It has to be said that there is absolutely no way that you can cycle up Ben Nevis as the path is both steep and littered with huge rocks and shingle that feels like quicksand. I’m really sorry to dissapoint, but the only way up is to push/carry your way to the top. Now this took us guys just over four long gruelling hours to complete. We started off with all five enthusiastic riders and all the intentions of tackling the beast. Even after the first 30minutes it was blatantly obvious that this was going to be no ordinary day, and Malkygee, Will and Brian decided that there really was no point in progressing any further. I have got to say that was probably a really good decision that the boys made as there is no chance you are going to make it unless you are totally focused and commited to the task ahead.
Now if the fact that three experienced riders chose to abandon ship after less than an hour puts you off, then you need not consider attempting the climb to the top as it is both exhausting and soul destroying.
So it was down to myself and Frank to fly the flag for the Glasgow MTB Mad crew. I felt that it had to be done as I had been focused on “The Beast” for about a year. This was one of the “99 things to do before you are thirty” things that I had set for myself.
The "mountain footpath" from Achintee is the most frequented route with hundreds of walkers climbing to the top every day. The track slants up along the side of Meall an t-Suidhe and is probably the busiest section that you will encounter due to the amount of casual walkers. The path is steep, narrow and steps up through some large rock sections before reaching the loch. Already you will have some stunning views around you. The path climbs in a long winding section. This part of the climb is really deceptive as the trail ahead looks as though it could be cycled. In reality however, this cannot be done. Although not as steep as the first section, the fine shingle makes it near impossible to pedal through, as the bike just wants to sink.
The next noticeble point is the red burn, which is a major feature of the mountain. As you cross over the burn with a waterfall to your left, take some time out to enjoy the scenery and use the water from the burn to cool yourself down. This is also a good place to seriously think about changing into some slightly warmer gear and possibly get the waterproof jacket as this is where you will find that the weather starts to change rather quickly.
You are now faced with the long zig-zag of a climb toward the summit plateau. Here you will find that for every little bit of climb you climb, the temperature drops to match it.. You are also likely to find that you are now in the cloud and forcing your way through driving rain. As you near the plateau the route becomes less distinct as the path makes its way across a sea of stones and boulders. The rocks on the lower slopes of the mountain are mainly granites and schists while the top section is composed of Andesite and other volcanic lavas. We encountered two patches of snow and ice near the summit that lit up the whole area. This was totally remarkeable considering this was JULY. As we peered over the edge, there was a very nasty looking drop that was filled with cloud making it impossible to estimate. Thankfully we were warned in an advance by a walker to steer clear of the ridges. On a clear day the views across to Glen Coe are stunning:- Beinn a' Bheithir, Bidean nam Bian (the highest peak in Argyll) and the famous notched ridge of the Aonach Eagach.
A final steepening leads to the summit which the Ordnance Survey trig point shares with various cairns, an emergency shelter and the ruins of the meteorological observatory. Unfortunately our views were very restricted due to the near Arctic conditions at the top. We were reduced to glimpses as the clouds broke for no more than a split second. However what we could see was absolutely breathtaking and well worth the climb. The view to the north and east takes in Carn Mor Dearg (the big red peak), Aonach Mor (the big ridge), and Aonach Beag (the small ridge). Along with Ben Nevis (the meaning is not certain - possibly the 'venomous' mountain), these four mountains form a group of peaks over 4000 feet - there are nine altogether in Scotland (none in the remainder of the British Isles). The other five 4000 footers are in the Cairngorm hills much further east. Beyond Aonach Beag lie the Grey Corries - a long ridge that comprises four Munros - Scottish Mountains over 3000 feet in height above sea level .
Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions, we were forced to grab a quick bite to eat and think about heading back. Tired and cold, we set about descending the trail on which we had climbed just fifteen minutes before. Unfortunately, we could not pick up the same path and were forced to follow some walkers to get us of the summit. Our fingers were that cold and it was almost impossible to brake.The descent is absolutely marvellous. The bikes swallows up those ba$tard rocks as if the were never there. Disc brakes are definitely a big advantage as utmost contol is required to manage down in one piece, and also to avoid skittling and walkers. Do not think that this is going to be a quick blast to the bottom as it is never going to happen. You have to raise your control, balance and concentration to levels you have never reached before as you meander down the track again. I guarantee you will not catch much scenery on the way down, as you cannot take your eyes off the trail ahead. Feeling the temperature rise again as you descend is absolutely magnificient (or is it the panic sweats?)
The only downside to the drop comes when you once again reach the halfway point and the trail becomes busy again. We had to take extra care due to the volume of walkers. Some in groups of twenty or more.
It took us about two hours to descend, although I think we spent much of our time talking to the walkers who were enthralled by our exploits and could not believe the challenge that we had set ourselves.
Just over six hours, and we were back at the bottom exhausted and hungry. The sheer adrenaline kept us going right through to three in the morning with a celebratory meal and a proper Glasgow style piss up with the boys.
Would I do it again??? NOT ON A BIKE. Next time I will walk like a normal person.
Thanks to Frank for continuing on and keeping the pace on the way up even when I felt like quitting. Thanks to all the walkers who stared in disbelief as we appeared through the mist and then gave us plenty of encouragement.
Shieldsy