The Ben via CMD

Another few days in Fort William, staying in Glen Nevis Campsite, forecast was hot and sunny. Decided on a loop from the campsite round Carn Mor Dearg, the Arete and Ben Nevis. Early start, about 5:45 am to try and beat the heat and get some views. Ran from the Campsite to the Youth Hostel and up to the tourist path via Heart Attack Hill, rather I walked up Heart Attack Hill, on the tourist path only a few others out, jog and walk round windy corner to half way lochan and round to the end of the path at the outflow from the loch. Pathless descent, NNE, into the glen, across the river and some more tussocks to join the walkers path towards CMD, a steady climb about 3000 in 3 miles, on the way up the cloud rolled in over CMD and the Arete. The sun did pop out now and then, still stunning scenery whatever the weather. Only saw 4 other people from half way lochan, up over Carn Dearg Meadhonach to Carn Mor Dearg, a few Brocken Spectres appeared but always seemed to fade before I could get a picture, saw one more guy ahead on the chicken run path along the Arete, soon caught and passed him, one more, another runner, going in the opposite direction. From the cairn at the col a short steep rocky climb up the Ben, eventually found one of the metal posts and a bit of a path before the crowds appear at the top. Easy run down, took the race route rather than the zig zag path, a few walkers followed but soon gave up and returned to the path, Slow going from the Red Burn to Heart Attack Hill giving way to the hordes now climbing in the increasing heat. Soon back at the campsite, pleased to finish before 12 under a now cloudless sky.