bobster1983 wrote:I half expect you have all had this question before but I cannot find a definitive answer for it. I am Interested in attempting Ben Nevis just the tourist route say in the middle of May. I have researched it somewhat and I fully understand there is plenty of clothing and kit i need to bring with me.
My question is: Is it possible to attempt and reach the top as a beginner at that time of year safely?
Any additional advise would be greatly appreciated.
Hey
If conditions are good just go for it. The plateau does hold onto remaining snow into May, there are certain banks that lie in hollows into June. The paths disappears into these and reappears on the other side above. Asides all the usual knowing-where-you-are, keeping warm etc, the big winter risk is new snowfall or old snow going hard because the temperatures drop.
Watch
http://www.mwis.org.uk/scottish-forecast/WH/ ahead of your chosen day - they give a freezing level, the altitude that the temps go below zero. If this is below 1350m, it means that Nevis summit is sub-zero. That freezing level can drop below the summits with, or without, fresh snowfall. But even without fresh snowfall, any remaining snow patches on the plateau can freeze hard, which can be risky to walk on without winter gear.
Typical May summit temps would be 0-5 degrees I'd estimate? But if temperatures stay on the warmer side, or you catch a heatwave, any remaining snow will be like more like slush and not too hard to get across.
Alternatively, wait another month or two for the mountain to be more free of snow. Throughout summer, the main path to the top is a human centipede of thousands. Still, doesn't negate the need for some navigation sense and always, not a mountain to be underestimated.
Cheers