Mums Climb Ben Nevis

Mums up Ben Nevis Friday 16th – Sunday 18th September 2011

The Challenge Ben Nevis :- the highest mountain in the British Isles situated at the western end of the Grampian Mountains in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands. 1344metres (4409 ft)

Participants:- Siobhan Sheridan, Michelle Northcott, Kate Gaunt, Sarah Williams, Helena Cope, Maeve Serby, Natalie Drury, Suzie Khazenifar, Sonia Winter, Nicki Tarbatt, Katie Nieper, Marian French, Jo Tear, Pam Hattersley, Claire Harrison, Pip de la Billiere, Fiona Scroggs.

Guide:- Frank the decorator

After drop off on Friday 16th September our intrepid mums set off from school on a luxury Slacks coach bound for Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, situated at the bottom of Ben Nevis. The journey was relatively uneventful though the coach did go rather quiet as we travelled through Glencoe and glimpsed the first sight of real mountains. After a number of pit stops en route, we finally arrived at 8 pm and then it was all hands to the pump to get our bunk beds made up and supper ready. Nibbles and drinks were served before settling down to a delicious meal and a pre walk talk.

Most of the mums had a good night’s sleep in what was one of the more comfortable Youth Hostels that we have stayed in. Breakfast was quickly eaten and rucksacks packed so that by 8 am and ahead of schedule, the first group set off led by Siobhan. The weather was not particularly good with fine rain and mist shrouding the mountain. The promise of blue skies was only 20% so we were not too hopeful of seeing the top on the way up. The second group, led by Frank, set off 30 minutes later. The path was very well marked with regular cairns but quite uneven underfoot.

Good progress was made and we climbed steadily up the hill stopping just above the loch to take in the view as the clouds parted briefly. By 11.30 am the first group was at the top and eating a well earned lunch though the weather was pretty cold but amazingly there was no wind. Before long, the second group arrived and we were all delighted to be reunited at the top and plenty of photos were taken.

We did not hang around on the top too long as some of us were getting chilled by the damp weather so we set off again. We were rewarded with truly fantastic views over Loch Eil on the way down as the clouds cleared and the sun came out. Most of the group arrived back down by 3.30 pm to a welcome cup of tea and cake. Frank and Siobhan appeared later with Maeve, whose boots have come adrift from the soles and a repair had been cobbled! together from rucksack cord. The others waited at the bottom to cheer them in as well as clapping many of those taking part in the Rat Race who happened to pass their way.

On Sunday morning we set off back to Derbyshire with a pleasant stop en route at the Botanical Gardens in Glasgow. Katie N led us in some pilates/zumba/yoga exercises whilst on the bus much to the amusement of passers-by.

To cap it all, some of the boarders came out to greet their mums as the coach turned into the school car park and gave us a great welcome back.

It as a fabulous weekend and approx £3500 was raised for the school Bursary Fund.

One mum summed up the weekend as:

"What a blooming fantastic weekend! I am not sure I have ever spent a weekend with so many caring, thoughtful, watchful people where the only agenda was doing the best for each other and the school - what a privilege!

Next year’s challenge : Yorkshire’s Three Peaks !

A huge thank you must go to all the mums who took part in the climb, those who have made donations, Slacks Coaches, The catering team at S. Anselm’s and Frank our Guide.

A special thank you must go to Siobhan for initiating and leading another successful expedition. A lot of mums are still talking about the weekend and will be for a very long time. They are already planning a de brief meeting to look at the overall success. Simon and all the staff and pupils at S. Anselm’s say a huge Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Bursary Fund at S. Anselm’s.