Ben Nevis via CMD Arete

[kabu1]

What an amazing day. Did this walk with Stephen Fallon's outfit led by John ML and Mountain Rescue volunteer. Also on the walk Laura (mountain goat); Steve and Jamie. All of us much the same in ability, I was probably least experienced on rock. Set off around 8.30 am having stayed overnight in Glen Nevis YH. Weather was very good - some good views on the way up CMD; cloud settling in around 13.00 on Ben Nevis but never any wind to speak of and not too cold either. After lunch on CMD we could see the arete - it looked pretty scary but I never found the exposure a problem and mostly it was a rocky clamber with a couple of awkward moves. I hadn't hurt my ribs 3 weeks previously it would have been easier but I was pleased with how I coped. The boulder field to Ben Nevis summit is a real sting in the tail & then you are suddenly there with the crowds. Surreal. Pics taken and then we were off across the boulders and onto the pony track descent to the Mid-way Lochan. After a brief stop at the the Lochan - away from the crowds my left knee started complaining but I mostly kept up and then only had a bit of a panic when crossing the burn at the bottom - John and Steve pulled me to safety from the last boulder! then it was just a bit of a slog back to the cars and home via Costa (for coffee and change) and Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum for Cullen Skink.