Ben Nevis the Hard Way

26th March 2024

Ben Nevis the Hard Way

On Sunday 24th March 2024 Sip and Scott from Elite Guides were part of a small team to support Jay from Crawl 4 Help as he attempted to complete a winter ascent of the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis 1345m, crawling on his hands and knees! Jay has also crawled the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and various bridges including the Humber Bridge.

We set off at 0500hrs via head torch taking the conventional tourist route from Glen Nevis. Jay had trained hard for this attempt, lost considerable weight and was also 41 days sober. He was taking this very serious, the reason for hiring a professional Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor with a huge amount of experience. Together we shared the safety and technical climbing kit including food and water to allow Jay to crawl without a pack on his back.

After a 6 hour ascent Jay successfully reached the summit. He was fatigued and in a great deal of pain but he made the ascent look easy and completed it in record time. Once fed and watered we then headed back down the mountain. Jay completed the route in under nine hours. I have guided able bodied clients who have taken longer to walk up and down! Jay will be attempting a world record on the 27 July 2024 where he will try to leopard crawl for 24 hours and beat the total distance of 10km.

Watch a video from the expedition below, view photos and visit the Go Fund Me page, where Jay is targetting raising £30,000 in donations in aid of the launch the End Suicide app, which will be available to support veterans on mobile devices later in the year. Find out more and donate today.

Mission Completed

Scott from Elite Guides and Jay with the route and Ben Nevis behind them in the distance.

The Cold Ascent

Jay making his way along the famed zig-zag route ticking off each turn on his route to the summit plateau.

Rest is not an option!

With temperatures below freezing and windchill at minus 7 degrees, 30% of Jays body in constant contact with the snow, it was imperative to keep moving.

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