CMD AWET

After the sun comes the rain, today was a damp affair on The Carn Mor Dearg Arete up to Ben Nevis. Lynsey, Ian and I trudged through the low cloud, wind and rain on the finest walking route up The Ben. There was even some hail at one point in the day. Despite the lack of views today it was still worth the effort for the tremendous long ridge walk. We had the summit to ourselves, looked like folk had given up or maybe turned back judging from their attire earlier in the day. Well done to Lynsey & Ian for persevering with the wet and windy conditions. Appologies for the quality of pics today, it was raining after all.

BEN NEVIS IN THE SUN

It's been a glorious day here in The Outdoor Capital of the UK. Today Jenine, Lisa,Dan,Simon and I were on Ben Nevis. The views were superb in the excellent clear visibility. There were many charity 3 peakers up and down the path all day. Check out the photo of the remanence of the cornice on Tower Gully - some folk with a death wish! work on one of the zig-zag corners is now complete (picture) with nice steps, life's getting easier and easier by the day. The weather front that was supposed to arrive late afternoon didn't happen, we sat in glorious evening sun at the Ben Nevis Inn.

SUNNY & WARM

Britta and I were on Beinn an Dothaidh & Beinn Dorain near Bridge of Orchy today. Britta was on a navigation course with me but it wasn't ideal nav weather; sunny, warm, no wind, tops clear-what a bummer! It was excellent clear visibility and views were superb in every direction. we took a devious line up the hills, avoiding paths, finding some nice remote steep ground in places.We spent plenty time out on the hills and were on the final summit at 5pm in the beautiful light.

A QUIET BEN

Jeremy and I were on Ben Nevis today. It was a quiet day with only a few folk out on the hill. It was a much better day than expected with the cloud base just above the summit and some late Sunshine. The cool, northerly breeze gave clear visibility. Well done to Jeremy, at 74 years of age he was up and down in guide book time.

OLD MAN

Today I was with my D of E group on day two of their expedition in The Lake District. We went up onto The Old Man of Coniston, via Dow Crag. It was a very pleasent day with sunshine in the afternoon.

LAKES D OF E

I am down in The Lake District training a Gold D of E group this weekend. Today my group of 7 were starting their 4 day expedition from Sathwerwaite to Coniston. It was a warm and bright day with some rain at the final stretch along Coniston.

FLIES, FLOWERS & FRAZZLED

IT WAS ANOTHER SCORCHER IN THE HIGHLANDS AGAIN. THOSE OTHER PESKY BEASTIES, THE CLEGGS WERE OUT IN FORCE TODAY AS I MADE MY WAY UP MULLACH NAN COIREAN IN THE MAMORES. AT LEAST THEY KEEP YOU GOING FAST UP HILL. A LOT OF FLIES AROUND TOO TO ANNOY YOU EVEN MORE. FLOWERS ARE SUPERB AT THE MOMENT WITH GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHID, HEATH SPOTTED ORCHID, FRAGRANT ORCHID, YELLOW SAXIFRAGE AMONGST MANY OTHERS. QUITE A FEW DRAGON FLIES OUT ENJOYING THE WEATHER TOO. LOOKS LIKE THUNDERY SHOWERS CREEPING UP HERE TOMORROW