crampons on Ben Nevis?

[Scouter Bill]

I’m planning to walk Ben Nevis (Scotland) later this month or later, perhaps spring or summer. I’m traveling from the US and don’t want to bring my winter gear (boots, crampons, ice axe, etc.); I will bring traction devices (StabilIcers). However, I don’t want to wait for the peak of summer to hike. I don’t know, however, when to anticipate needing crampons there. What months would you expect they’re needed? Do you know of other helpful Ben Nevis forums, web sites, or printed resources?

 

[nartreb]

Personally I'd check the weather archives for the nearest town; it's only a 1300-meter peak so temperatures will only be a few degrees colder.

Many, many more resources listed here:

Ben Nevis - Additional Resources

 

[NE111er453]

October Ben Nevis conditions

I climbed Ben Nevis on 10/18/1986 approaching up the valley from the Northwest. Conditions were much like New England in October - cool and wet in the valley, turning to light, wet snow, wind and somewhat socked in approaching the summit. As Ben Nevis was my only planned hike during a two week visit to the UK, I only brought my Limmers and pack as hike specific gear - everything else I brought to wear did double duty the rest of the trip. Hope this helps. Enjoy!

 

[DougPaul]

Personally I'd check the weather archives for the nearest town; it's only a 1300-meter peak so temperatures will only be a few degrees colder.

The weather on Ben Nevis is well known to be treacherous. (A bit like New England...) Something to do with weather coming in off the Atlantic...

Ability to navigate in heavy fog is a useful skill in these parts.

You might be able to rent gear close by. (IIRC, Fort William is the traditional access town.)

Doug

 

[Hillwalker]

Western Scotland info

Try this site. I'm a member there and use it fairly frequently since I have gone to Scotland to hike about every third year since 1989. Spent a little over a month backpacking a 300+ mile route from Glasgow to Cape Wrath in May and June this year.

http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

In May 1994, we hiked the Ben by the standard route from the southwest, with views of the filming of Brave Heart in Glen Nevis. We hitched a ride from Fort William to the trailhead from the film director, who offered us bit parts, but we were on a different mission. Big snow year, as we found the summit cairn still buried, so at least of couple meters snow depth, I think. But, we were able to hike in lightweight boots without any traction, as the snow was soft and well packed. But, be careful not to walk off the north side in the fog, as those walls and gullies are steep, and the training grounds for the British hardmen (and hardwomen) ice climbers.

A couple of days later, we hiked the Anock Eagack on the north side of Glen Coe, which is one of my all-time favorites.

http://www.scotclimb.org.uk/aonacheagach.shtml

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