Ben Nevis Challenge - By: Bruno Blackstone

There’s a charity close to my heart so I decided it was time I did something to raise finances on their behalf. I go on to their web page and spot they have a number of challenges, the one that would seem to be ideal for me is the Ben Nevis Challenge. Following a little consideration I enrol, and a couple of days later some information appears, which includes a coaching method and tips for raising cash.

The weeks pass rapidly and my exercise and sponsorship are proceeding nicely, once the date arrives I travel up to Glasgow (our pick-up location). We travel through the magnificent scenery, with a brief break at Loch Lomond, until we arrive at the hotel and are offered a while to recover ahead of a get-to-know-you session.

During the briefing we meet up with the guides who intend to accompany us up the mountain, they give us the information for the big day, the way we will be taking up ‘The Ben’ and then carry out an equipment check. Essential pieces being walking boots, lots of layers, walking pants and waterproof clothing.

We subsequently go to enjoy our evening meal and I become familiarised with the group even more, we make a decision on an early night and retire by 10pm – we’ve to get up early the next day.

Sharpish the following morning and ‘The Ben’ calls, I packed up my gear the previous evening but conduct a final check that I have brought all that I will need. I collect the food the inn has made and with butterflies in my stomach get into the bus. There are all kinds of feelings within the team whilst we are driven the handful of kilometers to our starting place. The senior guide presents a swift pep talk and we're away, to begin with the entire crew stays as one but eventually we filter in to 3 types, quick, slow and one in between.

I get in together with the slower group, I could exert myself to keep up with the next group but I have made friends with the slowest hikers and the guide, she is good at keeping us on track without being pushy. As we begin to ascend higher it feels significantly cooler, I’m happy I packed considerable layers. It seems really like a very long trek now and we keep asking just how much futher to go, the leader's responses become vague but we keep going, the fast group are already on their journey descending back down and spur us on with their best wishes.

Ultimately we near the peak, perhaps as well because I have run no more layers (just as I’m putting my last one on I observe a gentleman in shorts and t-shirt, madness!) after which we're at the top. Sadly the cloud is low so we can not experience (the alleged!) marvellous sight, this doesn’t dis-spirit us though because we’ve completed it! We all take the obligatory pics and phone or text family with the news. Following a couple minutes it's time to go down again, encouraged with a hot bath, a local pub dinner, a few glasses of beer and a snug kip.

Unfortunately one of the party slips and twists her ankle, many of us would like to stay walking with her however the guide radios onward for a further guide to rendevous with us down the trail and encourages us to continue. Soon enough we’re at the base again with the organisers taking pictures at the finish line. I am overjoyed that I’ve completed it, despite the challenging trek and the aching limbs I vow to return one day.

About the Author

Visit the UK's best price comparison internet site for http://www.myoutdoorstore.co.uk/compare_walking.html”> walking and hiking outdoor gear . Bruno Blackstone is Marketing Director at http://www.myoutdoorstore.co.uk”>My Outdoor Store, a fantastic place to access a wide selection of outdoor clothing, gear and things to do.

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