards the top. The sky was blue and views below were magnificent, but just as we neared the top the clouds rolled and the temperature fell to -1'ish. We reached the top at about 7.30am, and sheltering behind the ruined cafe, were put on our warm weather gear. It was then time for the photo shoot at the top, and time to ring our loved ones yes we're here and yes it's 7.30am was the conversation.

We then rested briefly before the tricky, slippy, slidey descent back to civilisation, yes it was probably worse going down then climbing up, the problem was gravity and gravel don't work in harmony. Resting briefly at the tarn again we followed the main path back to the inn this time, reaching the bottom at about 11.30. 8 hours of climbing and the pub was shut. There was nothing for it but to have our lunch, and get a taxi back to our B&B for a well earned cup of tea.

The afternoon was spent relaxing and resting, before our celebration meal, including the flying lamb shank and drinks at the Imperial Hotel. Where we were joined by Matt, Davie & Tillo to toast everyone's success.

Dave proving there was

still snow up there in June

Mike,Nick,Dave & David

on top of Ben Nevis in June

the tarn - about half way

up Ben Nevis

the Scottish Highlands

from near the summit

the view from the tarn

back across the
mountains

the view back down to

the tarn & Fort William
in the distance

have you ever heard of

the Ben Nevis monster ?

the West Highland Way

badge
(we all earned it)

the clouds rolled in

as we neared the summit