Day Two - Saturday 6th Sept (Ben Nevis)

Breakfast over by 10am and off for some PR photos. Amble, saunter and generally mooch around town of Fort William whilst waiting for start time of 4.30. Trying not to waste any energy. 4.30 kick off calculated to give minimum climbing in the dark and maximum driving through the night.

Last minute supplies purchased and last proper meal for over 24 hours.

It’s 4.30pm we’re all ready, stretched, briefed, equipment checked, cereal bars and glucose tablets counted and we’re off. Perfect conditions. Blue sky, sunshine, no cloud. This is almost unheard of – so we are very lucky.

The views get more and more breathtaking as we rise higher and higher and the sun begins to set. The views from near the summit are absolutely breathtaking. Or would be if we had any breath to give. We enjoy this climb. We’re fresh and enthused and hopeful

Back down to the van for 9.30pm. Last hour in the dusk/dark. On schedule. Quick transition into minibus and away. Mandy and Fiona have prepared everything perfectly. Food ready, hot drinks available and we’re all hungry and ready for food and sleep. Food is fine but very little sleep occurs