The final day of our challenge - Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis Summit and back 

GPS 114.8 miles

Well the last day has arrived and we must concour the mighty Ben Nevis to compete our challenge for Cancer Research.

We start the day by meeting our friends Andy and Jannine. We were so greatful  for their company it made the climb bearable after 104 miles our legs were tired and they helped raise our spirts to finish.

We started out at the Ben Nevis carpark  with the weather dry but we could see that the top of the mountain was shrouded in cloud and there was no hope of a clear day. At low level we had some views.

 It was not long before it started to rain and the waterproof coats were in action. This of course made us sweat as the only way is up.

The pathways still very busy even though the weather was not brilliant.

We reached a water fall approx halfway up and already we were feeling the effects of the long walk over the last week and it was becoming hard work. 

This was not helped by the fact we are only half way and we reach the cloud base. From here it is a hard relentless slog. But we did have a small window of opportunity just before we hit the clouds for a photo.

Yes only halfway and we are pretty high.

We just keep climbing with little visability.

The temperature was dropping rapidly and the walkers coming down all looked very cold. We eventually saw a snow drift -it's almost August!.

And soon reached the highest War memorial in Britain

We know it's not far now and the summit is soon to appear in the mist out of nowhere.  We Have Done It!!

At this point there is no one in Britain above us. We are at 4,406 ft.

With a wind chill of -5 pouring rain and strong gusts it was not a place to linger so after only 10 mins at the summit  we start our descent.

Now if anyone tells you it's easier coming down please slap them, as we descended our knees  (not Kirsty's) really started to complain and we knew this challenge had taken a lot out of us. Every step seemed a tough one by the time we were halfway down but the clouds had lifted slightly since our ascent and some good views were to be had so a few pics were taken.

 As we dropped down Kirsty eventually removed her bobble hat that made an appearance as we left the summit dueto the   cold.

The sun was now shining and we made our way to the end made better with some stunning scenery.

It's was with relief that the walk was almost finished and we were ready for our complimentary  drinks from one of our most generous sponsors Andy Griffin. Cheers Andy.

All that was left was the short walk along the river to the visitor center and it was a pleasant change to walk on the flat.

We must thank Andy and Jannine for making the end of our challenge so enjoyable 

We have finished tired and worn out but this has been an amazing journey- lots of fun and laughter along the way with some highs and no low to speak off. We have got very wet at times. But the sense of achievement is incredible Also spending time together as a family can not be beaten. But most of all we have raised a huge amount of money for Cancer Research, thanks to all our fantastic supporters. I shall post the totally when all money is in but it's over £4,000 pounds THANK YOU EVERYONE.