Ben Nevis from North Face Car Park

[blanchie]

First and slightly groggy outing of 2011. Late start with the Higgsies, thought we would avoid the crowds and went from the NF car park, good steep path, headed right after the stile across Allt Mhuillin and across towards the Halfway Lochan. Crampons on after first 'zig' and tramped up the face, seeing hardly anyone. Clear tops today tho' NE wind meant high wind chill. Two people up at the summit - what a nice surprise - and some great rime ice on the ruins. Dark by the time we reached the Lochan, so night-navved back down to the stile. Laughed at the number of torches still coming off the CMD.

Trudging up the zig-zags

At the top!

[rockhopper]

Nice trip to do on the first while most of us aren't even up but at least you can avoid the crowds

[blanchie]

Nice trip to do on the first while most of us aren't even up but at least you can avoid the crowds

I think there were a few having Hogmanay in the CIC hut, which would have been fun. We met two who had come up from there and up the scree and onto the CMD arete, and another two who had come up one of the gullies. But that was about it. Stark and welcome contrast to the norm.