One of the things I love more than writing about my adventures is reading about other peoples adventures! Today we have the pleasure of seeing what Ben and his friends got up to in the Grampians over the weekend.

Just 2 Scottish lads (Ben and Ryan) at the summit of Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis after an incredible climb (March 2024).

Getting Started

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I’m Ben, a lover of all things climbing and mountaineering. I came across KitUp last year and have since used it as both an Owner and as a Renter (they have a great selection of winter climbing equipment available). Having just had one of the best Scottish winter weekends I thought it would be great time to share it with the community.

The day started with an incredibly early departure from my parents house in Glasgow, where we charged ourselves with strong coffee and popped ‘Ben Nevis’ into the GPS – the goal was to summit Tower Ridge, possibly the best mountaineering route in the UK. As with any mountaineering trip (especially in Scotland) it needs some prior planning – route selection, weather checks, equipment etc and this was one of those rare occasions that all went to plan and we were able to do exactly what we wanted to.

Upon arriving at the car park just after sunrise, we were greeted by postcard views of the snow-capped peaks that towered above us and the crisp mountain air. We knew that this was going to be a truly special day out.

Ryan, trying hard not to fall into the freezing cold water at the foot of Ben Nevis (also taking a cracking photo for the Gram!).

Time To Get The Crampons On!

As we hiked up the slopes to the bottom of the climb, the beginning of Eastern Traverse, the snow started coming in hard but thankfully the winter was not too strong. This is where having the appropriate kit, especially clothing, comes in very handy. The mixture of wind, rain and snow that often characterise Scottish mountaineering require some sturdy stuff!

To begin the real climb we entered Douglas Gap a 20m groove/chimney leads to the crest of the ridge, which rises gently to become quite narrow (picture below). Whilst waiting for the others to come up behind me, it was a great time to snap a quick pic and enjoy just how picturesque the area is. It can be a busy climb but luckily, we were almost totally alone.

The Douglas Gap on the West Gully of Ben Nevis. Ben is starting to feel a little chilly at this point!

Crux Time (The Difficult Part)

After the Douglas Gap we were faced with 3-4 pitches of harder climbing on the ‘Little Tower’ which took a good couple of hours to get through. We have all done a lot of climbing so this was not beyond our ability (if relatively new to winter hiking/climbing then I would recommend getting a guide from the likes of Lochaber Guides). This was then followed by a traverse across a steep bank of snow and then another pitch of climbing to the ‘Great Tower’, which the route is named after.

We then climbed up through the chimney (image below) via a series of steep wall sections and ledges. For those not wanting to do this, there are other, simpler routes to get to the summit.

Ryan climbing The Chimney – probably the toughest part of the climb!

After popping out of the top of the chimney it’s pretty smooth sailing to the summit – time for a quick cup of tea and a picture! Doing something like this with a group of friends is one of the best experiences. It creates a bond of trust and comfort that you won’t have with too many others.

An After-thought

As I reflect on this epic day on Ben Nevis, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity. I totally understand the commitment that it takes to buy and store this equipment (for most people it is used so infrequently) but for the vast majority, its deeply unnecessary if nothing else. KitUp is a really valuable resource for not only trying new activities but for anyone that is limited by what they can travel with. The ability to rent equipment ahead of time also means that you meet new people and hopefully learn about new routes!

So, to all you aspiring adventurers out there, I urge you to seize the day and embark on your own winter climbing escapade. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or not, there’s something truly special about exploring the great outdoors and pushing your limits in the most breathtaking of settings.

With equipment from KitUp and a spirit of adventure in your heart, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, grab your boots, pack your kit, and let’s make some memories that will last a lifetime. The Grampians are calling – will you answer?

Ben and Ryan at the bottom of Little Tower, during a climb of Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis.

KitUp Community Adventures

it is so inspiring to read about other peoples adventures. To see more of what Ben is up to, you can check out his instagram profile here. If you would like to feature your escapades in our blog, please get in touch with us at info@kitupadventures.com or via any of our social media channels.

Snowdonia

Tryfan North Ridge is one of the finest scrambling routes in Wales, and when combined with Bristly Ridge offers a fantastic day out. Officially a Grade 1, but moves can be taken to suit any Grade along the route, keeping everyone entertained! Make sure you have boots or shoes suitable for scrambling.

Lake District

The stone surfaced footpath from the car park to the top of Mam Tor will reward you with one of the most dramatic vistas in the Peak District. From the viewpoint you can see north over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors. This circular route takes you round Mam Tor and has some amazing scenery.

Isle of Skye

The Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Ridge is probably the most famous walk on the Isle of Skye. The Old Man (Bodach an Stòr in Gaelic), is a 55-metre-high pinnacle of basalt rock which is all that remains of a 2,800-million-year-old volcanic plug. The walk itself is relatively short and simple but you will enjoy the best views of the Island and waterways.

Cairngorms

There are two main walking routes up Ben Nevis. The Mountain Track (sometimes called the Tourist Track or the Pony Track) is used by most walkers, whilst the Carn Mor Dearg Arête route presents a more challenging climb for more experienced hikers. This is our favourite route as there are some really fun technical sections but either way, everyone ends up at the same place – the highest point of the United Kingdom!

Peak District

This is probably one of the best hiking areas in the country because of the volume of routes available. The village itself is stunning (great tea room and pubs available) and in the immediate area you have access to the northern Peak District – walks, scrambles and both sport and traditional climbing routes in abundance. The perfect choice for a large group or those with varied experience levels.

Snowdonia

Part of the Welsh 3 Peaks, this is a strenuous day out, whichever of the 3 official trails you choose. The Pony path is the most popular and is around 10km in length while the Minnffordd Path is shorter but far steeper. For those seeking a long day out (particulalry in the summer), there is hte 16km Llanfihangel y Pennant Path (this photograph was taken on this route) and there is a great scramble to the summit of the Cadair!

Lake District

A great place to start a serious hike up Scafell Pike, the highest point in England. Like others on this post, there are a number of routes to the top ranging from moderate to extremely challenging so please, be careful where you choose to walk. Our favourite route is from Wasdale Head up the Pike and is a circular route of around 12 km. There are many technical scrambles available so check the routes based on your experience and ability.

How KitUp Helps With Hiking

Hopefully this has given you some inspiration to get out and explore some of these areas this Spring but you might be wondering how KitUp can help you achieve your hiking goals. Primarily we are here to give you better access to the equipment that you need to fulfil your adventures. Whether you want to camp for the weekend and need a tent and sleeping system or want to try a new hiking rucksack, walking poles or new clothing, you can now rent directly from the thousands of outdoor enthusiasts around the country. This is not only great for your wallet but is also a far more sustainable way of adventuring. So much gear and equipment has already been bought but gets little use, we are just here to give you an alternative to buying yet more equipment you will rarely use.