Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Officer with the MCofS is warning that winter is still lingering on the roof of Scotland and that anyone heading to Ben Nevis should be aware of late lying snow and be cautious.
Snow on Ben Nevis summit (Photo: Sarah Lewis – JMT)
Last winter Scotland experienced exceptionally high levels of snow fall in the mountains and, with mid-summer's day approaching, a surprising amount of that snow still remains. This means anyone heading up Ben Nevis will be walking on snow covered terrain, in some places up to a metre in depth still.
Heather said: “Walking on snow in summer can really add to your day out on the hill and be a lot of fun if the snow is relatively flat. However, be warned: if you take a slip and start to slide – is there a chance that slide could take you over the edge?”
Heather added: “There are still large cornices (ledges of snow hanging over the edge of the cliff face) on Ben Nevis and many other Scottish Munros. Care should be taken to avoid these and stay on the rocky terrain – particularly in misty conditions when it might be difficult to see the edge.”
The main tourist track up Ben Nevis from Glen Nevis is very well defined, but hill walkers should always be prepared with a map and compass. Across the summit plateau area where navigation can be more tricky, there is a line of large cairns to follow. Hill walkers are advised to follow the line of the cairns which will keep them out of danger and away from the corniced edges.
Weather conditions may also change quite markedly between Fort William, at sea level, and the summit, at 4,409 feet, and anyone considering making the ascent should check the mountain weather forecast.