Ben Nevis (the summit)

Overview

The highest mountain in the British Isles standing at 1,344m (4,408ft) above sea level, situated in the Scottish Highlands near Fort William, the Ben is also a big chunk of rock, snow and ice.

With over 100,000 visitors summiting Nevis every year there are bound to be a few health and safety incidents along the way especially considering the 4.350mm of rainfall per annum and only one in ten days with clear skies. And due to its height the average temperature is one below freezing which puts hikers in jeopardy if they’re not equipped with the right gear.

Main Danger

Navigation from the summit back down the usual tourist path descent is notoriously tricky and plenty of walkers and climbers have accidentally strayed into the notorious Five Finger Gully in poor visibility often with tragic results.

Stay Safe

Good nav’ skills, detailed map, compass, and other equipment are crucial, but you can improve your vicarious local knowledge in advance using the dedicated Ben Nevis page on the MCoS website.

Back to top

Pen y Fan (Brecon Beacons)

If you looked at the image above you may think that Pen Y Fan looks like a relatively simple peak to walk up but it’s one of the most exposed we’re featuring.

It’s so open that the military uses it for winter training to prepare them for missions abroad. In July last year three soldiers perished during a SAS selection process.

Main Dangers

In a way, the Beacons are a little like the Cairngorms Light, but because they’re so much smaller, it’s easy to under-estimate the dangers, particularly in winter.

Stay Safe

Don’t under-estimate the area, Good mountain skills should keep you safe, but don’t think that because the hills are smaller and lower, they’re somehow harmless.

Back to top

Helvellyn (Striding / Swirral Edge)

Probably the best known feature on Helvellyn is Striding Ridge (pictured above), a narrow arete and grade one scramble linking the summit ridge of Birkhouse Moor to Helvellyn’s summit and one of the reasons the mountain is so popular all year round.

Main Dangers

Striding Edge isn’t particularly difficult or narrow, but it is exposed in parts and, particularly in strong crosswinds or in full winter conditions, can be dangerous – arguably though, the most dangerous part of the mountain is actually the short descent onto the start of Swirral Edge which, particularly in winter conditions, can be lethally slippery.

Stay Safe

Remember in winter both edges are proper mountaineering territory and crampons and axes are often needed along with the skills to use them. The excellent Weatherline service carries daily reports on conditions with advice on whether you need full winter kit. At any time of year, be wary of strong winds on any narrow ridge.

Back to top

Scafell (Broad Stand)

Broad Stand is a scramble short cut onto Scafell from Mickledore the dip between the mountain and Scafell Pike. On part and from below it looks a logical and straightforward way up, but it’s considerably more difficult than it appears and also hard in descent.

Main Dangers

The rock is very polished with poor holds making it extremely easy to slip off and potentially fall a fair distance and it has happened many times.

Stay Safe

Make sure you know what you’re doing, consider taking a rope and small rack for protection and possibly abseiling if you’re descending the route. If you want an alternative scramble on Scafell, consider Lords Rake and the West Wall Traverse or choose one of several alternative walking routes.

Back to top

Aonach Eagach

Said to be the narrowest ridge on the British mainland Exposed, Aonach is an exposed scrambling experience that is certainly one of the UK’s most dangerous accident black spots.

Once more it’s highest point is 3,127ft and given the scrambles are considered the toughest horizontal scramble in Britain, it can be a daunting prospect.

Main Dangers

As with Crib Goch the Aonach Eagach is long, narrow and exposed with relatively few escape points so a slip can be very serious. In winter conditions it’s a full-on mountaineering experience too. Classic accident points include the initial down climb from Am Bodach – consider using a rope – the narrow pinnacled section and, at the end of the day, trying to descent the deceptively tricky Clachaig Gully rather than continuing along and down easier ground.

Stay Safe

All-round mountaineering skills needed particularly in winter. If you unsure on exposed terrain or have a mixed group of uncertain ability consider taking a rope and some protection for trickier sections.

Back to top

Buachaille Etive Mor

It’s not hard to see why this Munro has the reputation of being the most photographed of all the 3,000ft peaks, it’s stunning and relatively accessible thanks to its position in Glencoe.

However, don’t let its angelic looks fool you. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service say its one of the most prone to avalanches across Britain in winter.

Main Dangers

Aside from all the normal mountain hazards of which is has a few, the Buchaille’s most obvious walking approach is up the steep Coire na Tulaich. Unfortunately, the slope is periodically avalanche prone and has been the site of several tragedies over the years.

Stay Safe

A knowledge of avalanche conditions is generally essential in Scottish winter conditions, but the excellent Scottish Avalanche Information Service – www.sais.gov.uk – carries daily reports and forecasts for the area. If the prospects look iffy, play it safe and plan another route.

Back to top

The Devil’s Kitchen (Cwm Idwal)

Devil’s Kitchen is actually a cleft in the rock wall at the base of the Y Garn cliffs in the form of a steep gradient scramble in a place where the weather can seriously turn in a matter of minutes, but most walkers using the terms are referring to the path which drops steeply down into Cwm Idlwal from the cam below Y Garn.

Main Dangers

Benign in summer conditions, in winter the path takes a lot of drainage which frequently thaws then refreezes coating the rocks in a layer of water ice. Fine if you have crampons and the ability to use them, not so clever if you’re relying on boots and an axe.Deceptively the path can freeze even when high hills are fine without technical equipment.

Stay Safe

Crampons or micro crampons will get you down fine, so make sure you’re carrying them.

Back to top