Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Forum News, Information and Help => Topic started by: Windy on December 29, 2015

Title: Ben Nevis in March
Post by: Windy 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


Title: Re: Ben Nevis in March
Post by: kingsley 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 :-(
Title: Re: Ben Nevis in March
Post by: polroger on January 13, 2016
2 sites worth checking out -

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

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Title: Re: Ben Nevis in March
Post by: Fred 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 arĂȘte 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
Title: Re: Ben Nevis in March
Post by: Windy 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