by North East Loun » Sun Nov 10, 2013 12:17 am
The tourist route is pretty obvious in good visibility, but if the top is clouded over there can be navigation issues. You have to be careful not to head off into a gully. I always think "tourist route" is a bad description as it encourages people to think they can wander up there unprepared. I have seen folk with T shirts and flip-flops. OK, it was a fine summer's day, but the weather can change. When I went up there I took the longer route round by Carn Mor Dearg and the arete, which actually is a much better walk as you can see the true greatness of the Ben's north east face. I had sunshine all the way round, but just as I arrived on top of the Ben, the mist rolled in and I saw nothing. It became very chilly too. So enjoy the walk, it's a lovely mountain, but give it respect - it's a big hill.