Here is episode 2 of the Glen Nevis podcast series. This episode covers the walk to the Iron Age vitrified fort of Dun Deardail which overlooks the glen from a spectacular position above the forested western slopes opposite Ben Nevis.

In this episode, we hear from writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish on the beautiful ancient caledonian pine forest that once covered this glen and indeed much of the highlands. Some of the best remnants of this forest can be seen from Dun Deardail. Local John Muir Trust ranger Ali Austin explains some of the reasons why this forest has retreated over time and how complicated it can be to attempt to reintroduce the pines.

Archaeologist Jennie Robertson talks us through some of the fascinating history of the fort itself and the mysterious vitrification applied to the stone walls at great temperatures. Finally, local Gaelic historian Ron Cameron gives us some leads on where the unusual name ‘Deardail’ may originate from.

The Friends of Nevis has produced a series of 6 podcasts exploring Glen Nevis. Scottish climber Dave MacLeod takes us on 6 classic low-level walks in Glen Nevis, exploring the sights, sounds, flora, fauna and natural history to be found. Along the way, Dave talks to many experts, long time visitors to the Glen and locals who live there now, hearing their stories and experiences from one of Scotland?s most beautiful and famous highland glens. Maybe the podcasts will inspire you to take the walks yourself?

Each episode covers a different walk, and different parts of the glen. The walks are based on a booklet published by the Nevis Partnership which you can pick up in The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre. In this first episode, Dave describes the walk from the Visitor Centre to Lower Falls. He talks to leading climber Dave ‘Cubby’ Cuthbertson about a near fatal adventure in the impressive Five Finger Gully overlooking the walk. Local Mountain Guide and historian Mick Tighe explains more about the long  narrow gullies overlooking this part of the Glen on the lower slopes of Ben Nevis. Archaeologist Jennie Robertson talks about the remains of ancient clan settlements here and the curiously named ‘Ach nan Con burial ground. Finally, Geologist and mountaineer Noel Williams waxes lyrical on the extraordinary geological features visible looking into the Mamores range from Lower Falls.

We’ll be publishing each episode weekly and we reckon even the most prolific visitor of Glen Nevis will learn something new about it’s natural and human history. You can stream or download the first episode below. If you’d like to subscribe to the Glen Nevis Walks Podcasts, here is the Podcast RSS feed link.

The Friends of Nevis 2012 annual dinner and celebration will take place at the Pine Marten Cafe/Venue, Nevis Range, Torlundy on Saturday 24 March 2012, 7 for 7.30 pm. Why not join us for an excellent evening out in good company? The ticket price includes bubbly and canapes on arrival, an excellent three course meal with tea or coffee, our legendary raffle and dancing to live music. There will also be presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award (2011). For those guests travelling from further afield, we have negotiated special rates with local accommodation providers and we are also intending organising transport from and to the Fort William central area. Please contact us directly for more details about accommodation and/or transport arrangements.

We’re pleased to announce that ticket prices have been trimmed to reflect the current financial climate and are confident that the whole evening represents superb value for money. To see prices and reserve your ticket(s), please use the online booking system on our events page or contact Friends of Nevis directly on info@friendsofnevis.co.uk / 01397 701088

We are delighted to report that Friends of Nevis has teamed up with Glasgow based JUST DONE IT medals to promote their very smart new Ben Nevis medal  – a great souvenir for those who reach the summit of Britain’s highest mountain.

Why not celebrate your achievement by purchasing a medal, in the knowledge that for each one sold, JUST DONE IT medals will make a substantial donation to Friends of Nevis? The medal also makes a great gift for anyone who has already notched up a Ben summit.

For more info and to order your medal(s) please visit JUST DONE IT medals here. Our thanks go to the company for setting up this initiative – a real win/win situation for everyone concerned!

Having the correct equipment and clothing will keep you comfortable and safe during your climb of Ben Nevis. If you are climbing Ben Nevis in early or late summer please bring extra warm clothing and perhaps consider our Winter Kit List as winter conditions can persist on Ben Nevis until late June and from early September.

Map & Compass

You should always carry a map and compass and know how to use it. Although Ben Nevis is a popular mountain the navigation on the summit plateau is very difficult. We recommend a Silva Type 4 Compass (or similar) and one of the following maps:

• Harvey Maps – Ben Nevis 1:25000
• OS Landranger (1:50 000) – Ben Nevis – Sheet 41
• OS Explore Map (1:25 000) – Ben Nevis and Fort William – Sheet 392

Walking Boots

The Ben Path is rough and the weather can be very wet so you must have waterproof hill walking boots.

Rucksack

You will need a day pack to carry your lunch, spare clothing, camera and other bits and pieces. Ideally it should be comfortable, about 20 – 35 litres in volume and have a waistband.

Waterproof Clothing

The weather can be very wet! You must have a waterproof jacket and trousers. These should also be breathable (Gore Tex, Event, aquafoil or similar).

Warm Clothing

The summit of Ben Nevis is on average 9 degrees colder than Fort William and the mean temperature is below freezing. A fleece, woolly hat and gloves are essential even in the middle of summer.

Walking Poles (non-essential)

These are becoming more popular and do help if you have weak knees or ankles.

Water Bottle/Flask

Water needs to be carried on the hill. Either a water bottle or a flask if it is cooler do the job perfectly. You should carry 2 – 3 litres of water for the climb.

Food

Most people take between 7 and 9 hours for the return trip up Ben Nevis so you will need plenty of snacks and a packed lunch to keep your energy levels up during the day.

Don’t forget toiletry requirements or any personal medication you may require.

Safety Equipment

If you are unlucky enough to suffer an accident or get lost whilst climbing Ben nevis your survival may well depend on the safety equipment you are carrying. This should include:

• spare warm clothing for the group including gloves, fleeces and hats.
• survival bag or group shelter
• mobile phone
• first aid kit
• GPS (possibly)

A total of 29 volunteers of all ages and from Lochaber and beyond turned out on a mixed weather day to give Glen Nevis a thoroughly good blitz. We were rather shocked (glad? sad?) to see the massive amount of STUFF collected in the skip, even at the half way stage…but maybe this is just down to the fantastic turnout rather than increasing amounts of litter (we live in hope). Hardy volunteer, Ben, even used ropes to access the entrenched rubbish on the river banks (see photo).

We enjoyed a great day out and a first class lunch with the support of our business Friends – Lochaber Farmshop, Ben Nevis Highland Centre, Morrisons and Lidl. Thanks to all of these and to the team from Glen Nevis Holidays who turned out to gather the bin bags and assorted items and get them in the skip. It was a superb example of what a community effort can achieve, so very many thanks to everyone who took part or supported us in anyway.

Watch this space for details of our next event at the end of June!