Glen Nevis circuit in the snow

[HighlandSC]

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Date - Fri 01/01/2010
Title - Glen Nevis circuit in the snow
Route - Begin at Glen Nevis Vistor Centre car park. Route follows the river through the middle section of Glen Nevis before crossing at Polldubh Falls & returning through the forestry.
Weather - Cold. Couple of brief snow showers. Overcast all day.
People - Me
Time - 4 Hours
Distance - 13km/8 miles
Ascent - 288 m
Max Altitude - 118 m


I did this walk last summer in glorious sunshine - click to view. I was hoping for similar sunshine on a winters day this time...but that didn't happen! It was still a great day though with fine views. Cloudy but the tops were mostly clear, apart from being engulfed by a couple of brief snow showers during the day.

River Nevis from the footbridge at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre


Meall an t-Suidhe (711m)


The sun was teasing me as a brief gap in the cloud appeared over Stob Ban


The beginning of this route starts of on the same path (tourist trail aka mountain track) to Ben Nevis, a route which I hope to never walk again, unless returning from an ascent of the CMD Arete, or perhaps one day Tower Ridge...anyway...do not go up this path, instead continue straight on through the trees following the bank of the river


River Nevis




The many streams running down into River Nevis were all frozen. Most of the path itself was in a similar state - although I had my microspikes on from the word go so it was easy going.




Looking West across the other side of the Glen, to what I think is, from left to right: Sgorr Chalum (556m), Dun Deardail (fort), Bidhein Bad na h-lolaire (528m)


Ben Nevis (West face)


Similar angle Sep 2009


Looking South down the Glen to The Mamores


Wall that leads up toward Surgeon's Gully, Ben Nevis


Looking back down the Glen (North) toward Meall an t-Suidhe


River Nevis




Polldubh cottages


Shortly after the cottages you arrive at Polldubh Falls; the half way point of the walk and great spot to sit down for lunch.


Entertainment was provided by a couple of ice climbers who had been climbing further up the Glen and stopped by here on their way home for a laugh climbing the falls. They abseiled down from the bridge and within a couple of easy moves were at the top of the falls






Video of ice climbers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-wwpWqzK5M

A large group that I overtook (they were doing the same circuit) arrive at the falls having missed the show


From the falls I walked a short stretch up the road before veering left onto the forsest track at NN143684. Continue on this track, eventually
joining up with a section of the West Highland Way, before turning right (East) at NN119727 to join up with the road, leaving only a couple of minutes walk back to the Visitor Centre





How inconvenient


The track, Meall an t-Suidhe in disance


Sgorr Chalum (556m)


Blue sky further north. Never came anywhere near me.


Looking back to Sgurr a Mhaim & Stob Ban


Sharing a New Years drink with The Ben


The path between the forest track and the road provides a final oppurtunity for a great view into the Glen
A bit gloomy today


It was brighter this day...

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On my way back up the road I stopped at the Commando Monument just past Spean to watch the sunset

[kinley]

Bet the driving between Daveness and Fort Bill was a treat

Well done on getting out - it's a great area any time of year but nice to see it winter clad

[Robinho08]

I enjoyed the read, thanks. Some good shots of the Glen in winter!

I would have to agree about the tourist path/mountain track, I hope I never have to do the bottom half again, I will use the North Face car park for future visits of the Ben.
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It's the great outdoors. It's fresh air! Doesn't it make you proud to be Scottish?

[RCFC]

Nice one HSC. Might try and get out myself tomorrow weather permitting

[goth_angel]

Cracking photos particularly of the sunset and the climbers. Can't believe the waterfall is frozen! Thank goodness for microspikes eh?
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[HighlandSC]

[AyrshireTiger]

Good report and video of frozen Steall Falls here:

http://alanhalewood.blogspot.com/2010/01/steall-falls.html

Think it might be the guys you saw at the lower falls.

[HighlandSC]

Thanks, yep - that's the 2 guys.

Cracking video on that blog of them climbing up Steall Falls (what they were up to before I met them at Polldubh Falls).