Work complete on Ben Nevis cairns

Work has now been completed on two navigation cairns on Ben Nevis. Following a public consultation process at the start of 2012, one new cairn has been erected and the Number 4 Gully cairn has been replaced.

The Coire Leis cairn measures approximately two metres high with a large and distinct capstone.  The cairn serves as a navigation marker for the descent line from the bealach into Coire Leis.

The Number 4 Gully cairn measures approximately 1.7metres high, with a large and distinct capstone which has two aluminium number 4s on it (one facing N/NE and one facing S). The new cairn is in the same location as the previous aluminium marker. The cairn serves as a navigation marker for the descent into Number 4 Gully.

Remnants of the bottom layer of the old cairn remain at the base. Particular species of a rare vascular plant assemblage, including Cerastium ceratoides and Cerastium articum – both mouse-ears –have established themselves within the rock. Care should be taken not to disturb these.

The cairns were commissioned by the John Muir Trust after an extensive consultation.