Well done! As to your Austrian flags, I’m afraid that's not what they are. There is an international system of trail markings in the Alps. There are three types: 1. Yellow - an easy trail - stout shoes possibly required, but trainers will do. On valley bottoms the trails may well be wheelchair friendly. 2. Red-white-red flashes - moderate to tough trails - the vast majority. Can include really steep sections and scrambles (all four limbs required!) but can be relatively easy. 3. Blue trails - ice equipment required, even in the Summer. A trail is a blue trail if for instance you have to cross a glacier, or if you’re above the snow line in the hiking season. This system was developed first in Switzerland where it is ubiquitous. It has been adapted in Germany, France, Austria (though rather more haphazardly) Italy and I believe Slovenia. It also very carefully gives you distances to the nearest village or hut and a timing, and sometimes a height to be gained. At the top of the Rigi, a mountain near Lucerne, by the rack railway station there is a sign which says Rigi Kulm (summit in Swiss German) to the right with a red/white/red grade and a pictogram of an ordinary hiker, and to the left a sign which says Rigi Kulm with a yellow flash and a pictogram of a bent old man with a long beard and a stick! Of course that path takes longer! But old folk do get up there via the rack railway, so it’s useful.
It’s actually a Czech Hiking Markers System standard, not Swiss. Developed in Czechia quite a long time ago, it is now used in many many different countries around the world. In some countries it is even managed by Czech tourist club to this day. Czechia also has the most dense tourist trails coverage of any country
It was my 3rd attempt to get to the top of Ben Nevis..... 1st time just getting on to the plateau weather changed from beautiful to dangerous.... I turned back... 2nd time, idiot in SANDALS, yes SANDALS broke their ankle, I waited for helicopter again, close to summit... It was getting dark.... Down I went.... 3rd time, my sister and our 4 dogs, beautiful day... We reached the top... Bagged another Munro!
Success at last. That is something I would love to try. Definitely give way to people coming down. It's a way to pay respect to a fellow hiker who made it.
Superb, I climbed it last June, that second part scrambling over boulders to the top was a killer. I would always try and pass people on the left and give way when I’m climbing. You must respect this mountain!!
Yes I have done quite a lot of hill walking in Europe... Most countries do have paint on rocks... However some trails in Ireland (where I'm from,) crosses private land so wooden stakes like UK... Etiquette - depends on mountain and conditions as to who has right of way... Usually in my local walks I give way to people descending the peat tracks, so I can have a rest😂😂😂😂! As for which side, when walking I tend to stay on the right even on footpaths in tye city!
Here in Central Portugal the local hiking trails are marked with red and yellow painted stripes. They lean or bend in the direction of travel. There are just enough to define the route and I keep finding more.
Well done, Scott. I always use walking poles when coming down off a summit. They give you that extra stability to prevent injury and take a lot of weight off your knees, especially when using stepped paths.
In the 60s we had a maths teacher who climbed Kilamanjaro, a 5 day affair. He (Piggy Poulsom) advised coming down is more dangerous, and more jarring on muscles. VERY WELL DONE!
Yes I have done quite a lot of hill walking in Europe.... Verdun Gorge in Provence... Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, Mallorca - Tramantona mountains, La Gomera in the Canaries.... And of course my local Wicklow Way which is well signposted
Nice one Scott well done. I don't think I'll be doing the Ben anytime soon far to many people. Walking etecate : I would try and stay on the left this isn't a hard and fast rule. I've always given way to people coming up a hill if the track is narrow. Comeing down you need to take a brake every so often. We would love to see some walking in the alps, please.
Congrats on making the summit. I was absolutely staggered by the number of hikers at the top. As a serious bushwalker in 🇦🇺I never experienced such crowds. Indeed on a weekend hike sometimes you never saw anyone at all other than your own party from Friday set off to Sunday evening return.
About 25 years ago my son and I, e was 10 then, were camping in Glen Nevis and, after seeing several photos of the path in the shower room we decided to try to get up Ben Nevis. Of course, the way we took was the one with one step after another. Not only that, we wore brand new walking boots only bought the day before in Fort William. After about 5 hours we made it roughly half way up, having been overtaken by probably hundreds of people running up those steps. I could see my son was a bit suffering so I decided to turn around to which he objected but I told him that going downhill is often harder than going uphill. As it turned out I made the right decision as we made it down and he was at the brink of collapse. There was a pub where we had some cold refreshing drink and a bite to eat before we walked back to the camp site.
I've done the two Ben Nevis(es) here in Australia - one in Victoria and one in Tasmania. They look nothing like the namesake in Scotland though - most notably they are covered in thick vegetation (like gum and eucalyptus trees). I think Scotland is just a lot colder and the tree line a lot lower than either Victoria or Tasmania in Australia, which resulted in an interesting scenary. Will try to visit the legitimate Ben Nevis in Scotland one day.
Its amazing the amount of Engurlish people. Shall we all go over to Milton upon keynes and start rowing in their rivers en masse. Bet that would cause a stir
Well done, glad you made it. As for the questions. #1 I would stay on the left unless there was a reason to move over. #2 Would depend on the situation. For example how safe each of the walkers were.
Fantastic that you made it! Incredible views from the top. My knees would not allow me to even think about attempting this so I appreciate your video all the more. Way to go!
Fantastic video, the views are absolutely stunning! Back in the 70's I was on a bus tour with Mum while visiting from Canada and saw Ben Nevis so this was a treat. Always enjoy your videos. While not a hiker per se, I would think you'd give way to the downhill hikers simply because of the downward momentum; I would think you'd have more control ascending. Looking forward to the next.
Great to see that there's another quieter route up. Personally I try to keep to the left as I do driving and cycling and I try to give way to people coming up the path. They are easier to see than you would be as your eyes are naturally looking down and so I have more time to stop. 🙂
Well done on reaching the top of the Ben, I did it at my second attempt too. as for your questions, I meander when walking and I agree it's better to give way to people coming down. I found it very hard coming down, took me as long as going up did. [ 3 hours 45 minutes]
Great video Scott. One thing I did notice during my years of hiking. People from the UK seem to keep left while people from the rest of Europe keep right. Greetings from Denmark.
I generally keep to the left, except when meandering! I always give way to those coming down as pressure on leg joints,coming down, is way more than when climbing! My daughter and son in law, from NZ, spent part of their honeymoon in the UK travelling in a camper van. They stopped in Fort William and the son in law went for a run up Ben Nevis and back to Fort William. He’s a fitness nutter and his idea of pleasure is running up mountains in NZ South Island! At my age, 70 plus, I’m more the meandering type eg. down the drive to the letterbox and back! 😳
Saw a mountain rescue documentary about that very tourist trail before it was name changed, i doubt you let anyone down there Scott, esp getting that far up that trail. the mountain rescue guys actually confirmed everything you said, Nevis has an active death count just like the Matterhorn or many other mountains do only perhaps not so hair raising. that was something on my bucket list and unless i could get my Ebike up there easily, it would be right out of bounds for me now. i would become that percentage that could not make it also, fair play for giving it another shot.
Thanks Scott great video. Climbing up you're right to meander to take the path of least resistance. Coming down it depends on how many you meet but I like to find a place to stop to the side of the track, say hello, and then continue as it gives me a short break and you are right, descending is harder because of the stress on your less muscular areas of your legs and in many ways you need to concentrate to watch you steps more so that you do not fall even if you are wearing good footwear.
Great walk you've taken the most sensible way up this classic walk thankyou for sharing it whatever age and fitness level doesn't have to be a toll,great views too
You clearly had a better day than when I climbed Ben Nevis many years ago. I had to cross some snow at one time and the visibility at the summit was zero! I met some guys who were using a tourist map and wetren't sure which path to take at one point si I had to take my compass out (they didn't have one) and point them in the right direction!
Answer the first question, you tend to meander, but for when passing stand to the left (for the UK; with a caveat that the person who has right of way has the easiest path of residence, eg. if the is mud on the right and your the one giving way, stand to the right, so the person who has right of way has the easier way. As for Q2, the person who steps aside is the person going UP, so the person coming down can pass. Again here is a caveat, it depends on track layout, who much gear the other person is carrying, etc. I did the West Highland Way N-S last May as part of the first stage of the JOGLE, got fed up very quickly of giving way, as I found I had to regarding of terrain because of the mass of people coming the other way. This got very annoying alongside Loch Lomand, where at some points I was waiting 10 minutes for the slow coaches with no backpacks to come down, whilst I with a 20kg pack had to wait. Eventually, I came other all British and asked in a polite, but straightforward manner, ''Excuse me, coming through, excuse me, Thank you'', or other variations to get out of the way. Try doing the WHW back to front, you'll soon disband etiquette, and come over like the formerly Queens Guards, who'd shout to podgy tourists ''MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN'S GUARDS'', So yes, a complicated answer to those questions
I admire your courage in taking on the challenge again and winning. If the ascent was anything to go by I imagine the descent was very demanding. Thank you for undertaking this adventure so that I don't have to. I used to be fit but alas those days have passed by and now I am more suited to gentler perambulations.
Certainly an interesting point you raise about who should give way to whom. Sitting here in my comfortable armchair I would have said, those coming down should give way to those struggling on the way up. But as you quite rightly point out, most injuries occur to those coming down who have the weight of downward momentum to contend with. So although superficially it seems to be reverse logic, it certainly does make more sense for those going up to give way to those coming down. That was certainly a very good point you covered there. So well done... On another note, if you are looking for subject matter for future vids, how about a series about taking folding bikes on trains: As Brompton are so darned expensive, a series on cheaper Brompton alternatives such as Dahon, the Japanese brand: would be helpful and very interesting. Especially for those of us who prefer trains, to flying.
1. most european tracks have paint on the rocks. a lot just have a single red stripe. austria being an exception 2. as per roads, keep left in the uk, keep right abroad 3. assess the situation, but generally give way to descenders. (so you can have a rest while climbing) It should be said you had very benign conditions. you need to have a map and compass, as low visibility can give you to some very dangerous conditions. i have only been on the Ben in winter, where a map and compass were definitely needed. also almost all the cairns on the summit indicate the top of climbs, rather than markers for the path.
Some great questions! I haven't done much continental European hiking, but there were painted rocks in Greece on the non-obvious hike I did do. Having said that, the markers were few and far between, or the paint was wearing away when I did find markers. I was fortunate to get off the mountain that day in one piece.... Generally I will give people going down priority over going up, because I can use the micro-break to catch my breath. However, I will yield or take priority based on being in a safe place to let people pass. As for passing on the right or left, I wonder if it's based on what side of the road people drive. Most everywhere I've passed on the right because people drive on the right where I've hiked. The exception was when I hiked Glyndwr's Way in Wales, but nobody was going the other direction in the ten days I hiked the path!
Certainly plenty of people on the trail... We walked up The Ben (Tourist Path) in early November 2007 on a reasonably nice day and only saw 2 other people on the mountain. I was expecting many more because, although it was November, the sun was out until we reached the top, only after then it began to rain a little.
Huge congratulations I did Nevis in 1977 😮couldn’t do it know with regards to Q1 I go to the side that’s furthest from the edge 😂😂 Q2 definitely give way to those coming down also it’s a good excuse for a breather ❤
I've found markers in Italy and Spain and have said UK paths should be marked either nationally or to each nation. Also the Ben Jariag ridge is fun. Should mention last time I did the "tourist" path there was an Indian Bolywood Musical being filmed! Well done. But where is the snow I always remember walking up in the Nineties? Meander and give way to who ever has the harder path up or down.
Have you ever done the tour of central station - under the existing station. Did this last year and it is fascinating. Think you would like it too. Not sure if you would be allowed to film tho. X
Great video. Regarding your questions - alpine paths are always marked in Europe. There are variations between countries but in Slovenia we have red and white target markers. In regard to etiquette - my experience in Austria and Slovenia., again up in the mountains - is you give way to those coming down for the reasons you outlined. Left or right? I stick to the right in Europe.
Yes of course we have walks markings in Switzerland and I think they have in Germany, Austria and so on. Red-White-Red is not the Austrian flag it is the indicator for a serious mountain path, yellow or yellow-white-yellow is the marker for normal track.
At the CIC hut you should have traversed to the right up the Garadh Buttress Route, a very moderate scramble, no equipment required. To be honest going up some of the routes at the back (ranging from easy to very difficult) of the Ben is really the only way to appreciate the hill, because The Ben Nevis tourist route is one of the most boring accents in Scotland.
The north face trail is awesome but you spoiled it by turning back after the CIC HUT and heading towards the mountain path (Tourist Path) CMD and the CMD Arête is awesome have you tried it ? Done Nevis twice in a week back in July and your right respect Nevis or it will test you to the limits tough mountain coldest summit i have ever experienced great vlog mate thanks 🙏
I alway give way to people coming down, but only because their going quicker and waiting for me coming up is like that scene with the runner in the distance from monty python.
Did the North Face route in 2020 and the mountain path 2021. 2020 I got about 3/4’s of the way up and found out I had left my phone in the car so no photos! Made sure in 2021 but, on the descent, I blew my knee around 30 minutes off the summit and took 4.5 HOURS to descend!!!! Never again 😅
Well done for getting to the top! Well, I try and stay on the left, but it depends on the terrain. Always say hello to people, and most answer cheerfully, yet some don't. I try and give way to the people coming down, usually. Marvellous to see the top of the Ben, and using a different route to most people....did you go down the same way?
geeze!! the number of people at the top part (summit) is absolutely horrendous, image if just half of them left their plastic water bottle and/or crisp packets there, and of course everyone must have the obligatory selfie
Here in north east Italy signs are usually made by two red and white stripes. Some are circular and painted in red. Wooden post with details of the paths are present too. Contact me if you want to try our Dolomites or lower eastern alps. We will appreciate to hike with you.
Superb, knew nothing of this path, and much more interesting seeing the north face vs the gruelling slog of the mountain path. well done Sir!
A most engaging and awe inspiring video thanks Scott.
Well done!
As to your Austrian flags, I’m afraid that's not what they are. There is an international system of trail markings in the Alps. There are three types:
1. Yellow - an easy trail - stout shoes possibly required, but trainers will do. On valley bottoms the trails may well be wheelchair friendly.
2. Red-white-red flashes - moderate to tough trails - the vast majority. Can include really steep sections and scrambles (all four limbs required!) but can be relatively easy.
3. Blue trails - ice equipment required, even in the Summer. A trail is a blue trail if for instance you have to cross a glacier, or if you’re above the snow line in the hiking season.
This system was developed first in Switzerland where it is ubiquitous. It has been adapted in Germany, France, Austria (though rather more haphazardly) Italy and I believe Slovenia. It also very carefully gives you distances to the nearest village or hut and a timing, and sometimes a height to be gained.
At the top of the Rigi, a mountain near Lucerne, by the rack railway station there is a sign which says Rigi Kulm (summit in Swiss German) to the right with a red/white/red grade and a pictogram of an ordinary hiker, and to the left a sign which says Rigi Kulm with a yellow flash and a pictogram of a bent old man with a long beard and a stick! Of course that path takes longer! But old folk do get up there via the rack railway, so it’s useful.
It’s actually a Czech Hiking Markers System standard, not Swiss. Developed in Czechia quite a long time ago, it is now used in many many different countries around the world. In some countries it is even managed by Czech tourist club to this day. Czechia also has the most dense tourist trails coverage of any country
I'm always impressed how many people congregate at the tops of such mountains. Good video.
It was my 3rd attempt to get to the top of Ben Nevis..... 1st time just getting on to the plateau weather changed from beautiful to dangerous.... I turned back...
2nd time, idiot in SANDALS, yes SANDALS broke their ankle, I waited for helicopter again, close to summit... It was getting dark.... Down I went....
3rd time, my sister and our 4 dogs, beautiful day... We reached the top... Bagged another Munro!
Success at last. That is something I would love to try. Definitely give way to people coming down. It's a way to pay respect to a fellow hiker who made it.
Good for u not giving up.the secret to getting old is setting goals or challenges and to keep going .
Superb, I climbed it last June, that second part scrambling over boulders to the top was a killer. I would always try and pass people on the left and give way when I’m climbing. You must respect this mountain!!
Brilliant Scott well done 👍👍
I love the water troughs in Austria lovely when thirsty
Well done Scott, it’s not an easy slog .
Yes I have done quite a lot of hill walking in Europe... Most countries do have paint on rocks... However some trails in Ireland (where I'm from,) crosses private land so wooden stakes like UK...
Etiquette - depends on mountain and conditions as to who has right of way... Usually in my local walks I give way to people descending the peat tracks, so I can have a rest😂😂😂😂! As for which side, when walking I tend to stay on the right even on footpaths in tye city!
Here in Central Portugal the local hiking trails are marked with red and yellow painted stripes. They lean or bend in the direction of travel. There are just enough to define the route and I keep finding more.
Well done, Scott. I always use walking poles when coming down off a summit. They give you that extra stability to prevent injury and take a lot of weight off your knees, especially when using stepped paths.
It must be a wonderful experience Scott you must be fit. A very famous natural sight..
In the 60s we had a maths teacher who climbed Kilamanjaro, a 5 day affair. He (Piggy Poulsom) advised coming down is more dangerous, and more jarring on muscles. VERY WELL DONE!
Yes I have done quite a lot of hill walking in Europe.... Verdun Gorge in Provence... Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, Mallorca - Tramantona mountains, La Gomera in the Canaries.... And of course my local Wicklow Way which is well signposted
Nice one Scott well done. I don't think I'll be doing the Ben anytime soon far to many people.
Walking etecate : I would try and stay on the left this isn't a hard and fast rule. I've always given way to people coming up a hill if the track is narrow. Comeing down you need to take a brake every so often.
We would love to see some walking in the alps, please.
Congratulations, Well Done 👏 👏👏💐💐💐.
As a climbers rule; Down goes first
Congrats on making the summit. I was absolutely staggered by the number of hikers at the top. As a serious bushwalker in 🇦🇺I never experienced such crowds. Indeed on a weekend hike sometimes you never saw anyone at all other than your own party from Friday set off to Sunday evening return.
About 25 years ago my son and I, e was 10 then, were camping in Glen Nevis and, after seeing several photos of the path in the shower room we decided to try to get up Ben Nevis.
Of course, the way we took was the one with one step after another. Not only that, we wore brand new walking boots only bought the day before in Fort William.
After about 5 hours we made it roughly half way up, having been overtaken by probably hundreds of people running up those steps. I could see my son was a bit suffering so I decided to turn around to which he objected but I told him that going downhill is often harder than going uphill.
As it turned out I made the right decision as we made it down and he was at the brink of collapse. There was a pub where we had some cold refreshing drink and a bite to eat before we walked back to the camp site.
I've done the two Ben Nevis(es) here in Australia - one in Victoria and one in Tasmania. They look nothing like the namesake in Scotland though - most notably they are covered in thick vegetation (like gum and eucalyptus trees). I think Scotland is just a lot colder and the tree line a lot lower than either Victoria or Tasmania in Australia, which resulted in an interesting scenary. Will try to visit the legitimate Ben Nevis in Scotland one day.
Congrats. My friends were up there and climbed Nevis 2 weeks ago
Glad you made it! I was gutted for you last time.
Brilliant well done ❤
Its amazing the amount of Engurlish people. Shall we all go over to Milton upon keynes and start rowing in their rivers en masse. Bet that would cause a stir
Fair play to you, as for the questions i don't know, it depends on how safe it is at the time, enjoying your videos, keep safe, take care🍀
Well done, glad you made it. As for the questions. #1 I would stay on the left unless there was a reason to move over. #2 Would depend on the situation. For example how safe each of the walkers were.
Fantastic that you made it! Incredible views from the top. My knees would not allow me to even think about attempting this so I appreciate your video all the more. Way to go!
Brilliant, well done. Always harder coming down I find.
Beautiful views 😍
Fantastic video, the views are absolutely stunning! Back in the 70's I was on a bus tour with Mum while visiting from Canada and saw Ben Nevis so this was a treat. Always enjoy your videos. While not a hiker per se, I would think you'd give way to the downhill hikers simply because of the downward momentum; I would think you'd have more control ascending. Looking forward to the next.
Great to see that there's another quieter route up. Personally I try to keep to the left as I do driving and cycling and I try to give way to people coming up the path. They are easier to see than you would be as your eyes are naturally looking down and so I have more time to stop. 🙂
Congratulations
Well done sir!
Well done on reaching the top of the Ben, I did it at my second attempt too. as for your questions, I meander when walking and I agree it's better to give way to people coming down. I found it very hard coming down, took me as long as going up did. [ 3 hours 45 minutes]
Brilliant. This is on my bucket list, along with the caledonian sleeper to Fort William
I made light work of this when I climbed last year, the PA on the other hand struggled with all the luggage.
Great video Scott. One thing I did notice during my years of hiking. People from the UK seem to keep left while people from the rest of Europe keep right. Greetings from Denmark.
This brings back memories of climbing Ben Nevis
I generally keep to the left, except when meandering! I always give way to those coming down as pressure on leg joints,coming down, is way more than when climbing! My daughter and son in law, from NZ, spent part of their honeymoon in the UK travelling in a camper van. They stopped in Fort William and the son in law went for a run up Ben Nevis and back to Fort William. He’s a fitness nutter and his idea of pleasure is running up mountains in NZ South Island! At my age, 70 plus, I’m more the meandering type eg. down the drive to the letterbox and back! 😳
last time i was up ben nevis wes in 1976 and that was on a training trip in the RAF not been up since
Fantastic day for it
Well done sir! You are an inspiration to me.
Great effort young sir !! Thought there would had been a greggs and a ice cream van there when you got to the top !! lol
Saw a mountain rescue documentary about that very tourist trail before it was name changed, i doubt you let anyone down there Scott, esp getting that far up that trail. the mountain rescue guys actually confirmed everything you said, Nevis has an active death count just like the Matterhorn or many other mountains do only perhaps not so hair raising. that was something on my bucket list and unless i could get my Ebike up there easily, it would be right out of bounds for me now. i would become that percentage that could not make it also, fair play for giving it another shot.
Great walk Scott, the scenery looks amazing and worth the second attempt
Thanks Scott great video. Climbing up you're right to meander to take the path of least resistance. Coming down it depends on how many you meet but I like to find a place to stop to the side of the track, say hello, and then continue as it gives me a short break and you are right, descending is harder because of the stress on your less muscular areas of your legs and in many ways you need to concentrate to watch you steps more so that you do not fall even if you are wearing good footwear.
Great walk you've taken the most sensible way up this classic walk thankyou for sharing it whatever age and fitness level doesn't have to be a toll,great views too
You clearly had a better day than when I climbed Ben Nevis many years ago. I had to cross some snow at one time and the visibility at the summit was zero! I met some guys who were using a tourist map and wetren't sure which path to take at one point si I had to take my compass out (they didn't have one) and point them in the right direction!
Congrats, Scott, brilliant. Cape Wrath Trail next?
Hello Scott, great film and well done. Looked stunning in those perfect conditions
Answer the first question, you tend to meander, but for when passing stand to the left (for the UK; with a caveat that the person who has right of way has the easiest path of residence, eg. if the is mud on the right and your the one giving way, stand to the right, so the person who has right of way has the easier way. As for Q2, the person who steps aside is the person going UP, so the person coming down can pass. Again here is a caveat, it depends on track layout, who much gear the other person is carrying, etc.
I did the West Highland Way N-S last May as part of the first stage of the JOGLE, got fed up very quickly of giving way, as I found I had to regarding of terrain because of the mass of people coming the other way. This got very annoying alongside Loch Lomand, where at some points I was waiting 10 minutes for the slow coaches with no backpacks to come down, whilst I with a 20kg pack had to wait. Eventually, I came other all British and asked in a polite, but straightforward manner, ''Excuse me, coming through, excuse me, Thank you'', or other variations to get out of the way.
Try doing the WHW back to front, you'll soon disband etiquette, and come over like the formerly Queens Guards, who'd shout to podgy tourists ''MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN'S GUARDS'',
So yes, a complicated answer to those questions
I admire your courage in taking on the challenge again and winning. If the ascent was anything to go by I imagine the descent was very demanding. Thank you for undertaking this adventure so that I don't have to. I used to be fit but alas those days have passed by and now I am more suited to gentler perambulations.
Well done Scott
Fair play to you Scott. I wish I could do it, but I'm too unfit.
fantastic - looks great and well done
Congratulations! Great video as always!
Regarding the path signages.... we got red Ts in Norway on all major paths.
You're a brave man!
Certainly an interesting point you raise about who should give way to whom. Sitting here in my comfortable armchair I would have said, those coming down should give way to those struggling on the way up. But as you quite rightly point out, most injuries occur to those coming down who have the weight of downward momentum to contend with. So although superficially it seems to be reverse logic, it certainly does make more sense for those going up to give way to those coming down. That was certainly a very good point you covered there. So well done... On another note, if you are looking for subject matter for future vids, how about a series about taking folding bikes on trains: As Brompton are so darned expensive, a series on cheaper Brompton alternatives such as Dahon, the Japanese brand: would be helpful and very interesting. Especially for those of us who prefer trains, to flying.
Well done Scott fantastic achievement
That was well worth the watch.
Well done. Mount Everest next !
Well done Scott 👍
I wondered where you were at the start 😵
I might get up there after all
they have trail and route markers in Slovakia on the national trail network , very well sign posted and information on distance and walking times
Well done Scott massive achievement love your videos and crazy things you do.
1. most european tracks have paint on the rocks. a lot just have a single red stripe. austria being an exception
2. as per roads, keep left in the uk, keep right abroad
3. assess the situation, but generally give way to descenders. (so you can have a rest while climbing)
It should be said you had very benign conditions. you need to have a map and compass, as low visibility can give you to some very dangerous conditions. i have only been on the Ben in winter, where a map and compass were definitely needed. also almost all the cairns on the summit indicate the top of climbs, rather than markers for the path.
I’d love to do that on my mountain bike. The ride down would be spectacular. Well done sir.
Well done, Scott!👏
Some great questions! I haven't done much continental European hiking, but there were painted rocks in Greece on the non-obvious hike I did do. Having said that, the markers were few and far between, or the paint was wearing away when I did find markers. I was fortunate to get off the mountain that day in one piece....
Generally I will give people going down priority over going up, because I can use the micro-break to catch my breath. However, I will yield or take priority based on being in a safe place to let people pass.
As for passing on the right or left, I wonder if it's based on what side of the road people drive. Most everywhere I've passed on the right because people drive on the right where I've hiked. The exception was when I hiked Glyndwr's Way in Wales, but nobody was going the other direction in the ten days I hiked the path!
Beautiful scenery, well done, I knew you could do it ☺️
Certainly plenty of people on the trail...
We walked up The Ben (Tourist Path) in early November 2007 on a reasonably nice day and only saw 2 other people on the mountain. I was expecting many more because, although it was November, the sun was out until we reached the top, only after then it began to rain a little.
Waliking poles are a must.
Hiking etiquette is uphill has priority, but some people don't follow the rules unfortunately.
Huge congratulations I did Nevis in 1977 😮couldn’t do it know with regards to Q1 I go to the side that’s furthest from the edge 😂😂 Q2 definitely give way to those coming down also it’s a good excuse for a breather
❤
Yes there are red and white markers all across Europe
I've found markers in Italy and Spain and have said UK paths should be marked either nationally or to each nation.
Also the Ben Jariag ridge is fun.
Should mention last time I did the "tourist" path there was an Indian Bolywood Musical being filmed!
Well done. But where is the snow I always remember walking up in the Nineties?
Meander and give way to who ever has the harder path up or down.
I claimed a 'mountain' in Germany a few years ago only to find when I reached the top that there was also a bus service to the top.......
Have you ever done the tour of central station - under the existing station. Did this last year and it is fascinating. Think you would like it too. Not sure if you would be allowed to film tho. X
Great video! You should do the fife coastal path next. I’m from lochgelly and still haven’t done the full walk 😂
Great video. Regarding your questions - alpine paths are always marked in Europe. There are variations between countries but in Slovenia we have red and white target markers. In regard to etiquette - my experience in Austria and Slovenia., again up in the mountains - is you give way to those coming down for the reasons you outlined. Left or right? I stick to the right in Europe.
Who gives way to who, especially on a tough hill I always give way to the people coming down, so I can catch a breath.
Yes of course we have walks markings in Switzerland and I think they have in Germany, Austria and so on.
Red-White-Red is not the Austrian flag it is the indicator for a serious mountain path, yellow or yellow-white-yellow is the marker for normal track.
had us going their scott
At the CIC hut you should have traversed to the right up the Garadh Buttress Route, a very moderate scramble, no equipment required. To be honest going up some of the routes at the back (ranging from easy to very difficult) of the Ben is really the only way to appreciate the hill, because The Ben Nevis tourist route is one of the most boring accents in Scotland.
Bloody good job mate (excuse my Australian Scott 🙂).
The north face trail is awesome but you spoiled it by turning back after the CIC HUT and heading towards the mountain path (Tourist Path) CMD and the CMD Arête is awesome have you tried it ? Done Nevis twice in a week back in July and your right respect Nevis or it will test you to the limits tough mountain coldest summit i have ever experienced great vlog mate thanks 🙏
I’m in the going up crowd!
I alway give way to people coming down, but only because their going quicker and waiting for me coming up is like that scene with the runner in the distance from monty python.
Did the North Face route in 2020 and the mountain path 2021. 2020 I got about 3/4’s of the way up and found out I had left my phone in the car so no photos! Made sure in 2021 but, on the descent, I blew my knee around 30 minutes off the summit and took 4.5 HOURS to descend!!!! Never again 😅
Hi Scot.
Have you done any videos in Italy..?
Well done for getting to the top!
Well, I try and stay on the left, but it depends on the terrain. Always say hello to people, and most answer cheerfully, yet some don't. I try and give way to the people coming down, usually. Marvellous to see the top of the Ben, and using a different route to most people....did you go down the same way?
Well done sir
Would walking poles help doing that climb?
geeze!! the number of people at the top part (summit) is absolutely horrendous, image if just half of them left their plastic water bottle and/or crisp packets there, and of course everyone must have the obligatory selfie
Here in north east Italy signs are usually made by two red and white stripes. Some are circular and painted in red. Wooden post with details of the paths are present too. Contact me if you want to try our Dolomites or lower eastern alps. We will appreciate to hike with you.
I did this when I was forty - 35 years ago! (Ouch)
I'll make way either going up or down.
Carn Mor dearg arete isnt as bad on the knees. Starts at Torlundy and isn't as bad as it looks, even in winter.
Congrats- so if you got up at 5 am to do this, when did the others who were coming down past you get up to do this?