JP's Big Ben

[blanchie]

Weather: Cold on top, about - 8 deg, cloud above 800m, intermittent wind on plateau, a couple of feet of soft snow on the top.
Route: From Ben Nevis Inn car park up and down the mountain track
Company: JP Levick, Neil Worsdall
Wildlife: A few lurking crows
Notes: Got an early start to try to pull a fast one on the impending hangover. Didn't really work as started to feel quite woozie by the Red Burn. Neil had pulled a fast one and not had too much to drink the night before. JP even faster - didn't have any as he is only 12!
This was my nephew JP's first munro - and not a bad one at that! Despite an uncomfortable issue with his growing feet, he braved the cold and snow to post a good time. I'm not sure I entirely explained to him what it might be like on the summit plateau - in the interests of getting him there of course - but he should be really proud of his effort. We got to the Red Burn in good time, but hit the snow shortly after. We had crampons, but opted for the microspikes which worked really well on the snow and ice up the zigzags. The ascent to the plateau seemed to take forever in the low visibility - but a lot of coaxing - and the odd white lie (sic) - and JP trumped to the top of Britain!!

Rating: 5 out of 5

JP getting some practice on New Year's Eve

His sister Cat nearly at the top of the Ice Factor wall

The plateau shelter

[rockhopper]

well done JP - looks cold but a nice way to spend ne'erday - cheers