Ben Nevis via CMD arete 21-23 May 2010

[chris]

"In reply to paddi-8764:
This is what Ben Nevis looked like on the 11th of May last year:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aVaiRaXbnAc/SgiQ2PaYi4I/AAAAAAAAANA/aNIhWZcDMQk/s1600-h/Picture+35.jpg

Of course, there's no guarantee it will be similar this time round, but I wouldn't even consider doing any of the steeper routes on the Ben in May without at least an ice axe. When we did Tower Ridge in June, we needed an ice axe to cut steps up a couple of short sections."


Posted on UKC, a few other posted pics as well going back to 2008 and its pretty much the same. Pretty much everyone says we'll be able to do it but an ice axe might be sensible! If I can find one a a good price I think I'd consider a walking axe even if its just to cut steps in the snow or something. Plus lets face it your gonna look cool no matter what with an axe in your hand!

[MG1]

I can't wait

[chris]

I can't wait

I know its gonna be awesome! Funny about the ice axe, Just after I posted that a guy put a post up on ukc selling his walking axe for £30 so I sent him a pm

[666_pack]

well done I'll have to keep my eye out now.

[666_pack]

some info.
Think may is looking better and better

http://scottishwinterroutes.com/cmdarete.htm

http://www.summitpost.org/route/387429/Carn-Mor-Dearg-Ar-te.html

[666_pack]

how about these instead of crampons?



http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk/index.cfm?action=shop.detail&pid=DDC2CD88-FF29-08BD-48EA8C02A3D2B051&cid=4874C569-FF29-08BD-4848DF3FCA272E84&bid=&order=priceHigh&parent=&page=1

[MG1]

Are you thinking for trail shoes or boots?

[chris]

I was looking at those but apparantly they are rubbish and even dangerous if you use them instead of crampons. I think they are more for people whose job has them on flat icy conditions, working a ski lift or something.

These are supposed to be a lot better for what we would need

They are "instep crampons" And probably not much more expensive than the chains, These ones were £38.77. There are a few makes so I'm sure you could find them at a good price.
Thats just what I've read though, so fell free to ignore it!

[666_pack]

you can rent ice axes in fort william

[MG1]

Are you going to rent one stain?
Where do you rent them?

[666_pack]

i'm looking into it but it seems a pretty common thing to do. I'll post details when I find out more.

[666_pack]

arete last sat.

[666_pack]

there are a line of cairns to aid navigation of the summit

[MG1]

£5 a day for the axe

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/fort-william.htm

[NeilB]

Dude that looks awesome.

I can't wait to get there