Calluna was fully booked for tonight so we moved out to Achintee farm at the start of the original path up Ben Nevis, built to serve the nineteenth century observatory. This was the only time we stayed in a B&B and it made a nice change from the hostels. After checking in we left our bikes and set off along the tourist path to the summit. The forecast was poor but it turned out to be clear for most of the way, no wind and occasional sunshine. The path was very busy, with lots of foreign visitors.
After enjoying fine views we eventually reached the mist and soon after that we crossed a patch of snow before proceeding to the summit where light snow was falling – in midsummer!
We returned to a very welcome coffee and shortbread at the friendly Achintee before a long soak in the bath. We spent the evening at the nearby pub, surprisingly a no smoking zone – wonderful!