Ben Nevis – Always A Different Climb

Ben Nevis, Scotland, the summit of which is the highest point in Britain at 1,344 metres (4,409 ft). Naturally I had made my way up to that gorgeous part of Scotland in the past on my travels. But, this was different, this was no rush up there as part of British 3 Peaks Challenge etc. I had been kindly invited to attend as a speaker on the next 4Ps Marketing conference. ‘Where would the conference exactly take place’? I asked… My suspicions where right, up high on the peak itself. Different and cool.

The morning had arrived, time to get going. I met the gang and what a great bunch of people to meet. Enthusiastic were all, many never having climbed a mountain before 😉

And behold it was a dry day.. ish. In all my previous climbs of this mountain I must admit to never seeing too much because low cloud and rain, this time the cloud only covered the peak part. And what with the leisurely group bonding, socialising, chatting etc there was plenty of time for a chance to look back down and over. Views to enjoy upon views.

After the first half of zig zag climb we came upon the great sight of Loch Meall an t-Suidhe on the plateau, a wonderful body of water with spectacular backdrops in all directions. A good place for many to loosen of the legs and enjoy some respite on the calfs before the ascent into the clouds and the steeper stage upwards and upwards to the summit. Moods all around the group where getting better and better, I especially enjoy the company of people whom are doing their first mountain. The joy on the faces as they see what they have missed never walking high in nature. The sense of achievement coming out in their expressions.

So, it was head down and up to the summit. The signs you are close eventually show themselves. The vegetation starts to disappear from underfoot, the snow line starts. The temperature dropping and the snow getting deeper we must be close? Yes. There it was appearing through the cloud, the huge cairn. Yelps, cheers and clapping in order, well done gang!

What better way to celebrate up there in the whiteness? A wine tasting thanks to one of the other speakers Eamon Fitzgerald from Naked Wines…   cheers! 😀

Alas before we got a bit too frozen it was time to head back down, and the clouds opened as we descended out of the snow. The Loch yet again appeared and as it happens that was our beautiful location for the digital conference. Different but super. After intros from Matt and Luke of 4Ps, Tim Stoller from Lindt Chocolate spoke before Eamon and I. Audience sat on rocks, grass and rucksacks, vast views in all directions. Different, unique and left all with smiles.

Next, the wander to the bottom and the cold cold refreshing pint at the pub near sea level… Top day, top people, top mountain. Loved it.