The Night I Almost Died on Ben Nevis
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- Опубліковано 22 вер 2019
- A winter wild camping trip in the Scottish Highlands turned bad fast when a storm hit during the night. This is my story of how I got myself into this situation, and how I got myself out (relatively) unharmed.
Most elaborate cover story for a man flytipping his old tent ever
Only joking George! Glad you're OK mate thanks for the story 😂
And being scared of the dark.. (only joking. Good story thanks for sharing)
Best UA-cam comment I’ve ever seen
😂😂😂
Haha 😂
Practical tip folks - and it's a potential life-saver. A tent is only as good as the anchors. If they are being overwhelmed by the wind, simply drop the tent and wrap it around you burrito-style. Try and maintain as much ventilation as possible. You'll get damp with condensation, but you'll be relatively safe and warm and should be in decent shape for the walk-out the next day. It will also save your shelter from being blown away or shredded. You'll hopefully never have to resort to this, but it's a good option to be aware of just in case...
You could get blown away by the wind or eatin alive wrapped up burrito style
@@dannykennion8738 eaten alive 😂
Haggis will eat you alive on Ben Nevis
@@sausagemeat2130 No need to scare people with old wives tales. In any real storm the haggi will be riding it out deep in their burrows.
@@tullochgorum6323 I thought I saw a haggis on Ben Nevis once but it was just a freakishly large freshly pinched jobby flung from a motor home
What a weird coincidence ? I was in a Bivouac on Ben Nevis that very same night thinking I wish I had a Tent, When low and behold a brand new Black and Yellow North Face Tent lands right next to me ! Saved my Bacon I can tell you.
made ma day
What a coincidence 😂
Haha
What's the chances.
Hope you have the complimentary credit card it came with a hammering 😋
"The day I almost died"
1800's Mountaineers: "first time?"
Grew up in the 1980's. Faced death several times before adulthood.
@@Willy_Tepes he dint hav the will power to peg it out with big fkn boulders , laffin
@@pen2199 LOL!!! He’s describing literally every time I’ve went camping in Scotland. Except I made sure my tent was grounded! Number 1!
In crazy weather, Always anchor your tent to a rock or a tent. Camping 101. You can’t buy your way to safety, you need to arm yourself with common sense.
@@euanstirling1866 if found him outside my tent in the middle of a raging blizzard all homeless cold ad lonely i'd chase him off , yeah had all his new gear an all, that bob dylan song ,blowing in the wind, laffin head off fear and loathing in your tent, you just dont need it
Didn’t even lose any fingers or toes. Still crazier than I’ve ever done. I stick to day trip hikes, have a thing about sleeping in my own bed
Hi George. You were not an idiot. you were just a pupil of nature learning some hard but basic lessons. I was mountain rescue for 18years and I experienced the conditions you described,. Glad you came out the other end and admiration for the walkout !!! Lessons learned and hopefully we will see you back in the Highlands soon. Best wishes- Allan Morton, Dundee
Thanks for the good advice. Glad to hear you survived unharmed. A view weeks ago when I done Goatfell I had all the usual waterproof clothing etc which turned out to be anything but waterproof. I'm doing Ben Nevis for charity on the 3rd February and definitely intimidated by the rapid-changing weather conditions amongst other things😰😱
Well said, Allan.
I'm curious: Did you secure the entire tent with tent pegs and rocks on top of them? There are insertion for tent pegs on the tent corners as well and along the middle. I never put pegs in those given that the tent is pitched nicely without. Obviously, next time I go trekking in the mountain, each peg will be inserted. Each!
Glad you made it out. I too trust my gear - but Mother Nature can be suprising. Your story was really compelling and made me reconsider my "gear trust". And you're not an idiot. You made solid choices when disaster struck that ended up saving your life. An idiot would not do so.
Success comes from experience, experience comes from failure!
@@ashleighmcblain7590 WHich advice?
When a scotsman tells you to get down off the mountain you should probably listen 💯🏴
Lol
@pennthebaker that was probably purposeful lol
I think sometimes people die because they're too afraid to look like an idiot.
natural selection at work they die because they are idiots so nature solves that problem fast
Edit: the sequel to this video where I return to Ben Nevis is now online here: ua-cam.com/video/QG1SCJwFEOY/v-deo.html
This video is getting quite a few views and as a result I’ve been getting quite a few similar comments that I wanted to collectively respond to. First of all, I believe I certainly have a lot to learn, I’ve always been open about this. In my day job I’m a university teacher and researcher and as such I’m completely behind the idea that life is an ongoing learning and discovery process for everyone. So I’m always glad to see constructive discussions within the comments!
A few people have pointed towards my ignorance as a major factor here, which I agree with, but would like to raise a few additional facts in my defence. This wasn’t my first experience wild camping, this wasn’t my first experience in the Scottish mountains, this wasn’t my first experience on snowy mountains. I’ve camped on a snowy mountain top in 40mph winds before. A few people have suggested that my misadventure was the result of a city boy coming out into the wild without experience. While my experience certainly isn’t the greatest, i think it’s important to underline that this type of incident can occur to those who have some experience as well as those without.
A few people have pointed to the fact i used GPS as a sign that i did not know how to navigate properly without it. This is not really true either. I’ve navigated with maps and compasses my entire life. I used GPS in this instance because it was the best tool for the job at the time - making a nighttime decent in a storm. I had a map and compass with me and chose not to get them out.
Yes, I’m aware also of the difference between spikes and “real” crampons. I was using the colloquial terminology. The spikes i was using were suited to the terrain i was crossing which was not at all steep and had a mixture of thin snow cover, some ice, rock and soil. “Real” crampons would have been overkill.
The tent blowing away: yes. It could have been better secured by me. I’ve said this multiple times myself. However, I do believe the mountain 25 tent has a particular design weakness in it’s 3 to 1 guyout setup. This setup merges the strain from 3 spots on the tent to one anchor point (where on most tents each attachment spot has its own anchor point). For this reason, the failure of one anchor point is a lot more significant. I think that’s what happened here. The failure of a key anchor caused a domino effect that would not have been anywhere near as much of a problem in a more traditional design. And yes, of course, i could have secured that anchor point better - i acknowledge that. And I have learned from that.
I also, especially as someone with a keen amateur interest in meteorology, was constantly checking multiple mountain weather services throughout the night (as well as in advance). I had the best data available to me at all times and was responding to it in the way that I did at the time. I feel it is important to mention this as a few people have suggested that i “should have checked the weather forecast”. You can argue that my response to the weather data was poor, I would probably agree with this, but do know that I had access to it.
Finally an update: I actually went back to Ben Nevis last month and camped overnight on the summit with a friend at the start of the winter season. Thankfully no storm this time - though in the morning there were some 40mph gusts coming off the north face. This was well within tolerances and didn’t pose a problem at all.
I wouldn't worry about what the commenters say. Many have probably not been out of town before never mind hiking and camping in the mountains. I know the rough area where you camped and weather can be so unpredictable in that valley at times. I've just purchased the mountain 25 and your comment on the guy lines (I assume you mean the middle ones) anchoring in a few places has really made me think. I'll be purchasing some more guy lines to add some extra anchor points in these areas. Thanks for sharing your experience, it certainly helps others to be aware of the risks, if nothing else.
Ignore the negative comments. What you have shown is true grit and authenticity. Being real is what makes a UA-cam Channel successful and thank you for sharing your story with us. ATB - Julia
These things can happen to anyone who sleeps out in the mountains. I can relate to much of it myself. You've lived to tell the tale so alls well that ends well I say. Know that area very well. Lived in Glen Nevis for a few years.
Well done buddy, one hell of an experience, you survived and lived to tell the tale that's the main thing. Life's a learning curve and your wiser after the event, onwards and upwards.
Think you were unlucky with the weather being MUCH worse than forecast. I've had to get off the mountains in the middle of the night due to a storm and I know staying in the tent to try and stick it out it far more preferable than going outside! Only advise I would give is try to be somewhere nearer a path for a quick exit to get back down in bad weather but then you didn't know at the time you set camp the forecast was going to change for the worse. Always prepare for the worst though. There's always risks in the mountains though, that's what you have to constantly evaluate, but is part of the fun! All the best.
The humility shown here is absolutely admirable. Takes full responsibility, credits others for their help, does't expect others to do things for you, and sums it up with lessons that will definitely contribute to save many lives in the future. Thank you sir.
Hey George, it seems to me that you did everything right here, you just got caught out by some pretty extreme conditions that weren’t forecast at the time when you checked . You accepted you might have f**ked up and had a strategy, the important thing is you kept adapting to the changing situation appropriately throughout, which is undoubtably what saved your bacon here. Its easy for someone to think logically about the best thing to do when they’re sat on the sofa in front of their laptop but when your tent has just rocketed into the Scottish Highlands and you’re standing there in your socks, that’s when you find out a few things about yourself.
Its a pretty big thing to find yourself genuinely concerned that you might not make it, but you did make it and that’s because you made the right decisions in a very stressful situation - a lot of people don’t.
You say you “certainly have a lot to learn” but I’d say you’ve just learned a lot more than most. My tip for the future - leave your boots on if you think you might have to make a quick exit ;o)
Just had to reply to this a year later and say, definitely keep your boots on in any adverse weather. Also any warm kit and things like phone, pocket knife, torch, energy sweets, etc.
@@TheLinkedList Too add to this, knowing the tent blew away before packing up the tent before getting the boots (or at least packing it down and securing it) is a lot smarter. If you put your pack outside of your tent it was almost guaranteed to blow away. Walking a bit downhill and setting up the tent again in a sheltered spot would have probably been ok.
100% leave your boots on fully agree
It really speaks volumes that you’ve not only learned from your mistake, but you are sharing it with others so that they do not repeat them. And that deserves a like, thanks for sharing.
First of all, very glad that you survived!! A lot of people have lost their lives in the Scottish Highlands over the years. There are two things that I would like to add to your recommendations...
1) Always have a storm shelter with you (the ones from Vango for example). These are fairly affordable, and can save your life in situations like these.
2) If you constantly had to readjust your tent stakes, then it could be that your stakes were either not the right ones (proper snowstakes), or that they were not put into the ground securely. These should always be inserted diagonally (the bottom pointing towards the tent, the top pointing away from the tent), and as deep into the ground as possible. It can also help to place heavy items such as stones and rocks on top of your stakes.
3) It could also be that you had your guylines staked out too tight. Guylines are meant to be rather loose, so that the tent has room to maneuver in severe conditions. Staking them out too tight can cause them to snap.
4) It can sometimes help to keep some items in the sides and corners of your tent, rather than leaving them in the vestibule area, in order to add more overall weight.
Ultimately, I think that it was understandable for you to stay inside the tent... I would certainly not recommend walking down a mountain during a snowstorm in the dark either.
I live in the western US and I've seen some hellish storms here, but one of the worst windstorms I've been in, in my entire life, was in Scotland. I have mad respect for the weather there.
Brings back memories for me, I spent a lot of time in Scottish Highlands in 1970's, The Ben, Aonach Eagach Ridge (got benighted on that in March, no tent, gas stove froze up, got frostbite). I was camping on the Cairngorms, Christmas Day 1975 (in a Blacks Expedition Tunnel Tent) it was so windy it snapped the fibreglass poles and blew away most of the other tents in our group (Venture Scouts). We did an ice climb up Coire an Lochan (Y Gully)...as we got on to the plateau the wind was up to 127mph...we had to crawl. After a brief lunch we beat a hasty retreat, leaving the Reindeer the last of our jam sandwiches. I was once on a solo trip up by Buachaille Etive Mor, I was planning on climbing a gully route, but as I crossed the burn I fell through an ice bridge and got soaked to my waist, it felt like I was freezing to death! So here I am at 66 years of age living in the mountais of British Columbia, Canada and locals do not believe Britain has extreme weather...haha, you an I know better than that don't we? That said it was -32C here last week :)
Where are you in BC? I live in Poco and frequent Scotland, mainly Inverness. But hike many mountains while I'm there.
@@Royalblue228 We are in the Southern Interior of BC, 45kms from Kamloops
Great story. The hospitality and helpfulness of Highlanders to those doing extreme things and finding themselves in need is second to none. You are not an idiot, thanks for posting.
You seem like a nice bloke with no ego to promote, and credit due for accepting the part your own decisions played. I would feel safe going up mountains with you, as you are someone who will now appreciate the risks, and the role our decisions come to bear on a situation. Glad you made it back in one piece. The world is a better place with people like you in it. This video will undoubtedly make many people consider their decisions more carefully in situations like this. You have done a service to climbers.
*hikers
I wouldn't go near this guy in the mountains
Great story, well told. Arthritic knees have put paid to me carrying a heavy pack these days. When we used to go high camping in winter we always carried goretex bivvy bags as well as the tent, for the very reason you experienced. If it got a wee bit blowy in the night, tent down, into the bivvy bags, snug as a bug in a rug. Treat it as a positive learning experience. I hope the hills give you as many years of pleasure as they’ve given me.
Brilliant tip thanks
British army bivvy bags are awesome... gorgeous full breathable... I used mine all the time.. woke up surrounded by snow and I was snug as anything. Sleeping bag wasn't anything special either.
i'm actually more impressed with the guy who found your wallet than any of the rest of this story.
The fact that you are able to sit here and share this tale... Most people I know would have been loosing their minds over the event but you held it together. Overcame and dealt with your situation as best as you can. The fact that you are sitting here, telling us this tale deserves a like and a sub from me. Your tale is well told.
Worthy of a drink... I'd say you earned it mate!
Well done for being man enough to tell everyone what you went through . An adventure you will never forget.
What's manhood got to do with it? A near-death experience means he probably needed some counselling/upport or something. Like so many people probably never received or sought it so been bottled up since. This video was probably his way of actually dealing with it.
“Man enough“? Wat?
Having been through a similar experience, I can say it is quite traumatic. Talking about it is part of processing that trauma and mentally repackaging that experience so that it can useful rather than an obstacle that prevents you from getting back on the mountain. It's also a very good video to put out to amateur mountaineers. I don't think being man enough has anything to do with it.
More and more, I am inclined never to leave my house.
Listening to your story gave me lots of PTSD chills from my own close calls in the mountains in winter. Cold, wet, windy, and very alone - to stop moving flips over the briefest hourglass until death. To not move fast enough comes with the encroaching panic of a slower death. Add in a sprained ankle or swollen knee, and the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming. As one human to another, I'm proud of you for making it out of there. Thank you for sharing your experience. Also I'm in huge agreement on the hiking poles being life savers - those combined with microspikes are like having super powers.
I feel for you George. I was enthralled with your story and was on the edge of my seat as you told it. Beautifully illustrated. Congratulations for telling your story and allowing others to learn from your circumstances. Looking forward to future videos.
Hi George, I’ve just watched your tale to be told and wow! ... credit to you for making it back safely and more importantly may I say a massive respect to you to have the courage to firstly admit and share your misfortunes on that wild and unreal night 👍
It takes a very brave man to admit his mistakes and to be alive to warn others!
Respect to you George! ✌️👊🏻 ATB
I have to laugh. His comment that everything started out okay: " the train arrived on time". That definitely bodes well for the rest of the Expedition. 😆
I was going to hunker down on Ben Nevis during a hurricane, but I burned my toast on the morning of my departure and cancelled the whole trip.
Remember seeing the posts on FB. It’s a story that has a happy ending, Just! Huge amount of respect for putting this video together. It may just save a life one day! I’ve often thought of you and that situation when planning and when we’ve been out. Your story has us always ticking the “what if” boxes! Whilst that must have been tremendously traumatic I hope you managed to get back out in the hills. Don’t put yourself down, it’s happened to more people than we’d like to admit. Again, brave story to post. All the best L&D
What a fantastic (terrifying!) story. Thanks so much for posting this on UA-cam, so many people (myself included sometimes) go into the Scottish mountains without the understanding of how dangerous they can be. So glad you made itto tell the story! All the best
Thanks for posting your honest account of the experience. Most of us have “near misses” at some point and I have found those of others and my own very instructive. I once came near death in a snow hole on Cairngorm. I learned a lot! Wasn’t brave enough to make a public video about it though. All the best for the future.
Appreciate this story, people underestimate Nevis because of the size but she is still a mountain and she is still in Scotland, both of these can lead to dangerous situations with weather. I'm very happy that you shared this because a lot of people might try to push it aside out of pride but you could literally save a life with this video. We live in such a beautiful place but we need to protect each other from it sometimes. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I always appreciate people who will tell you of their mistakes/errors so that you don't repeat them.
Very interesting and candid upload.
Most folks don’t want to publish a video of an unsuccessful adventure. Very fine debrief of an adventure gone wrong. Cheers for that, George.
I bet that was one of the best hot showers at the hotel.
Hey you survived so you done ok. We have all made some stupid mistakes, its part of the learning process. Im an ex Royal Marine, served in Norway, done loads of training in Scotland in the Cairngorms during winter. I would only guess those 100 mph gusts were exceeded? Any tent taking those wind speeds will have issues. Me myself hearing those forecasts would have bailed, yep I know it was dark and icy and very sketchy in strong winds but the voice in my head would have told me to move asap. But as I was saying every one of us has made rookie errors even years after knowing better. It will be a good tale to tell your grand children when your older. Atb Bill.
Have you tried Fjellraven Extreme? I chatted with an norwegian spec op who swore by it. Keeping him and his men, with normal winter bags, alive in -70 effective Celsius. Mad lads. Ha ha
Top tip dont take yer boots off when the weather is so so bad. Think military not civi
Was thinking the same, and I wouldn't sleep if the conditions were that bad.
Another tip use bolders/rocks biger the better of course....place them on all the pegs and guide ropes
Good tip, thanks for sharing
There’s some good pegs that when under pressure dig in, called delta ground anchors
Man you English are not right in the head. Where did you think you were going ?
Its the feeling of complete loneliness in these situations realising your the only one who can help you..well done 👍👍
oh how true
Fight or flight situation scott ee
Thanks for sharing this amazing tale of (mis)adventure. I think it's great that you recognise what you would or wouldn't do differently next time, but what comes across here is your clear-headed thinking during this crisis... you knew what you had to do and how to do it, and your level of experience and calm determination was what saved your life. I still remember your shocking instagram updates as this unfolded. Now it's an amazing story you can tell Rio. Loving the GM channel 2.0. 💪
Thanks for your comment Michael!
"The tent I was in described itself as being suitable for that weather..." I can't count how many times I've been soaked in "water proof" clothing.
@Dojocho Its nearly impossible for something to be 100% waterproof AND breathable. No material we have yet at least can do that from my understanding.
The only Waterproof clothing i can ever say i trust with my life would be Mountain Equipment waterproofs, Gore-Tex obviously. I have done winter mountaineering in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, Cross country skiing to a cabin miles from anywhere,and then having to ski back with food poisoning in a white out (not fun). The Lake District in disgusting rain and thunder storm conditions. In all extreme situations i have felt very lucky to have such good clothing to suit the conditions. But you are right nothing is perfect, we have to just use what we have to the best of our ability. Knowledge is key.
@Dojocho how comes??
Woollen underwear from top to toe is a blessing in all kinds of winter weather.
Thank You George for sharing your survival story with us. I could feel your situation as you were telling it. As a Scott I say thank you to the Highlands & the good folks of the area for helping you . Stay safe George.
free Palestine 😘
Thanks for sharing this thought provoking story. Congrats on having the mental fortitude to survive it and not panic yourself to death. Given me a lot of food for thought about what I would do in similar conditions. You survived so that was probably the best choice.
I live in fort William and think anybody who decides to climb ben nevis in winter is either crazy brave or just crazy. The weather here is mainly apocalyptic at that time of year. You are a lucky guy to escape
I don't fully understand why you'd think you'd been an idiot. It seems to me you were very well equipped physically and also mentally. So many people rattle up a mountain without any prep whatsoever but you'd thought it through. Granted the tent didn't stack up to the challenge but do you think that is due to the incorrect description of the tent or the way you'd pitched it? If you'd not packed that emergency sack or left the boots outside you'd have woke up dead on that mountain. I feel you'd prep very well - and it's that forethought and prep that saved your life.
Thanks for the kind words Danny! I would say that using larger/stronger stakes would have been advantageous in potentially stopping the disaster that occurred. And perhaps using a tent that doesn’t guy out in such a quirky way (the tent I’m using merges 3 guy lines into one stake point- meaning one critical point of failure). But these are key lessons learnt for next time! Thanks
Obviously he is trying to keep the irrelevant comments to a minimum. But it is an old thing in the mountains. If you get tagged your are a moron, if you get by you are a genius. If Honnold had fallen on his free solo of El Cap, he would be a goat. He made it and he is the all time best ever. There is nothing that compares, and it may never be repeated. Sometimes repeats actually are slow to happen. But Bachar was the same dude in his day, and the fact tried to put the band back together and got killed... Kinda undermined his reputation, and then people come out with theories for his mental stability all along.
@@GeorgeMaier Unless you think that load take off will fail, you can still stack and equalize anchors to it. It gives you the option to find and use one anchor, or to use multiples, which all else equal sounds like a plus.
Have does one wake up dead?
I've had trouble anchoring my tent in strong winds before now and have ended up tying it to rocks rather than staking it. If it was 100 mph though I think the tent would simply get ripped apart. It sounds like you made alot of good decisions that saved your bacon! I think one of the greatest things about walking and wild camping is that you will always be at the mercy of nature to an extent and that keeps us humble and respectful. And very scared sometimes 😬
I was always stunned how many people would get stranded or die on Ben Nevis and in Glen Coe. I grew up in Drumnadrochit and would hear about the rescues and body recoveries every winter. I was always shocked because these places never seemed extreme to me especially in terms of altitude. Thanks to your video I have a much better appreciation of how people get into trouble there so quickly.
people always underestimate the scottish mountains, at their peril.
Thank you for sharing your story! It helps remind ourselves to always respect the mountains whether a novice or pro. Very glad you managed it and so glad you shared this (scary) experience!
Really happy for you , you survived ! Thank you very much for telling us your story. You just help me with your telling and the usefull comment, like keeping boots on, etc. You got all my respect !
A good story - and something you can entertain people with in the future! Epics are part of being a climber/walker, and just part of being out there in nature. If you wanted everything to be done for you you would have stayed in a hotel, but being outdoors puts you in touch with yourself much more. Hope you have many more exciting adventures!
I spent years rescuing people from the mountains of Scotland. Always remember the mountain will always be there tomorrow, never push a bad situation, just because you have made the journey it doesn't mean you have to climb it that day. Nature is like gravity it will always win....
What a story. I’m glad you made it out. It’s amazing how quickly conditions can change on a mountain. I did a day hike last weekend and a huge storm blew in out of nowhere. It was so scary to be so exposed to the elements. Luckily it passed quickly and I got down safely. It sounds like you did a good job of keeping your cool. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hey! Thank you for sharing your story and putting yourself out there. I love watching videos of people telling their stories, the good and the bad. This video creates awareness and well also what things should be done during those situations.
My friend and I spent a similar night on Ben Nevis back around 1993/4 about 100m or so from where your tent was - we pitched up in a hollow next to the burn quite close to the CIC hut. Our pegs were secured OK and I think we'd piled snow around the base of the tent to help secure it but the wind was strong enough to blow the tent (a Vango Hurricane Alpha) completely flat on top of us at times during the night. Thank God we had alloy poles because fibreglass ones would never have lasted the night. If I remember correctly the temps fell below -10C that night and my 'warm' sleeping bag was a 3 season job from Tiso. The hut had a wind generator mounted on it and we could tell whenever a gust was about to hit us because the whine that came from the generator blades would suddenly increase in pitch like a scream! Needless to say we didn't sleep much but the wind did eventually die down shortly before first light. We'd planned to camp up there for a couple of nights but decided to cut and run since we'd only managed to get 30mins sleep each. We did want to get at least one climb in before we headed back, though, so we started up towards the cliffs in the dark with our headtorches on. I can still remember the disbelief in the voices of the guys emerging from the CIC hut to see us halfway up the Curtain as they were getting away for their so-called alpine starts! We both had a good laugh at that. It's the epics that you remember and that make you what you later become. The biggest risk of all is to risk nothing...
I love it when they update a forecast when you're already half way up the mountain. Almost died myself up in the Cairngorms back in March.
Thank you for posting this video. It highlights for people just how dangerous the hills can be, even for experienced and prepared people as you clearly were.
I do a lot of wild camping myself in the Mournes and I remember in the early days learning a few lessons, particularly about the wind.
Thankfully I haven't had an experience close to as bad as yours though but I am under no illusion about how fast a situation can deteriorate if the forecast changes unexpectedly.
Thank you for telling this story. Sobering and a cautionary tale we all needed to hear. Glad you made it.
you didn't over dramatize your story, straight to the point with no fluff. i've been in almost the same situation and i relived the ordeal through your story telling. glad you're well. well done, great video.
Glad I've watched this as I'm planning a trip to Cairngorm's in the next month or two. I'll remember to keep all my gear together in case of an emergency. I had a scare earlier this year with my 8 year old son, but not on this scale. Just glad you took the sensible option and kept going until you reached safety.
Thank you for sharing your story. A lesson well learnt and humble to admit where you went wrong. All of us make mistakes but you survived to tell your story and save someone else from making the same mistakes.
Thank you George for sharing your experience. I'm glad you made it down safe and sound. The best lessons are the ones that don't kill you.
Great to hear your story mate. I could relate to your experience, after having a really shitty night up Glen Coe last winter. My tent ripped in middle of the night & poles bent due to high winds. Miserable hike back down to car in dark. I felt embarrassed & defeated. BUT I learnt a lot from my mistakes & went back up this winter & had an amazing trip. Good on you for sharing.
Great story. On the edge of my seat.. Glad you made it out of there unsaved. I had a similar experience in the Peak District where I fell into a bog waste deep. Like you the ski pole stopped me from going deeper. I was 3 moles from Hathersage where I got new clothing. I popped into a pub to change and the landlord gave me a double brandy after telling him my ordeal. Good on you..
Honest and enlightening. Good on you, there aren't many people who would make such an honest assessment. If it's any consolation I learn something new every time I go up to the mountains. You had a particularly steep learning curve but were unlucky, I'm sure there are many, many more who have got away with it, nothing to feel ashamed about, on the contrary, good to share your experience to help others. I hope you are still enjoying the mountains and thank you for your video.
Well done George, you’re alive to tell the story, some of the points raised are very apt, rock down your pegs, sleep with all of your kit on and have your pack packed ready to bug out in an emergency. We’ve all been caught out by the weather but the main thing is to always think worst case scenario when out in your own. Always give yourself plenty of time to find a sheltered pitch out of the wind if poss and Always have a plan of action when it goes tits up. Good to hear you tell the story and don’t let it put you off. Merry Christmas mate.
As someone who lives in Fort William it’s really strange to hear an actual story of someone’s bad experience on Ben Nevis. I only ever see mountain rescue going up or have someone off-handedly tell me something happened. I hope you enjoyed our town at least.
I love Fort William! I have been up many times, and really enjoy it every time. I keep looking at right move and dreaming of moving there.
Wow. Truly a fascinating story to hear, and such relief that you made it to the hotel. And look at you now with a gripping life story. Just...no encores, please. 🙂
Wow, what an amazing experience. Glad you made it out. Thank you for sharing this, and with such humility.
A lot of respect to find the courage to share this with everyone! We live on social media where people just describe how amazing and mega successful they always are…your story is so real and vivid that really gave me goosebumps ..and it is something that definitely I can relate to as it could have easily happened to me!! Thanks for the story mate !!
You are very lucky mate. Fair play for owning your mistakes .Just a few suggestions for future- Use 4 season boots, micro spikes are not crampons, water filters fail below zero, practise night navigation. Put rocks on top of tent pegs, carry a blizzard bag. Hills will be there for ever no shame in bailing.
Thanks for the tips! Will help me next time I go out. Was keeping the water filter in an inside pocket to stop it from freezing - but admittedly a bit of a messy tactic. Thanks for your comment
@@GeorgeMaier Boiling will do the same job. I winter camp / snowhole in the cairngorms every year for the past few years mostly by myself. Every year I learn something to do better next year.
I love the Cairngorms - beautiful area. Will have to winter camp over that way next time.
Locals don’t use water filters in the hills. Especially in winter
Hi George, thanks for sharing some valuable lessons with the rest of us! 👍🏻 Respect
I'm taking up wild camping next year. This video has been a valuable lesson for me. Thanks
thanks for sharing, Ive been up Ben nevis 3 times now and had a perfect clear day the first time, snow on the top the second and gale force winds blasting me about on the summit the last, I have a healthy respect for going up there and always pack for the worst. glad you got down in one piece.
CIC hut should have keysafe with security number for emergency use.
Nah. There's usually people in it who can either help in a genuine emergency or tell you what to do. A keysafe would be totally abused.
@@weedaviec Well that night it was locked so maybe a bit of abuse is better than a dead hiker? How can a locked keysafe be abused anyway?
@@benedictearlson9044 One guy gets in and is logged, others come along and trash the place, no accountability. There is always the option of breaking in, unless they are built like fort knox. In any case, you can't have one everywhere, people have to know their stuff. What goes on on BN is often pretty extreme like free solos of the vertical ice. Is everyone supposed to have a nanny?
I don't know that terrain, but it is also possible the trip over to the hut is worse than going down. On thing he knows now is that he can make it down, because he did it in much worse conditions than he was originally suggested that he do it. It is that kind of thing you only learn by "making mistakes".
@@HondoTrailside Not sure there are hoards of hikers half way up Ben Nevis in spikies in the middle of a blizzard in winter trashing huts. Sounds highly unlikely. In any case if the number for the keysafe is given out there could be a £20 charge to pay for someone to go up and check everything is secure before it's locked again.
@@HondoTrailside so a life risking rescue mission at huge costs, or another dead hiker, is to be preferred pleasing your control fetishism?
This guy's story is fairly scary from his perspective obviously, but at the end of the day he was not on the summit and was able to walk downhill to safety on the well- constructed path that now exists on the Allt a' Mhuiillin despite his wet boots. It's a tough lesson for him but he's still here minus some pride and gear. I've definitely fucked up things in the past a number of times. Descended 5 Finger Gully to Glen Nevis. Destroyed a tent in a storm on a Trossachs Winter summit storm. Experience is often about learning the hard way. It's all good as long as you get yourself off the hill.
I agree bro
What a story - thank you for sharing your experience and I’m glad you got through it to tell us your tale. So dramatic and I could see it all unfolding from your words - you were damn unlucky in fairness rather than being stupid and you’ve taught many of us a few tricks that we’ll hopefully never need to use. 👏
Thank you for your story, you held my attention throughout. Honestly, I could have listened for an hour. Regards.
First, thanks for posting this video and reminding us what nature can do. Second, I'm really glad you survived the walk-out. It took persistence and determination. I hope this experience doesn't put you off your trekking adventures. As the Boy Scouts say, just "be prepared". BTW you might invest in some stronger tent anchors, such as the "Orange Screw".
Great story. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing bro. Glad you got back safe and sound. You're certainly not alone in coming a cropper in the Scottish mountains. I had a very close call myself last year......in the middle of August.
Oh my word what a horrendous experience but so glad you are safe and well and lived to tell us this terrifying story!💨❄️🌨⛺️🏔
Hi George, you cannot beat yourself up regarding this adventure. You survived. I guess if you didn’t have GPS it may have been a different outcome.
I rely on mine and have found it an invaluable tool especially in fog, but a large battery backup is a must and map and compass too.
Was your tent sited into the wind or behind? It looks like it’s suited for the conditions.
Life is for living, and learning too.
You survived. Well done 👍
Well, that’s everything I’ve managed to avoid while solo hiking through the Highlands over the years. Only takes a bit of bad luck.
I'm from Edinburgh and I've climbed Ben Nevis 3 or 4 times. I've never got in any real trouble on the mountain. Doing it in that weather is a bit crazy and unless you're seriously experienced in that area then it's a no go imo.
Thanks for sharing and so glad you made it out. Many haven't been so lucky on Ben Nevis.
Glad you made it through, kid. And great that you're willing to share, so that others (like me) can learn from your mistakes.
great video, props for honesty! I've not got experience with that particular tent but it seems that it survived fine - it was the inadequate anchoring that caused the problems. Maybe look into various ways of creating rock anchors for use in such situations
*Top Tip*
*Always bring a kettle big enough to hide in*
Thank for your honesty and sharing your experience, which I hope others will heed. I know Ben Nevis very well having live near Fort William and been out on several rescues, where sadly some were not so lucky as yourself. Glad you made it out of there safely.
Hi George , thank you for sharing your story - a terrifying one - I know how Mother Nature can be , kind, gentle and ruthless at the same time but , you’ve made it and you’ve shared your story when most of us would have been so ashamed and embarrassed by it and how everything went.
There’s a lesson to learn for all of us, and I am glad you’ve made it.
Regards,
Florin
The fact is that every lesson has ultimately been learned through mistakes. Some of the most experienced mountaineers/sailors/pilots etc etc.. are only those who are lucky to have survived the mistakes they have made and can benefit from the hindsight of those experiences..
Simon Moore great comment. Hit the nail on the head and fully agree........some of the greatest Mountaineers on earth are dead , it’s a dangerous game and you could be as great as Messner or Kaltenbruner, but the Mountain doesn’t know that!!!
Trying to camp on a mountain over night in bad weather ..is a mistake.
Nonsense, happy go lucky isn't an admirably approach to Mountaineering. If anyone ever planned meticulously it was Messner.
Ive spent years climbing and walking the mountains of Britain, winter and summer. I took my two sons to Wales for a few days on their first camp, and we experienced a hurricane over night. Our tent was ripped and we had to abandon it and get into our truck. I wondered why the dog wouldnt stay in the tent, she must have known the weather was closing in. Its so easy to come unstuck in the mountains, even good old Blighty can throw up some credible storms. Glad your story ended that you were able to share. Keep on Bagging the summits.
Great story. Dogs are incredible animals.
Good honest story! Glad you made it out alive George! Life skills sometimes come at a price, especially when we are adventuring in the outdoors :)
Great story with a lot to think about for people who find themselves in a similar situation. As I listen to stories like this I am always thinking of what I can learn from them, rather than looking for opportunities to tell people they are stupid, or to demonstrate my own expertise. You are not stupid, you enjoy adventure.
Unfortunately there is a culture among many outdoors people of preaching to others, so you are brave to post this video and I thank you for it.
A great tale. Well survived.
I’d love to see anyone read a map in 100mph winds! It would fly as soon as you got it out of a pocket.
Although, I think if I were emergency planning, I’d probably have kept my boots on 😂👍🏻
Bei g a mountaineer for many years and being found in this type Of situation many times, there is a very simple basic technique you absolutely Must do, which hammer your tent pegs in flat with the ground and ace stones ontop, then make big loops in your guy lines and place large stones in the loops, there is no way in a million years will wind blow large stones away.
The only thi g that can possibly happen is the poles break, but atleast you will still be under a windproof waterproof layer.
Where you was camping there plenty of large stones to hand.
matterhorn1975 ok calm down bear grylls
@@marcogiovanni8962 what do you mean calm down?!
I'm not on my high horse pal
@@matterhorn1975 have you climbed the Matterhorn?
@@jimbo1858 yes September 2004.
@@matterhorn1975 looks almost impossible to climb. Closest I will ever get to the Matterhorn is the inn pinn on Skye. You're gonna tell me you've done that too lol
Well done with your very honest account, George. Well done also on keeping your head in a crisis and getting on with what had to be done. You self-rescued with some good preparation and clear thinking under terrible circumstances. In future I will keep my own boots in the tent with me. Lesson learned for me too.
So glad you were ok, and think it's really good you’ve put this video up x
Cracking video, though. I'm glad you're making them again. x
Thanks!
On the positive side, you got yourself out safely from a situation that deteriorated rapidly.
That's quiet an adventure and definitely a story to tell your children and your grandchildren, glad you made it out alive and OK to experience a new adventure.
WOW, dude, Im so glad to hear you made it thru all that. So many things could hav gone fatally wrong there for you . Good job!
I think the correct tip is not "take someone with you" but "don't go in winter, period". If someone went with you it's likely the other person or both would have died, unless they were as mentally and as physically as fit as you.
Winter isn't so much of a problem if you know what you're doing and have the right equipment and experience. The issue here was trying to climb a mountain during a yellow weather warning. I think most climbers would agree that's the moment to wait for another day however frustrating that decision may be. But we live and learn in life and I'm glad George survived to share his experience with us.
Awesome story. Hearing it made me panic as if I were the one in the tent. Glad you're alive to learn and share.
An amazing story! Thanks for sharing. Glad you're still with us. I may be able to do you one better. I had to snow ski off the backside of Nevis in the winter. Granted, it was clear weather. But, there were no trails and I had never skied before. I was alone with no help, phone, navigation, maps, markers, signs, food, adequate winter clothing or communication with anyone. Imagine it! I almost drowned/froze when the ice broke as I crossed a frozen stream on my skis. I did not know how to unbuckle my skis. Never had done it before. No one showed me how. As I was mostly under the ice, the ice cold water poured over me. I made one last attempt to unbuckle my skis underwater, pulled myself out of the water, crossed the stream, managed to put my skis back on, and finished my race down the mountain at ridiculous speeds among huge boulders without ever having skied before. I was in great shape, and had climbed mountains before. I had ice and roller skated for years yet kept on falling down. I have not picked up new sports skills quickly. Although, at the time I did not know God, looking back years later, I believe this had to be a miracle of God. No other logical explanation. One does NOT ski off the backside of Nevis. Pro or novice. At least back then. That was before extreme skiing a free soloing. How did I end up on Nevis in the winter with only a pair of skis without adequate clothing or skill? I will leave that for another day, should anyone ask...
You did everything right but as they say 'shit happens'. I sailed a boat from South Wales to Portugal. I even paid the met office for our own forecaster. A gale was scheduled for Southern Ireland on Wednesday. No problem. The gale arrived Tuesday and went south and caught me in the middle of the Bay of Biscay. I did everything right too but I guess that is part of the adventure. Glad you got through it.