Monday 27 August 2012

The Ben, The Buachaille and the Paralympic Flame


 I was working for Abacus Mountain Guides last week with a 3 peaks group from County Durham. They decided to try and complete the 3 peaks in an actual 24 hour day which meant a midnight start! No pictures I'm afraid as visibilty was about as bad as I've seen it on the summit, less than 2m! We had to search for the summit trig point from the shelter! The lads managed a good time of 5hrs 20min and managed to reach the top of Snowdon in just over 22hrs, as well as raising a lot of money for charity.


On Wednesday I joined the group who were lighting the Paralympic flame on top of Ben Nevis. The honour of lighting the torch was deservedly given to Kev. Once the Scouts lit the flame using a flint stick and some kindling, Kev lit the torch and stood on the highest point in the UK. A fairly dreich Ben Nevis weather day of cloud and rain wasn't enough to dampen the occasion!
Kev lighting the torch

On the Summit

The Paralympic flame in the lantern, to be taken to to Edinburgh

Sunday was a great day up North Buttress on the Buachaille with Dessie and Jonny. Super weather and a great route saw us speedily make our way up to Stob Dearg. To make the most of the day we went for a 'gentle' run along the ridge to Stob na Broige before descending into the Glen.


Looking towards Crowberry Tower


Great View over Buachaille Etive Beag, The Mamores and the Ben
North Buttress



Dessie enjoying the initial tricky section

The weekend saw me taking two separate groups up Ben Nevis. The weather was kind to us on both days and everyone successfully made it to the summit- well done guys!



The RAF helicopter hovering near the Red Burn



1 comment:

  1. Despite the weather it certainly would appear everyone was in high spirits for the flame! So glad to see whole communities of people being involved in this once in a life time event

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