Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Information => Forum News, Information and Help => Topic started by: Windy on December 29, 2015
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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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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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2 sites worth checking out -
MOUNTAIN WEATHER INFORMATION SERVICE - http://www.mwis.org.uk/home
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk
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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
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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