To climb Ben Nevis with no experience?

[CiderWithRosy]

My DH and DS (17) are driving up to Scotland next week to climb Ben Nevis. I hadn't really given it much thought but I mentioned it to my mother and sister today and they were absolutely appalled. They said it was very dangerous and DH and DS shouldn't be attempting this by themselves. DH and DS don't have any experience of climbing mountains. DH (55) is relatively fit, keen cyclist and runner but DS is unfit, typical teenager spends most of his time gaming and has done absolutely no training for this. I've done some googling and there seems to be some pretty mixed information, some sources saying it's dangerous, some saying it's fine. Does anyone have any experience of this? Would they be foolish to attempt it? I feel quite worried now.

I remember setting off to walk up Ben Nevis one April day many years ago, carrying an umbrella as it was raining. I thought it was going to be like Snowdonia! I even asked the Scottish woman who ran the B&B if there was a train up to the top—she looked at me like I was crazy. After my party of three reached the snow line a fog came in and we went off the trail completely. Thankfully we realised this, and then we heard voices in the distance and got back on track and made the wise decision to go back down at that point. It could have been dangerous as no-one would have missed us (we were booked into a different B&B that night) and we only saw two or three other groups the entire day. Lady Luck must have been watching over us that day.

I did snowdonia few years ago with no training. The two aren't comparable IMO. Snowdonia has the equivalent of a road going up almost all the way to the summit!

Tell them to research the weather.

I did snowden in the summer and was nice all the way up but very cold at the top.

Did it again in October and we had to turn back quite near the top as we nearly got blown off!

The vast majority of mountain rescues are for people who are not wearing the right footwear and then are not prepared for the weather (eg think it's ok and then there is a blizzard at the top). If they check the forecast, wear walking boots with ankle support, and take some layers, food and water then they will be fine, it's not inherently more dangerous than a smaller or steeper hill and it's not high enough for altitude to become an issue or too remote or anything

It’s only dangerous if you lose visibility at the top. Otherwise, it’s a a fairly boring slog.

If the cloud comes down when you are up there, knowing the correct compass bearings from the summit trig post can prevent an untimely end.

synergyguides.com/blog-category/how-to-navigate-off-ben-nevis-summit

Please do not rely on three words app or your mobile phon, there is a strong possibility there will be no signal at times

Others have said it but they should make sure they do a bit of research and wear appropriate clothing, take food and water etc. It's not something to panic over, but hiking does carry risks. They should respect the challenge and take steps to do it safely, especially if DS fitness level is pretty low. If they're properly prepared they'll enjoy it more too 🙂

Out of curiosity, what has made you decide to climb Britains tallest mountain, when you don’t have a hillwalking background. Seems a bit random.

I've been looking for this comment! I couldn't manage scafell! Too uneven & narrow paths. My DP wants to do Snowdon & Ben Nevis but Scafell put me off! Maybe I'll rethink it.

They will probably be fine but they do need to ensure they have plenty of layers, waterproofs, water and food, and a map and compass (and the knowledge to use it). A bivy bag, first aid kit would also be good. Oh and blister plasters. Lots of people do go up Snowdon/ Ben Nevis in shorts and t shirt and no experience and most are fine. However enough of them need to be rescued by mountain rescue (all volunteers) to indicate it's clearly not a good idea. Last time I went up the easy path to Snowdon there was a kid being helicoptered off

That's really interesting thank you.

Just think about this comment when you're older and find walking poles helpful for balance. My Mum uses them when out for a walk and finds things much easier.

Plenty of water and snacks makes it a lot less miserable. I'm sure they'll be fine.

As long as you wear sensible shoes/clothes, and bring lots of water and food, and allow plenty of time (maybe 7 - 8 hours) you should be okay. Also err on the side of caution if you think you need to turn back (weather, injuries). We did with our kids when they were about 3, 6 and 7, and had a great time!

I fractured my shoulder on Scafell Pike! I did get back down ok without help although it bloody hurt!
had all the right gear but just fell over on a twisty path 🤷🏻‍♀️

When I was 18 and fairly fit I zoomed up there no problem I did have people with me who knew the way and made sure we took the right path back down.

Can they read a map? Do they have adequate equipment? Have they been up any other mountains?

My relative an experienced hiker and climber with qualifications to lead groups in the hills was killed in a fall on Ben Nevis. They were well prepared and well equipped, fit and able. It was a training session for a trip to the Alps so well within their capabilities.

Please do not underestimate the dangers. I am not saying don't go, I love hill walking and it is a brilliant pastime but you need to prepare and take the dangers seriously.

No download OS locate, it is safer in the hills and preferred by the mountain rescue

Thank you everyone, some brilliant advice.

OS locate and w3w are both fine OP.

I've been looking for this comment! I couldn't manage scafell! Too uneven & narrow paths. My DP wants to do Snowdon & Ben Nevis but Scafell put me off! Maybe I'll rethink it.

Snowdon (any path that isn't Crib Goch or the Waytkin) and the Pony path up Ben Nevis are both easier than any of the routes up SP.

Are you ok with a bit of exposure? If so up the Rhyd Dhu and down the Ranger is my favourite Snowdon route. The Rhyd Dhu is a bit exposed near the top though.

Not true, while Mountain Rescue will work with whatever location information you have they have spoken about some issues they have experienced with W3W and recommend using a grid refererence instead either from a map or GPS or OS locate app if possible.

Let’s hope no-one will need mountain rescue and will take proper precautions (food, clothing, footwear etc)