Climbing Scotland's Tallest Peak for Charity

There is a charity near to my heart hence I resolved it was time I did something to raise funds on their behalf. I log onto their internet site and notice they have numerous challenges, the one which appears to be perfect for me is the Ben Nevis Challenge. Following a little thought I enrol, and a couple of days later a bit more information arrives, including a coaching plan and tips for raising money.

The weeks go by quickly and my exercise and sponsorship are coming along well, when the date arrives I travel up to Glasgow (our collection place). We traverse through the magnificent landscapes, having a short pause at Loch Lomond, until eventually we get to the inn and are offered a period to relax until a briefing discussion.

At the session we get to know the guides who intend to accompany us up the mountain, they clarify the activity list for the next day, the path we’ll be taking up ‘The Ben’ after which we do a kit check. Basic things being walking boots, a range of clothes, walking trousers and waterproof gear.

We next go to have dinner during which I become acquainted with the team even more, we decide on an early night and go to bed by 10pm – we've got to get up early in the morning.

Bright and early the next morning and ‘The Ben’ calls, I packed my kit last night but do a final examination that I’ve got everything. I collect the food the lodge has provided and with butterflies in my stomach embark in to the minibus. There are all sorts of feelings within the group as we are driven the couple of kilometers to our setting-off place. The head mountain-guide gives us a brief pep talk and off we go, initially the group remains as one but finally we split into a few types, quick, slow and one in between.

I get in together with the last few, I could goad myself to catch up with the middle team but I’ve bonded with the slowest people and the guide, she is good at keeping us on track without being bossy. As we begin to climb higher it feels much cooler, I am happy I brought plenty of layers. It seems like a long hike now and people keep asking just how much more to go, the guide's responses remain vague nevertheless we keep going, the fast group are by now on their way back down and spur us on with their encouraging words.

Ultimately we approach the peak, perhaps as well as I’ve run no more layers (whilst I am placing my last one on I observe a gentleman in shorts and t-shirt, madness!) after which we are at the summit. Sadly the cloud cover is low and so we can not see (the alleged!) marvellous scenery, this doesn’t dis-spirit us however as we’ve done it! We take the obligatory photographs and contact or text family with the news. Following a number moments it's time to go down again, encouraged with a relaxing shower, a local pub meal, a few glasses of beer and a relaxed sleep.

Alas one of the party falls and twists her ankle, many of us want to remain walking with her but the guide radios onward for a further guide to rendevous with us further down the route and urges us to depart. Rapidly enough we arrive at the bottom again with the organisers taking shots at the finish line. I am very proud that I’ve done it, despite the hard slog and the sore limbs I intend to be back some other day.

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