Ep.2 - Climbing Ben Nevis In Storm Ciara

Ep.2 - Climbing Ben Nevis In Storm Ciara

The Mountain With Its Head In The Clouds

Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the UK. Being only 1345m high you’d think that would be nothing to brag about, but what the UK lacks in height it more than makes up for in elevation gain and most importantly: weather.

In hindsight, I’ve had seeds sown all my life to adventure in the outdoors. I discuss this further on a podcast I featured on with Destinations Beyond Expectations. As I began to love hiking – which is continuously growing more and more – I decided to do the National Three Peaks in my own debut way. I’d climb them in winter!

Winter Is Coming

In summer, you just need to make sure you bring water and good boots for most of our mountains. In winter, it’s a different situation.

I know, it sounds a bit crazy to do something like this, right? Well, let me briefly explain before you listen how myself and my best friend – Dan – ended up doing this.

I had climbed Snowdon successfully in December covered in… well, snow. I had reached the top of Scafell Pike through 60+mph winds solo in January. Finally, I had this date planned to go to Ben Nevis and tick the last one off.

Then the forecast announced a storm was coming.

This completely changed everything. But not our decision to climb. Where I was packing a coffee flask, first aid, and a dry bag before, our kit list now grew more. We kept a close eye on the forecast the whole way through, keeping updated on everything. I checked the avalanche report daily and right up until we left I was checking the summit forecast, hourly at the end!

I had already dealt with extremely high wind at Scafell Pike (the way down was worse!), so I knew what that would feel like. I had watched every YouTube video and read all the articles I could find to check out the route. We had spikes, safety kit, map… and an epic forecast. We were good to go!

Climbing In A Storm

A bit of an epic day would be an understatement. This experience was incredible! But we were safe (as I discuss, links below!) and everything went perfectly. Why? Because of the planning and preparation we put in place.

There is a lake at around 500m on the Mountain Track route. That’s where the snow and wind really started to pick up.

After this, there was a cover from the wind by a waterfall where we got our spikes on. Then it was the high winds, harder wind gusts, and just us two climbing to the top.

We hiked past so many people who were on their way down. Some due to the lack of visibility, some due to wind, some to snow. But Dan and I kept pushing on. At no point were we ever in any real danger as we had mitigated so much, and there are no knife edge routes on this popular yet long and strenuous route.

Just before we did the summit push at around 1200m, we met the only other two people who had got that far. Thinking it a smart idea, we decided to stick together and move as a group, Storm Ciara taking our balance frequently.

Things were very windy (80-90+mph gusts) with occasional white-outs on the way up. But we did it! I managed to get footage of some of the calmer moments, but the summit was different. One word: Epic – and I gave my self no option but to make sure I filmed it!

Don’t Be A Fool

What I took away from this was my first proper lesson in mitigating risk, working hard, staying alert, and it paying off. We were back at the car and ready to set home just before the official yellow warning was put in place at 15:00.

But know your limits, and research as much as you can.

4 ‘hikers’ had to be saved by 22 mountain rescuers sent out two days after us. They went out with no appropriate clothing, trainers, no crampons, no map etc. Please, even if it’s the summer, take hiking seriously (but remember to smile!).

I want to listen, now!

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https://betweenthemountains.org/2020/06/21/ben-nevis-storm-ciara/

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Lee Gallacher | Walk For Your Wellbeing | Ep.116

Lee Gallacher | Walk For Your Wellbeing | Ep.116

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  I am proud to say that this episode is sponsored by the brilliant and stylish VALLON Eyewear, check out their website and items here for a 15% discount using code BTMPOD15 : https://vallon.store/  Seriously, go and check them out! ^ This episode's guest is the brilliant Lee Gallacher from the Wellbeing Wanders podcast (https://www.instagram.com/wellbeing_wanders/)  We have an inspiring chat about his adventure experience and stories. I hope you enjoy!  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend;  Leave a rating on iTunes; and Leave a rating on Spotify (press the three dots). If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

24 Dec 202138min

Mark Valentine | From PTSD to International Mountain Leader | Ep.115

Mark Valentine | From PTSD to International Mountain Leader | Ep.115

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  I am proud to say that this episode is sponsored by the brilliant and stylish VALLON Eyewear, check out their website and items here for a 15% discount using code BTMPOD15 : https://vallon.store/  This episode's guest is Mark Valentine. Such a pleasure to sit with Mark and discuss mental health, PTSD, the outdoors, and being an Ejection Technician... you've got to listen to find out. That, or have a look at his film here: https://filmuphigh.com/the-white-fox-charlie-leeds/  Or have an adventure with Mark: https://www.yourmountainadventure.com/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

14 Dec 202141min

Aaron Rolph | Adventure, Mountains, and the Haute Route Non-Stop | Ep.114

Aaron Rolph | Adventure, Mountains, and the Haute Route Non-Stop | Ep.114

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  I am proud to say that this episode is sponsored by the brilliant and stylish VALLON Eyewear, check out their website and items here for a 25% discount sitewide (for Black Friday 2021 period only): https://vallon.store/  This episode is also supported by the brilliant Sidetracked Magazine, producing beautiful imagery and inspiring tales of adventure. Check them out here: https://www.sidetracked.com/  This episode's guest is Aaron Rolph, founder of the British Adventure Collective. We chat about all things mountains, adventure by land and sea, the UK and the wider globe of travel. I hope you enjoy it!  https://www.britishadventurecollective.com/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

26 Nov 202139min

Jason Hardrath | 100 Mountains in 50 Days | Ep.113

Jason Hardrath | 100 Mountains in 50 Days | Ep.113

I am proud to say that this episode is sponsored by the brilliant and stylish VALLON Eyewear, check out their website and items here: https://vallon.store/  This episode's guest is Jason Hardrath. Jason is well known for having 100 Fastest Known Times. For his 100th FKT, he ran 100 of the highest mountains in Washington (known as the Bulgers) in 50 days.  In this episode, we explore that adventure, dig into his mindset, and listen to many tales. You'll laugh and be inspired, what more could you want?  Follow Jason here, and keep an eye our for his film upcoming in February on his Bulgers FKT:  https://www.jasonhardrath.com/  https://www.instagram.com/jasonhardrath/  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

12 Nov 20211h 5min

Adventure Base | Humbled by the Mountains | Ep.112

Adventure Base | Humbled by the Mountains | Ep.112

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains   This episode we're joined by Charlie and Olly who together run Adventure Base, a company founded by Kenton Cool! Such an awesome chat and privileged to have them both come on the show to talk about their own adventures, background, and stories! You HAVE to check out the Adventure Base Instagram too, just full of stunning photos and videos of the mountains and alps!  https://www.instagram.com/adventurebase/  https://adventurebase.com/  and hey, if you do book anything make sure you let them know you came from the podcast! ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

5 Nov 202139min

Jay Worthy | Living Adventurously | Ep.111

Jay Worthy | Living Adventurously | Ep.111

https://linktr.ee/betweenthemountains  Jay is the host of 28 Summers and someone who 'lives adventurously'. What does this mean? Well, we'll dive into it within the podcast and the inspiring, stop-dead-in-your-tracks moment and reason behind it. But, it essentially means taking the joy and the lessons of adventure through micro-adventures over a weekend or before work all the way to larger expeditions across the water and up mountains.  Having Jay on was a true pleasure and it was so fun chatting with him. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did, and I hope more so that you take a listen to the 28 Summers podcast if you haven't already! Jay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1dayadventurer/  28 Summers: https://linktr.ee/Jayworthy  ------------------------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then: Simply buy me a coffee. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook /

15 Okt 202143min

Kevin Merrey | Behind The Scenes Of Adventure | Ep.110

Kevin Merrey | Behind The Scenes Of Adventure | Ep.110

Kevin Merrey is the producer and founder of SkyRise Productions, a brilliant production company chucking out some of the best adventure content!  In this episode, joining me from the back of his van in a layby in the South East of England before heading out on a cycle, we talk Through Kevin's own adventures, the projects he's been working on, and some of his own tales and hurdles when filming behind the scenes of adventure! Check out Kevin's website, and do yourself a favour and follow him on Instagram - his most recent trip was stunning and I was so glad to be able to follow along via Instagram!  - https://www.skyriseproductions.co.uk/  - https://www.instagram.com/skyrise_productions/  This episode is also supported by the wonderful Sidetracked Magazine. Sidetracked is one of the greatest adventure publications blending beautiful imagery with captivating storytelling. Have a look at their magazine, weekly newsletter, and Creators Tour here: https://www.sidetracked.com/  -------------------------- If you enjoy the show please: Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes. If you really really enjoy the show then Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise. All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible! You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

1 Okt 202134min

Jungles and Adventure with Laura Bingham | Ep.109

Jungles and Adventure with Laura Bingham | Ep.109

Sitting with Laura Bingham was one of the most fun sessions I've had; my cheeks hurt by the end of it!  This is the second of 2 late episodes from recording earlier in the year, with the newly recorded episodes coming on Friday.  You must check out Laura's stuff, on her website and Instagram! https://www.laurabingham.org/  https://www.instagram.com/laurabingham93/  --------------------------   If you enjoy the show please:   Subscribe/follow so that you don’t miss another episode; Share with a friend; and Leave a rating on iTunes.   If you really really enjoy the show then   Consider becoming a Patron of the show on Patreon here; Simply buy me a coffee; or Get yourself or someone else some official merchandise.   All of the above helps the podcast to grow as much as possible!   You can get in touch with me on btmtravelpod@gmail.com or using any of the Social Media links: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / BTM Facebook Group here.

29 Sep 202137min

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