Q: On my arrival into Glasgow Central Train Station, how and where will I identify my transport?
Q: There are two Glasgow Airports. What one should I fly to?
Q: What happens if I am flying into Glasgow International Airport?
Q: Will there be someone there to meet us?
Q: At Glasgow Central Train Station - What time should we arrive at the coach and when will it leave?
Q: What if I am going to be late?
Q: How long will it take us to travel from Glasgow to Fort William by coach?
Q: What happens when we arrive in Fort William?
Q: Will there be anything that we have to attend on the Friday night, or can we go out into Fort William if we want?
Q: Can I have a drink on Friday Night?
Q: Where will our hotel be located in Fort William?
Q: When do we start the climb on Saturday?
Q: What happens when we reach the start?
Q: What sort of pace will we walk at?
Q: What if I can't keep up with the group?
Q: How long is the path, and is it steep?
Q: What is the terrain like?
Q: How will I feel throughout the day?
Q: Where will I get water, and what if I run out?
Q: What if I have any medical problems on the mountain?
Q: What happens when we reach the summit?
Q: How long will it take to reach the summit?
Q: What happens when we leave the summit?
Q: What next?
Q: What happens back at the Hotel?
Q: What entertainment will there be?
Note* Should you have any other questions or queries, please do not hesitate to ask at any point during your weekend.
A: Your transport will be located outside the main entrance to Glasgow Central Train Station on Gordon Street, if its a coach it will have The Ben Nevis Challenge displayed in its front window and the charities banners displayed also. If its a smaller group the transport will consist of a Ptarmigan Treks minibus which is clearly recognisable.
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A: We strongly recommend that you choose to fly to Glasgow International Airport as this is where the airport pick up will be. The other Glasgow airport described as 'Glasgow Prestwick' (Although its no where near Glasgow) is a further 1 hour travelling after you arrive, meaning you will have to make your own way to Glasgow International Airport or Glasgow Central train station to meet your pick up. Only Ryanair use this airport so be aware of this when you go to book your flight, Easyjet and BMI etc all use Glasgow International.
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A: We will pick you up outside the main terminal building at the coach parking area - this can be found by turning right when you exit the main terminal building and walking approx 200m - your pick up will be around 3.30pm on the Friday afternoon of your event. The pick up will be either by Ptarmigan Treks minibus (which is clearly marked) or by coach displaying The Ben Nevis Challenge in the front window. If you decide to take transport into Glasgow city centre, if say your flight is early, please notify Ptarmigan Treks at least the day before your arrival, your pick up will then be from outside Glasgow Central train station as described above.
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A: Yes, there will be a representative from Ptarmigan Treks or the Charity to welcome you on the start of your weekend.
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A: We would advise you are at the coach/minibus for 14.45pm, with the transport leaving at 15.00pm.
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A: If you think you are going to be late you must let us know as soon as possible, you can do this by ringing one of the contact numbers enclosed in your info pack, be sure to have these numbers with you at all times.
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A: It takes between 3 to 4 hrs, depending on the traffic in and around Glasgow (And how many times you have to answer the call of nature).
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A: When you reach Fort William, you will be taken directly to one of our selected hotels where you will be allocated your room.
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A: Yes, there will be a brief meeting and presentation on Friday night, this is when you will be introduced to your guides who will be looking after you the next day on the mountain. You may also have a chance to ask any last minute questions you might have. And yes, you are welcome to wander into Fort William if you want.
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A: Yes, but not of the alcohol type. We advise that your drink plenty of fluids the night before such an event, this will ensure that you are well hydrated prior to going onto the mountain. The best way to test yourself is by the colour of your urine, the clearer it is indicates that you have sufficient fluids on board, with darker being the opposite.
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A: All the hotels we use are situated approx within 5 mins walk of the centre of Fort William, so you should not have any problems getting back and forth from the Town Centre.
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A: After breakfast you will be met and collected by the coach which will be waiting for you outside the Hotel at 8.45am. Once you are seated on the coach, the guides will then call out your name to make sure that you are on board. From here it is a 5 to 10 minute drive to our start point in Glen Nevis.
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A: When you reach the start the guides will assemble everyone to allocate your participant numbers, this comes in the form of an armband and it must be worn at all times during the event. The armbands allow us to identify you more easily, the guides will be carrying identical rucksacks to one another to allow you to identify them. You will be issued your packed lunch at this point too, the its time for a short stretch and warm up that we ask everyone to participate in, this helps prevent any unnecessary aches & strains you may encounter during your walk. The guides will also carry out a radio check, before we set off up the mountain and give you an update on the summit weather via the summit team.
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A: Whatever pace you feel comfortable at. There is no rush or pressure on you to keep up with anyone. The guides will be situated throughout the group, with one man leading, and one man at the rear. We must stress that no one should pass the lead, or fall behind the last guide, and any instructions given by the guides must be followed for safety reasons.
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A: No problem, the last guide will maintain the pace of the slowest walkers. Our aim is to ensure that you enjoy your experience and that everyone makes it to the summit, regardless of the time.
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A: The path is approx four miles long, and is a fairly gradual climb, with some short steeper sections; these are approx twice as steep as a flight of stairs.
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A: On the lower slopes the path is like a series of rocky steps, and as you gain height the path becomes more loose and bouldery. This is when extra care is required, especially on the descent.
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A: You will probably feel tired, but we will stop frequently throughout the day. If you wish to stop yourself, you are welcome to do so. The most important piece of advice on the day is that you constantly keep drinking. We also recommend that you eat plenty of energy snacks, e.g. fruit etc, to maintain your energy levels throughout.
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A: You can fill you water bottles at the Hotel, Ptarmigan Treks also provide litre and a half bottles of mineral water for sale at the start , all your bottles should be full before you set off. We recommend you have a minimum of two litres. If you run out on the mountain, all the guides carry extra water, and they will refill your bottles for you should you need it.
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A: If you have any medical problems i.e. blisters, aches or pains, notify one of the guides who will treat you as necessary, or arrange to have you taken off the mountain, should this be required.
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A: On reaching the summit it is very important that you give your participant number to the summit team. You must never wander off at any point. If you wish to look at something, ask one of the guides to take you. Hopefully if the weather permits, we will have a group photograph and some lunch on the summit.
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A: The average time is about four to five hours going up, and two to three back down.
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A: You must book out through the summit team, and stay within the front and rear guides. Again there will be regular stops on the way down.
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A: Once everyone is safely off the mountain, you must give your participant number to the base team, and hand back your armbands. Tea, coffee and toilet facilities can be found back at this location. The coaches will be there for your arrival, and will depart for the Hotel at intervals throughout the day.
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A: When you get back to the Hotel, you are in your own time to relax and look forward to your evening meal. You will be awarded your certificate of achievement after your meal, then the evening is yours to enjoy the local entertainment within the hotel, or alternatively you may want to sample Fort William.
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A: Details of entertainment can be found by asking one of the Ptarmigan Treks staff.
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