Hey there! 🤗 Ever dreamed of scaling the mighty Ben Nevis? Well, you’re in for a treat because I’ve got some incredible stories and facts about this iconic mountain. And guess what? You can soon order our Ben Nevis Scented Candle.
The Majestic Ben Nevis: Britain’s Tallest Mountain 🌟
Picture this: a mountain soaring 4,406 feet (that’s 1,343 meters!) into the sky, covered in snow almost all year round. Brrr, chilly, right? 🥶 But also super exciting! Did you know that every year, 150,000 people hike up Ben Nevis? And most of them take this path called the ‘tourist trail.’ It’s more than just a hike; it’s a journey through history!
A Path Through Time: The 1883 Expedition 🕰️
Here’s a fun fact: this tourist trail was carved out in 1883 for a scientific expedition. Imagine that! And now, over a century later, this site is a goldmine for scientists studying climate change. How cool is that?
The Victorian Meteorologists: Braving the Elements ☔
Back in Victorian Britain, meteorology was like the new craze. These enthusiasts from the Scottish Meteorological Society literally risked their lives collecting weather data on Ben Nevis. Their dedication is now helping us understand climate change better. Talk about being heroes of their time!
Living on the Edge: The 1883 Observatory 🌬️
Get this: from 1883 to 1904, some really brave folks lived in a small stone hut right at the top. They survived on tinned food (yikes!) and recorded weather conditions hourly. That’s commitment!
The Winter of 1883: Snowed In! ❄️
The first winter there, a massive blizzard buried the summit under 5 feet of snow. Can you imagine? The weathermen had to dig tunnels just to get out. Now that’s what I call a winter wonderland, but oh so intense!
Check out our more detailed article on Ben Nevis here!
Ben Nevis and the Motor Age: The 1911 Model T Ascent 🚗
Hold onto your hats because, in 1911, something crazy happened. Henry Alexander Jr. drove a Ford Model T to the summit! It was a stunt to show off American cars. There’s even footage of this bone-shaking drive, found years later and now in the BFI National Archive.
Race to the Summit: The Ben Nevis Race 🏃♂️
And if that’s not enough, since 1895, there’s been hill running on Ben Nevis. The official race started in 1937 and happens every September. It’s a whopping 14 kilometres long with 1,340 meters of ascent. Phew, just thinking about it makes me tired!
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