Ben Nevis Private Guiding Reviews
Review Summary
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Best Uses: Trying something new(3)
Describe Yourself: Occasional traveller(3)
Pros: Fun(3),Well organised(3)
Describe Yourself: Occasional traveller(3)
Pros: Fun(3),Well organised(3)
[ 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful ]
Awesome Experience
By Ceri
from Bristol, UK on 2010-01-15
from Bristol, UK on 2010-01-15Pros: Fun,Well Organised,Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons: Exhausting
Describe Yourself: World Traveller,Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Cons: Exhausting
Describe Yourself: World Traveller,Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Comments about Ben Nevis Private Guiding :
Firstly, I must say that this end-of-March ascent was a truly incomparable experience – unless perhaps you’re a seasoned mountain climber. Even then, though, the weather system is unique, attested by a Kazakh climber we met en-route. The views are also something else; the scenery along the way is just outstanding.
We were led by an excellent, extremely professional, very informative, and – most important given the circumstance, genuinely friendly guide, Ian. The ascent was set at a good pace – suitable for all 3 members of our party, two of whom were complete mountain-climbing novices, the third still only a beginner.
The ascent itself was awesome – we went via the main track, and received a potted history & local tales along the way, as well as the stunning views, a blinding snow blizzard and 60mph wind as we reached the final quarter of the climb. This is not to be taken lightly – without a guide we would have been in serious trouble. There was some ice climbing, but we were well-led and fully equipped with thick boots, crampons, poles and axes, and we finished the climb with the briefest stop at the top – you don’t want much more than a quick photo in those weather conditions!
I have an old sporting injury that means I have weak knees; I therefore found the descent somewhat painful, and our progress was slow. This was not a problmem however as Ian was patient and helpful, ensuring that we all reached the base safely, if a little later than usual. If you plan to do this climb as a beginner, I would absolutely suggest *plenty* of going up and down stairs for practice in the days beforehand! Do also make sure you warm-up if you are not a seasoned long-distance walker / climber – I couldn’t walk properly for about two days afterwards!!!
We were led by an excellent, extremely professional, very informative, and – most important given the circumstance, genuinely friendly guide, Ian. The ascent was set at a good pace – suitable for all 3 members of our party, two of whom were complete mountain-climbing novices, the third still only a beginner.
The ascent itself was awesome – we went via the main track, and received a potted history & local tales along the way, as well as the stunning views, a blinding snow blizzard and 60mph wind as we reached the final quarter of the climb. This is not to be taken lightly – without a guide we would have been in serious trouble. There was some ice climbing, but we were well-led and fully equipped with thick boots, crampons, poles and axes, and we finished the climb with the briefest stop at the top – you don’t want much more than a quick photo in those weather conditions!
I have an old sporting injury that means I have weak knees; I therefore found the descent somewhat painful, and our progress was slow. This was not a problmem however as Ian was patient and helpful, ensuring that we all reached the base safely, if a little later than usual. If you plan to do this climb as a beginner, I would absolutely suggest *plenty* of going up and down stairs for practice in the days beforehand! Do also make sure you warm-up if you are not a seasoned long-distance walker / climber – I couldn’t walk properly for about two days afterwards!!!
Images shared by: Ceri
Our group on the top – minus Ian
The descent – check out that view!
Excellent professional guides
By James Butcher
from Leicester on 2010-09-10
from Leicester on 2010-09-10Pros: Fun,Well Organised
Describe Yourself: Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Charity event for work
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Describe Yourself: Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Charity event for work
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Comments about Ben Nevis Private Guiding :
Both guides used were very professional and very knowledgable and kept the large group together all day, which wasnt an easy task considering the differing levels of fitness. Both guides had an incredible knoweldge level of Ben nevis itself and of the local area. At no point did the guides lose patience with the slower members of the group and they both remained so professional all day long. I would highly receommend the guides to all of my friends and family and if i am in the area again wold not hesitate to use them.
Images shared by: James Butcher
[ 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful ]
[...]
By Alfrom Worthing on 2010-02-08
from Worthing on 2010-02-08Pros: Once in a Lifetime Experience,Fun,Well Organised
Describe Yourself: Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Describe Yourself: Occasional Traveller
Best Uses: Trying Something New,Thrill Seeking
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Comments about Ben Nevis Private Guiding :
II was at a loss as to what to do for my 40th birthday – February can be fairly grim….so at the last moment I booked a guide to navigate me up Ben Nevis through Macs (3 days in advance of my trip. Kath at Macs arranged this for me with the minimum of fuss and the maximum courtesy. Thanks Kath.
My guide Ian Stephenson was a wonderful fellow – really friendly and relaxed; but super professional too. He was very knowledgeable and happy to share his knowledge with me and answer the numerous (and no doubt stupid) questions I had. In short Ian (or Gandalf – ask him) helped make the day fun and interesting. Genuinely I can’t praise him enough.
Based on my experience I would have no qualms about recommending Macs and my guide Ian for any similar or related pursuits. I definitely intend to use them again.
My guide Ian Stephenson was a wonderful fellow – really friendly and relaxed; but super professional too. He was very knowledgeable and happy to share his knowledge with me and answer the numerous (and no doubt stupid) questions I had. In short Ian (or Gandalf – ask him) helped make the day fun and interesting. Genuinely I can’t praise him enough.
Based on my experience I would have no qualms about recommending Macs and my guide Ian for any similar or related pursuits. I definitely intend to use them again.
