One question I often get asked is why don’t I offer any guiding on Ben Nevis anymore.It’s a very good question and one that I will attempt to answer here.
It has provided me with memories and experiences that I will never ever forget.I had some fantastic days out on Ben Nevis. I have guided all sorts of different people from all walks of life and corners of the globe up there.I have stood on the summit with a blind man.I even helped in an event which got folk in wheelchairs to the top of the ‘Ben’. All of these folks were determined to reach the summit of Britain ,challenging themselves in the process.
The weather I have experienced up there is beyond the imagination of non hikers. From howling winds that could sweep you off your feet to rain hail sleet and snow.Even sunshine occasionally! Cloud inversions and brocken spectres too!
I live in Fort William and indeed before my self enforced Ben Nevis avoidance the mountain was a massive part of my life and income. My business wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for Ben Nevis and I am extremely grateful to it for everything that it has done for my life. It has kept a roof over my head,food in my belly and money in my pocket.
Definitely this was and remains so the most difficult business decision I have made for Up and Doon and myself to cut off my main source of income . I didn’t know whether my business would survive such a drastic cut to its income by not doing Ben Nevis.However I felt that I could no longer continue working on the mountain in good conscience. I felt it was worth taking the risk.
So why do I hear you ask yourself will you not take anyone up now?
The honest truth is that i love mountains.When i go to the mountains myself i usually go to seek the solitude, peace and quiet that can only be experienced in the wilds.The sanctuary of the mountains has provided me with so much in my life. The tranquility and solace that they bring to my life in all seasons and all weathers has been especially important to me. They have helped my mental health when needed but also the time and space to think and breathe.In these busy modern days their importance has only grown as has my admiration and love for them.
Ben Nevis is the antithesis of why I go to the mountains and what I want to offer as a guiding company. It was killing my soul slowly as I trudged up Ben Nevis with the hordes of other people every other day. The impact of mass tourism was getting to me too much. I hated that I was part of this. I was contributing to destroying a place I love.Litter and toilet issues are the bane of the Ben and it was horrible to experience this on virtually a daily basis. Despite the help of charities like the John Muir Trust and Friends of Nevis and the volunteers in the Real 3 Peaks Challenge it really felt like we were fighting a losing battle with the problems 150 000 visitors bring.
As a guide i want to offer unique and quality experiences.I want to be encouraging a greater connection and understanding of nature for the people I guide.I want to take folk off the beaten track to experience and enjoy the Highlands the way I do in my wanderings.