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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Zahra Mulroy

Woman tries to climb Ben Nevis wearing flip flops and gets branded 'an idiot'

OK, so it's not Everest, but standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, Ben Nevis is still a serious mountain that should be approached with respect and caution.

Following the tragic deaths of three climbers in an avalanche on the peak's North Face earlier this year, mountain experts pleaded with outdoor enthusiasts travelling to the region to plan thoroughly and pay extra close attention to weather and avalanche reports.

So it's with some disbelief that one woman recently spotted what one her fellow climbers was wearing.

Facebook user Janey Ballantyne , who was ascending the mountain last week shared a photo of the woman's ill-advised attire, which consisted of flip flops and cropped leggings.

Not ideal (Kennedy News and Media)
It looks cold (Kennedy News and Media)

"Let's walk Ben Nevis in flip flops. REALLY? Needless to say she didn't get to the top!" she wrote.

In contrast the other climbers around her are wearing study boots, waterproofs and some have walking poles.

The woman's choice of clothing saw her branded "an idiot", with one person commenting: "She's a mountain rescue episode waiting to happen."

A spokesperson for Mountaineering Scotland said: "Many people underestimate Ben Nevis.

"It is a demanding walk with a number of potential hazards and every year there are accidents which could have been avoided had the people involved been properly equipped and prepared.

Others got the memo (PIC FROM FACEBOOK - COPYRIGHT UN)
(Kennedy News and Media)

"Even the commonest way up the mountain is very rough underfoot for most of the way and we would strongly recommend proper hill walking boots to protect your feet, prevent slips and keep you warm.

"The weather is something else which catches people out. Even in summer it can be cold, wet and windy, and very different from conditions in Fort William below, so warm and waterproof clothing should be worn or carried."

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