Sunday, 5 July 2015

More pictures from Ben Nevis

Here's a few more pictures from Ben Nevis...

David on the way up, just past Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe

One of Mark's Facebook selfies. Nice view of the snow covered top and the storm shelter on the left.

That's Russell directly in front. This picture shows just how many poeple fill the main route to the summit on a dry June Saturday!

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Ben Nevis Conquered !

This years walking weekend went fantastically well, all seven on us not only made it to the top but back down again too!

Russell was first up and had to wait sufficiently long enough for the next person he decided to descend before freezing to death (there was very *deep* snow at the top even in late June). Peter, Rob and Richard also battled their way to the top along with Mark.

David and I brought up the rear of our group where we had to settle for a very misty, icey view. Temperatures not far above freezing and just three days later in Pitstone I'm typing this while it's 33 degrees! The summit made for an wintery, quite eerie atmosphere, fitting of the highest spot in the UK.

On the way down David came into his own and race away while Mark and I took a 'steadier' pace ;)

Here's the first photos, more to follow!

That's me on top by the storm shelter. The snow surrounds the shelter, just out of the picture.

On the way up it looked like the cloud wouldn't lift, but it slowly followed us up. Here, about half way up, we could see back into Glen Nevis. In the top right of the picture you can just make out Loch Linnhe.

Walkers: David N, Mark C, Peter, Richard, Rob, Russell, Tony


Thursday, 18 June 2015

15/06/15 - Great Gaddesden -> Potten End circular

Sunday's walk near Hemel was very enjoyable. A short 4.5 miler but with some good hills to get in more practise for Ben Nevis! There was a, ahem, pub stop too :)


Peter, Rowan and Bailey the dog!

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Practise walk - weekend 13th / 14th June

They'll be a final Ben Nevis warm up weekend of 13th/14th June, I'll send details soon :)

Photos from the Pitstone/Ivinghoe walk Sunday 31st May





The route map (approx 6.5 miles). Starting at Pitstone car park: Steps Hill, Ivinghoe Beacon, Ward Hurst Fram, Ashridge woods, Clipper Down, Down Farm.
 
Mark C, Mark S, David, Peter, Emma, Andrea, Danny

Wild garlic in covered the woodland floor on the slopes nr Ward Hurst Farm

 It was cloudy for the entire walk, but didn't rain!
 The climb up Clipper Down near the end of the walk




Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Important info for the Ben Nevis trip

I've included a couple of links below showing the maximum luggage size and photo ID required for internal flights. A passport isn't needed, the list shows all the ID you can take with you.

Easyjet baggage restrictions:-

Easyjet internal flight ID requirement:-

Sunday's forthcoming Pitstone / Ivinghoe Walk route...

Here's a map of the route on Sunday. We are starting at Pitstone Hill car park (free), walking to Steps Hill then on to Ivinghoe Beacon. We'll follow the Beacon path around then through the woods and up the steep hill to Ward's Hurst Farm. From there we'll cross the Ashridge estate woodland and finally on to Clipper Down before returning to Pitstone Hill. It'll give us the chance to tackle a few hills and take in some good views. The entire walk is 6 miles and we can expect to be out between 2 and 3 hours.

Meet at my house after 1.30pm or 2pm at the car park.


Profile of the walk, from start to finish.  Highest point: 789ft, lowest point: 530ft. Distance 6 miles.