Bucket List Adventures

If you enjoy hiking and picturesque views, then Ben Nevis is the place for you.

First of all, I would like to say that if you’re deciding on driving to Scotland, have your car serviced beforehand. My brother and I did not do this. As we almost made it to Fort William, the car decided to break down. Luckily we didn’t have to walk too far.

The goal for this adventure was to reach the summit of Ben Nevis and to scatter some of our brother's ashes at the highest point in the UK.

My twin brother, James, sadly passed away 12 months ago. His passing has somehow reprogrammed my brain to be adventurous, to complete my dusty bucket list, to learn from others and to help people on my journey.

Anyway, back to the adventure. After the six hour car journey from Liverpool, we have arrived at Fort William. The car is in a local garage for repair. Fort William is the nearest town to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. It’s a small town, full of friendly locals and tourists. We have decided to take a quick pit stop at The Ben Nevis pub. It’s a proper pub, with smiles and a great atmosphere. We place our huge backpacks and tents onto the floor and have a game of pool whilst quenching our thirst with a nice cold fruity cider—reasonably priced, too.

This weekend we have booked ourselves into The Glen Nevis Caravan Park and campsite; not quite sure what to expect, as I’ve only recently found a love for nature and the outdoors. After the game of pool and our well-needed drinks, we call a cab and head over to the campsite. On arrival we are greeted with smiles and outstanding customer service. We check ourselves in and the staff have also taken our mobile phones to charge them for us, free of charge, too.

The campsite is extremely clean, spacious, and is right at the foot of Ben Nevis. The views are to die for. We set up our tents and unload our luggage. It’s started to rain heavily, so we’ve decided to hike tomorrow and hit the town tonight. After a veggie burger and some snacks from the onsite shop, we head back out into Fort William. A few drinks later, we make friends and dance the night away, laughing with the locals and having a great time. After this, we go back to the campsite and get some rest, ready for the hike tomorrow.

Morning is here. I slept reasonably well and only have a slight headache from last night's shots. Nothing a coffee and shower won’t sort out. We grab a coffee, have breakfast, shower, and get ready for the great hike. The rain has stopped, sun is shining, and the walking boots are on. Supplies are in our bags and we head out, excited to reach the summit. To get to the walking path, we cross a bridge over The River Nevis, which is surrounded by stunning views. We stop for a quick selfie and carry on with the journey. My brother Paul seems to be a little more hungover than I am; even so, we have the summit on our minds. There are many people around, couples, walking groups, locals and hikers alike. After hiking up the steep walkways for a while, the views start to ease the aches in our legs, stopping for photo opportunities and breaks when we need it.

Everybody says hello, smiles, and is having a great time. Plenty of water is needed and also snacks for energy. About halfway up, we see a waterfall. It’s amazing. A great place to swill your face, too. After refreshing our faces, we carry on with the hike. The views of nearby mountains are just out of this world. Nothing but nature all around us for miles and miles. After a couple more hours, we’re nearly at the top; leg muscles are in pain by this point, but the show must go on. There is no way I’m turning back without reaching the summit. The path varies from gravel to stepping stones and larger rocks.

As we’re nearly at the summit we can see some dangerous, but beautiful looking, peaks. Another great chance for a photo opportunity. A little bit longer and we’re here. We’ve made it. To top it off, it’s a clear day and the visibility is great. We then sit on the edge of the summit, take a deep breath, and high five each other. We start to scatter James’s ashes, wishing him well on his next journey. The clouds start to roll in and we feel on top of the world, rest for a little longer, and the journey back begins. We jog some of the way, as it’s easier on the stepping stones.

After a few hours, we’ve made it. The car has been dropped off and is now fixed. We’ve decided to pay for an extra night at Glen Nevis as our bodies are aching all over, relax at the campsite for a few hours, and then hit the hay. Morning arrives and we pack up our tents. It’s now time for the six hour journey home.

All in all, an awesome budget adventure. Everybody should spend time in nature; it really puts the whole world into perspective and shows you just how insignificant some of our problems really are. If I was to sum this trip up in three words, I would say beautiful, peaceful, and worthwhile.

Adventures don’t need to break the bank as long as there’s determination in your mind and a burning desire in your soul.

Until the next adventure, peace out.

#bucketlistadventures.