Mike Gregory Charity Walk up Ben Nevis

[gpartin]

FROM A TO B posted:
Do you have any idea on distance and fitness levels required. I know I managed the 5k run at Haigh Hall (Phil Clarke beat me by a close 20 minutes), but am no where near mountaineering level.
Can I take the cable car?
you may need to split the walk into groups so that the fitness freaks aren't held back by Mike Binder
If and when you get a definitive date, post it on here and we can make it a new sticky nearer the time.

you should also contact sky and the club to make them aware of what you are doing, as the more publicity the better

It sounds like I'm stating the obvious but there are several routes. I've been up Ben Nevis a couple of times before and it was fairly straight forward the first time and really hard the second time. You are at the mercy of the elements but there are a few gentle slopes. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with breathing difficulties because the air does get pretty thin up there. On the whole its a very enjoyable experience

[ancientnloyal]

gpartin posted:
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with breathing difficulties because the air does get pretty thin up there. On the whole its a very enjoyable experience

It isnt exactly K2 or Everest in the Death Zone

[gpartin]

ancientnloyal posted:

gpartin posted:
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with breathing difficulties because the air does get pretty thin up there. On the whole its a very enjoyable experience

It isnt exactly K2 or Everest in the Death Zone

Lol no but its the closest thing we've got in Britain. Its hardly a hilllock either

[ancientnloyal]

Going over Billinge Hill is more dangerous wearing a wigan shirt.

[gpartin]

ancientnloyal posted:
Going over Billinge Hill is more dangerous wearing a wigan shirt.

From wikipedia:

Ben Nevis's popularity, climate and complex topography contribute to a high number of mountain rescue incidents. In 1999, for example, there were 41 rescues and four fatalities on the mountain. How many Wigan fans have been killed on Billinge Hill?

[Fraggle]

gpartin posted:

ancientnloyal posted:

gpartin posted:
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with breathing difficulties because the air does get pretty thin up there. On the whole its a very enjoyable experience

It isnt exactly K2 or Everest in the Death Zone

Lol no but its the closest thing we've got in Britain. Its hardly a hilllock either

It always amuses me that we call such things "mountains", and yet when I was in Taiwan you can drive over the mountain range on the island, there's a viewing point at 3250 metres on the side of the road, compared with Ben Nevis at a mere 1300 metres...

[mickh]

A To B to answer your questions, the distance up Ben Nevis by the Tourist path is about 4 miles, and obviously the same down providing you take the same path down, which is recomended. The beauty of going up Ben Nevis by this path is that the path goes up all the time ie. you do not lose any height with any downward bits, plus it is the safest, there are only two possible dangerous bits and they are within 300 metres off the top, where the path goes near Tower Gully and Gardeleau Gully but if you keep well to the right there is no problem. The walk would take about 4 and a half to 5 hours to get to the top, with plenty of stops. The fitness levels? I'd say if you want to enjoy it get as fit as you can without going daft, then you will not be complaining going up and less chance of strained muscles, if you trained for the 5km run your lungs would have got used to working above normal levels, plus your leg muscles got used more than normal and that has to sustain you for up to 5 hours with a ruck sack on your back which would weigh you down, so I would say get as fit as possible! The worst part is coming down when your legs are aching, and tired, I'd say up to 3 hours coming down to take in the scenery, hopefully!
There will be snow on top (as I mentioned on a different thread) in May down to 4,000 feet or lower, that leaves 500 feet'ish over snow but most of this will be over the top plateau. You will be tired. Prepare for any weather but keep smiling, there is an aim to the walk.
gpartin, the air does not get rarified at 4,408 feet, but you are right regards personal health problems, each person must know what they can achieve without putting their own, and possibly other peoples enjoyment, or lives at risk because if you are injured near the top you are more than 3 hours from safety.
I do not want to frighten anybody off because I am looking forward to the walk, I've seen 8 year old kids at the top and 80 year old grandads, (not in May though).

[willie c]

trotski_tgwu posted:
Anyone interested in walking up Ben Nevis next year at a date to be arrange but prob after april, could you please let me know. A few people have been interested & the more the merrier. I for one will be doing it & i hope a few of you will enjoy coming up to scotland even if just to sample our Hospitality for a change

let me know when mate and i will give it a go will get some of the lads i come to the games with roped in to

[trotski_tgwu]

Nobby`s Girl posted:

mickh posted:
for up to 5 hours with a ruck sack on your back which would weigh you down,

any room in a rucksack for me?

The worst part is coming down when your legs are aching, and tired,

Take a skate board!!


I can see Trot`s now, wizzing past them all with his kilt flying up

""weeee heeee you cant catch me""

No room in me rucksack but you can fit in me pocket pal

[turf]

Anyone off here going???