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Author Topic: Ben Nevis in March  (Read 8044 times)

Windy

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Ben Nevis in March
« on: December 29, 2015 »

 Really interested in doing a winter climb up Ben Nevis  ..  was looking at Maximum adventure has anyone tried this or has any similar experiences..  I have  kit but not for winter mountaineering  like hard shell trousers  cant you just use ME IBEX with goretex overtrousers or am i missing something.

Would appreciate the depths of knowledge


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kingsley

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Re: Ben Nevis in March
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2016 »

First off I have no experience of Ben Nevis, so I can't answer your question sorry :-(

I was about to post my own query about what weather/ground conditions to expect when I saw yours, so was hoping to be cheeky and piggy back a little.  I am heading over at the end of May.  I am hoping I won't need any _real_ winter gear at that sort of time.... I would just be using the usual gear I go into the Mournes with.

If someone with experience is replying to Windy's post and could also give me a quick answer on what to expect in May that would be great (I realise it would only be a rough guide and in reality you could end up with anything).  I am planning on going up via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, so it's really that ridge line that I would be most worried about.

Windy - sorry again for butting in :-(
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polroger

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Re: Ben Nevis in March
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2016 »

2 sites worth checking out -

MOUNTAIN WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE - http://www.mwis.org.uk/home

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk
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Fred

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Re: Ben Nevis in March
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2016 »

I have observed considerable snow on the Bens north face in May but obviously this would vary from year to year. The CMD arête is a fine route, highly recommended and would probably have some snow and ice on it, especially the last section where you ascend to the summit.

Regarding clothing, I can only speak from my own experience. In winter conditions I would normally use fleece salopettes with goretex over trousers. I don't think uninsulated trousers would be enough in very cold weather. A cheap option would be to buy a thermal base layer. Scottish winter conditions can vary massively and you need to be able to adjust accordingly.

Fred
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Windy

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Re: Ben Nevis in March
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2016 »

Thanks Fred I have a set of wind stoppers ME and Goretex but will look at getting myself some  purpose built trousers. Kingsley you going in May good luck any spaces lol
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