 Just a quick one really, Planning on a trip up ben nevis in may, staying a couple of nights in surrounding area too (camping) just wondering if there is anything different anyone would reccomend taking as opposed to the kind of kit i take to wales camping?? Any suggestions or comments welcome please.
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Just bring a bit more warmth, because you're further north and Ben Nevis is a fair bit higher than stuff in Wales. Think of May in Scotland like say February in Wales and you won't be far wrong. Although there's often a week or two in May that is better than anything summer brings, so you may well be lucky. I'd plan for the worst, then leave stuff in the car or at the station if you get a good forecast. Unpredictable is the key word, including snow.
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| Edited: 19/03/09 12:34 |
 I find a head net to keep the midgies away pretty useful too. Not sure how bad it'll be in May, but you definitely don't want to be caught out.
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 You can get any kind of weather on Ben Nevis in May. I climbed it one time in May with a friend, and it was quite warm and pleasant at the bottom, but the summit was under an average 20ft of snow. This was gauged by having my pal stand near the edge for a picture, where the snow was sitting on top of the northern cliffs. Also, the summit shelter was down a hole in the snow, instead of being perched on top of a stone buttress! In fact, you can check the picture online at Google Books by scrolling down to page 146.
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It's well worth while keeping your eye on Alan Kimbers blog (though he tends to go elsewhere when the snow is gone) and his excellent set of weather links - there's even a webcam. Ben's right too - May is the month when the snowflakes turn into midges - ach, just bring everything!
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would you suggest then that it could be crampon and ice axe weather in may? or would that be overkill possibly, i was planning on it being colder and probably wetter and maybe even some snow on summit. Ive done snowdon a few times in the height of winter in snow and icy conditions, some people might think foolishly but i went without crampons, i never felt i was in a situation where they were needed, i do admit i stayed to the more touristy sectipns when doing this in winter. Hopefully now there will be a group of 3 or 4 of us going. any other suggestions on kit would be welcome as well as anyones photos of ben nevis in may from previous years just to get an idea of the varying conditions would be helpfull.
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Crampons or not? Depends entirely on the condition of any snow and ice underfoot. Sometimes it can be slippery, and sometimes it seems to have as much friction as rock! The day my picture was taken, there were hundreds of people slogging up and down Ben Nevis, and I don't recall anyone having the slightest difficulty with the snow, and certainly no-one was using ice axe and crampons. Then again... it might be different when you're there. Edit to add... I just clicked on my link again and found out that it actually links direct to the picture!
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| Edited: 19/03/09 18:58 |
seen the picture, great image, really shows the different conditions you can get there, im kinda hoping for snow at the top i must admit, prefer snow to midges any day. So generally go for warmer clothes and sleeping bag and take reasonable equipment for weather ie snow if its looking like its probably needed. any further suggestions welcome. One futher thing, seen a route suggested in trail magazine, carn mor dearg and round to ben nevis, looks good. Can anyone tell me how this would compare to the snowdon horseshoe? are the ridges like crib goch or totally different ie easier or harder??
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| Edited: 19/03/09 21:36 |
 You will find several trip reports (some with photographs) for Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg on this page of my web site.
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 Graham The CMD is technically far easier than Crib Goch (given the same weather conditions) but there is a hell of a lot more ascent (you are starting from near sea level after all). I've done the Ledge Route in June a few times, and used everytning from winter boots and axes to trainers and shorts, just be prepared.....
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 if you want camping with facilities the Glen Nrevis site is pretty good, but Steall meadows are a really great spot to Wild Camp, if you can find a dry spot.
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I agree that Glen Nevis is a nice camp site but it is expensive. You pay for the size of tent, car and the number of occupants. Cheaper up at Steall Falls.
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Only cost me £6 with my backpack tent, but to be honest I only paid cos I needed a shower....
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It used to be 20p for a shower, this charge they later removed. A few folks stayed in the old camp site nearer Fort William, and took a stroll up the Glen for a cheap shower, as there were limited (if any) facilities at the other camp site.
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You can shower at FW Station for £3.50, or pay 30p to 'download' - go in the big loo at the end and fill up the big sink  I'm nothing if not resourceful.
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