I've walked up Ben Nevis a number of times before: it's the view from my mum's front room in Corpach and is always waving to me, so I decided to top it again.
The weather was great until about 500 metres from the top when thick grey fog moved in. The snow was about 8 feet deep and I lost the path - the cairns were buried, and visibility was down to about 20 metres. I wondered around for quite some time and then, despite having map, compass (usually being competent in their use!) and a mobile with a good signal I panicked! Couldn't see a thing, couldn't hear a soul. I made my way back to where I thought the path was and was eventually relieved when I did hear voices. I eventually found the voices and walked over to them.
"How far are we from the summit?" asked a German lad.
"Not far, I'm sure, but I've not been able to find it! I replied.
"Don't you have a map?" asked a English woman.
"Yes, but I've just got totally diosrientated and have started to panic."
We continued chatting and I described what we should be finding - complicated by the deep snow and ridges which noone should go near incase one ends up walking into oblivion.
We both looked at the map and were joined by another German using a GPS. He could tell us exactly where we were, but not how to get to the summit. He went one way and we went another - following what we thought were the right compass bearings.
Eventually we did see the trig point. Phew! I really had been so close. Also on the summit is a shelter which is only a few feet away from the trig point. This we could barely see from the trig point!
Another Scotsman who had accompanied us offered us a swig of some malt. We toasted his success in walking the West Highland Way during the week, and finishing with success on The Ben.
I took stock as we walked back to base: I know I should have just sat down the calmed myself when I first got into my tizz. I know how to use a compass I should just have thought about things logically. I think because I'd done the Ben before I was a bit blazer. Respect, always respect the mountains.
On the positive side, I finally got to use my crampons which I have carried for 3 winters without ever getting them out their wrapping!
If I'd succeeded on my own, I wouldn't have spent the same time with Pipa and George. Both were really fun and interesting people to chat to. Having a beer with them in the Ben Nevis Inn was a fitting end to the crossing of our paths.
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