TGO Challenge 2025

Day 4 Kinlochleven to Ben Nevis

I was woken by an amazing dawn chorus at about 4 am to what promised to be yet another beautiful day.

Met two Challengers that I knew from previous crossings as I was leaving the campsite but didn't have a long conversation as they were going a different way.

Pap of Glencoe in the distance 

I changed my route for today and decided to continue on the West Highland way to Glen Nevis and then climb Ben Nevis with the idea of camping on the top.

Lundavra junction

There are some lovely views as the path climbs up from Kinlochleven and wends it's way through the hills to Lundrava where tradition says that there is a water horse in the loch that will take unwary travellers into the depths.

Walker on the Nevis path

The West Highland Way deviates from the old military road here for the first time since Loch Lomond and goes over the hill to Glen Nevis. There were quite a few butterflies here mainly whites with a few orange tips for variety.

Half way Lochan, Ben Nevis 

I abandoned the Way above the campsite in Glen Nevis and called into the restaurant there for some extra sustenance to help with the hill climb. I was surprised as it was almost empty on Sunday lunchtime.

View to Mull

There is a very steep climb up from the Youth Hostel to reach the 'tourist' path which then becomes a steady slog to the top.

Loch Eil 

Today was the first time I had had a clear view all the way up and it was amazing.

Tower Ridge

There was a light drizzle at the top enough to make it feel cold but not affect the visibility. I had passed many people coming down and by the time I got to the top there were only a handful left and they soon headed down.

The summit shelter

I had hoped for a snow patch to pitch the tent on as the top is all rocks but there wasn't any. I found a couple of rather unsatisfactory possibilities and then decided to look into the shelter, which is usually a disgusting mess, and was pleasantly surprised so I decided to stay in there.

Snow Bunting 

There was nobody about and I thought I would have a peaceful night until about 03.30 I was woken up by a noise and someone asking if there was room for three more. It's an open shelter so the answer of course was yes.at least it was warmer then!

Evening light 

17.5 miles walked 2000 meters ascent