Fellow SPers (this is my first post, after joining a couple months ago, and lurking for a couple years prior),
I'm flying out from NYC to ascend Ben Nevis via the Carn Mòr Dearg Arête route (and descend via the Pony/Tourist track). I'm landing in Edinburgh at 8:30am this Thursday, July 5th and I return to NYC on Wednesday, July 11.
The plan is:
Day 1- Arrive in Edinburgh, drive to Glasgow for sightseeing, drive to Fort Williams and sleep.
Day 2- Rise early around 4:30am, climb Ben Nevis, go to Island of Skye
Day 3- Explore Island of Skye and drive to Inverness
Day 4- Drive down from Inverness to Aberdeen, Dundee, and Stirling
Day 5-7 Edinburgh and return home
Regarding the climb, I have these questions:
1) What is the best/closest place to stay in Fort Williams? Money is not a major concern.
2) Assuming that this climb will be difficult for me (and my girl), and thus minimizing walking/climbing, what is the best starting point? The Distillery? Tolmundy? Glen Nevis? I had also read that one can start on the Tourist Track, and then split off at Lochan Meall. What is best/easiest?
3) My girlfriend is (reasonably) a bit nervous about the arete (the airiness, not the climb itself; she's in great shape). Any thoughts?
I'm not a strong climber, but have climbed Mt. Washington (winter), Mt. Mitchell (spring), Mt. Elbert (spring), and (almost) summitted Mt. Baker (winter).
Thanks!