Scotland Day Walks | Ben Nevis via the CMD Ridge (Mental Health Awareness)

A day after completing the Rob Roy Way Abbie finds themselves stuck on the side of Ben Nevis near the CIC hut having a panic attack. Eventually they made it to the ridge, only to find it engulfed in cloud. Should they carry on up, or head down?
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[@pauljones5066]

great achievement!!! Stop being so harsh on yourself. I am a 50 year old man and experienced hiker and I would have been panicking approaching the CMD alone first time. You are MUCH braver and more in control than you allow yourself to imagine

[@officialc1243]

I’ve done Ben Nevis too

[@mcgillicuddy4008]

@@officialc1243 Hello, I will likely never be in Scotland, but here in Virginia, USA, one of our tallest mountains, Sharp Top Mtn.; one of the Peaks Of Otter, I have been up...@3,875 feet, but that was 40 years ago. Nowadays, I appreciate just going outside, & wandering in our local 250 acre forest. Happy Trails....

[@samwatkins5492]

​@@officialc1243no one asked you

[@Signal11th]

@@samwatkins5492 No one asked you to reply either, person is just saying they have done it, it's a big thing for some people, chill out. Props to the OP though that's a tough route.

[@Resnor]

Wow, never ever have I wanted more to reach into my monitor and give someone a giant hug! well done Abbie!

[@kyliejwhyte]

Yes, absolutely! What an inspiration you are Abbie :)

[@mcgillicuddy4008]

Right on! I was sympathetic also. Abbie is very bold & persistent.

[@ianhutchinson356]

Great video. As a solo walker/scrambler it’s nice to see I’m not the only one who talks to myself at times of doubt. Very brave, we’ll done.

[@nickfry7705]

I talk to myself whether I'm on my own or not.

[@bengunns9500]

@@nickfry7705 So do i

[@silverbreezeRn]

I talk to myself too, and I would have freaked out crossing that narrow ridge. Proud of you, you are amazing!

[@Mpayne1472]

I shout at myself 😂

[@johnon1344]

Times of doubt ? I talk to myself while making a cup of tea 😆 sometimes I’m the only person who seems to know what I’m on about 🙂

[@daniellyne1]

Well done god bless you amazing videos thank you for sharing x

[@johanweijer9986]

I think it takes a lot of courage to show your emotions and “weakness”. You’re a very brave person for that as well as walking these walks alone. Thanks for another beautiful video. Hope to see more.

[@johngame2119]

One of the few things on youtube that captures the feeling of panic actually most of us experience during a more challenging assent. Winning those battles with ourselves is what its all about. Very impressive.

[@rumpelstiltskin07]

I disagree with that,getting panicky from climbing a tricky part of a mountain is probably normal but is different to someone who deals with it on a regular basis which obviously comes out strong I'm these situations.

[@julie-annehennessy8629]

So, I've been watching your vlogs for a little while now. I'm a 52 yr old, unfit, overweight woman with mental health problems myself. But I have found I'm happiest walking with my little dog. I've just started doing smaller hikes and top of my bucket list is to climb a mountain. Not necessary a big one, any will do. Enough about me, sorry. What I came on here to say was how much you inspire me and how in awe I am of you, especially watching your struggle with this climb. I cried along with you and felt your panic attack happening with you. You could just see in your face. Bless you! I was rooting for you, shouting at my TV, willing you on. And you did it, you powered through, you were amazing. You are amazing! Thank you so much for making these videos and bringing us along on your adventures. Stay wild Abbie

[@AbbieBarnesWILD]

Thank you for being here!!

[@williamgraham2309]

God bless sweat heart, you are a very determined girl with one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen you are a national treasure and an ambassador for people who cant or won't go wild .

[@MarkN67]

This was one of your best films ever, Abbie. Your courage to overcome your fear on the way up is inspirational. When I climbed the mighty Ben it took me the same time to descend as it did to go up due to my knees, every step hurt and I was grateful for my poles. You give me so many ideas for walks. Please keep going and lead the way.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

14000 subscribers and every one of us is 110% behind you. Cheers, Abbie. 🙂👍

[@andrewswan2487]

To go forward when everything is screaming at you to go back...to hold it together and think rationally when panic is all around you... to see you push through your fear ...its amazing.... but to see and hear the relief when you see people and know your going to be ok is priceless... ive been there Abbie... and ill be there again its what we do right :) well done.. you should be very proud :)

[@fraserconnell21]

You're so much better than you can even think you are ..god bless you Abbie.xx

[@alistairj4851]

Abbie, you're an amazing inspiration for anyone who watches your posts. You do things that i wouldn't dare try and you don't just get them done, you absolutely smash them. Please keep showing these fabulous displays of self determination and courage. You will never know just how much of a positive effect you have for others with mental health issues. You certainly help keep my outlook on life sunny and brighter than my own-self allows. Thank you Abbie. You're a star 🌟🌟🌟

[@karenpablos8722]

To climb Ben Nevis on your own takes an awful, awful lot of courage - especially the difficult route. I couldn’t do it. You’re amazing and are so much stronger than you think. Thank you for sharing. I climbed the mountain 20 years ago. It was tough going and I remember wanting to give up and turn back, but my husband made me persevere and I’m so pleased he did as reaching the peak was a true accomplishment for me - the views weren’t half-bad either ;-)

[@luannedimaggio7025]

I am so proud of how you stopped that panic attack. You are very tuff.

[@splotty777]

Mega MEGA respect Abbie. That brought back a couple of heart in the mouth moments for me due to the weather closing right in on us while on the ridge. It's a wicked rush but, on that occasion, I was glad to get down in one piece. I always enjoy your stuff and completely agree about the benefits to our mental health that these kind of activities can offer. Look forward to your Rob Roy Way vids. Have done it twice down the way and enjoyed it both times. Not so good for wild camping but I got there in the end. ATB. 😁

[@kathy9341]

Exactly! The real fear is not the climbing but knowing you are alone.

[@Nich0tep]

Magical landscape..

[@malkb5755]

You absolutely bossed it & over come an anxiety attack. You're a legend. Proud of you abbie. Thank you for the amazing videos 🤗.

[@wurcom]

Abbie, You had me in tears when you were having a panic attack on the tough bit. I so wish I had been there with you. Not only would I have encouraged you but we would have also had a good laugh! That can so help in times of difficulty, admit it's tough laugh at it, give each other a hug and overcome. Well done for not editing out the tuff stuff. Well done you. Keep walking, sharing and talking. Your great company! I wish I had someone like you to walk with.

[@clarkhanson13]

Wow your amazing. Thank you for this video. I think I it's a great help for me and others who struggle with mental health and anxiety. Thank you!!!

[@delmiller4184]

You are a legend Abbie! Thanks for taking us with you on that epic adventure.

[@craigriding8136]

great clips Abbie well done! first time watching your vidz and i'm touched !

[@vicycross6037]

i got teary when you saw the people there! thank you for choosing bravery! so inspiring!

[@Sygore1234]

I have pi polar and I cant believe how much this video made me cry! I love you and am so proud! you have lifted me!

[@kurtfletcher9161]

That was a very emotional watch ! Brought tear to my eye watching your reaction to your glimpse of other humans on the ridge...very inspirational stuff Abbie , well done you 👏 x

[@keithforbes3406]

Well done you are so brave and inspirational thanks

[@stevebrownlee7241]

Thanks for sharing another adventure Abbie, demonstrates how important it is to be able confide in and discuss mental health with friends & family. I had jelly legs just watching.... Stay WILD!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

I've gotta do this route. Brilliant and exciting to watch. Nice one Abbie!

[@johncarroll772]

Did you do it? It's a magnificent climb.

[@gusbloke5934]

You are stronger than you realise. So inspiring Abbey, well done sweetheart.

[@worldcooking]

How beautiful are these ascents on the admirable routes of the mountains of Scotland!

[@paulfastbikes361]

Phew that was tough watching you get so upset . Also brave of you to expose your soul on video Well done for conquering both your mind and the summit keep on keeping on x

[@1951woodygeo]

Abbie you are one brave girl never forget that, I did Nevis in the 80s and went the way you went 2 of my friends gave up and went back me and 3 others carried on, the views are spectacular when we reached the summit the clouds cleared and it just took our breath away .

[@hydrabad3904]

Awwww Abbie, as someone who has faced mental health and loves the mountains, you’ve made my day watching this. You had me laughing, crying and smiling like a baby! Big hugs lovely lady! Well done!

[@linedwell]

You're amazing Abbie, I almost cheered when you got to the top of the ridge. I love your videos as you show warts and all, no sugar coating. Courage, strength and will power to you. 👍

[@tracyroberts7918]

Respect! You are an inspiration young lady!

[@esperoutdoors9421]

what an amazing emotional vid. I felt like i was on the mountain with you... thanks for sharing

[@HD-dz4uk]

Congratulations, first of your videos I've seen really climbed it with you, Took me and my wife 9 hours there and back on the tourist track. That was a year after a Spinal operation to remove an abscess lodged on the spine. Like you we were over the moon at completing this monolith. Once again congratulations and thank you.

[@hairywol]

Cor Abbey, emotionally wrung out after this one. Interestingly I could have done the climb that caused you problems, but that ridge you liked so much - I'd have gone foetal! Those drops!

[@richt3993]

People who arent familiar with mountain settings underestimate the power of exposure and how vulnerable you can feel in that environment

[@simonedwards7543]

Very emotional and very inspirational. As someone who has suffered with anxiety and agoraphobia for most of my adult life. This gave me alot of inspiration. I'm going to start my own journey to better mental health. Congratulations on a huge achievement 🙏

[@Brian-hk7mt]

Hi Abbie, i have been watching your fantastic journeys now for a couple of months and you have really inspired me to get my boots back on. Watching your BN adventure this morning i saw you come through a testing time. Please don't doute your ability Abbie when you are so inspiring to us all. You are amazing in what you do and what you are good at. You have the ability from your skills, knowledge and experience. Well done you. Keep it wild!

[@me42dogs]

Im sure I speak for all of us we are grateful to have you Abbie. Well done👍👍👍

[@MrTerrymccollough]

Thank you for sharing the beauty and your honesty.

[@jenmarsden]

You are a BEAST! I love how you aren't afraid to show how stressful that was. That is so real and so good for those of us who are looking at this trail. Well done!

[@LaReinaTy]

One of my top 3 favorite videos of yours. Thanks for sharing.

[@lynnemaclean7201]

Fantastic! Wonderful video 😊

[@fujifatbike5793]

You're simply awesome Miss Abbie....simply AWESOME. Thank you.

[@moyashisoba]

You did it Abbie, you did it! I wanted to offer you my hand so often watching this and had to cry as well when you saw the people. But you did it. You are so strong, I'm proud of you.

[@carolinemason4210]

Abbie you are such an inspiration ! I have watched so many of your videos xxx my anxiety and lack of self belief have stopped me doing so many hills and mountains!

[@JP-lk2qs]

Epic conquest of mighty Ben Nevis!Well done,Abbie,now you have got it as your trophy too!Thanks for sharing the joyful experience of it with us!

[@alanguthrie8415]

Well dun Abbie great stuff. Absolutely fantastic. What a girl 👍⛺️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Iskandar64]

Wow you are brave, my heart was in my mouth when you were walking that ridge.

[@dutchgram3799]

Oh my gosh! I was a nervous wreck watching this! I know that I wouldn't be able to walk 10 feet in the easier part without falling. The views were stunning but I had to block the screen a few times so I wouldn't fall off my chair. f YOU are amazing! WOW!

[@hfranke07]

What a great video. Not only do you bring the stunning scene from Ben Nevis right into my screen, but your total honest video is great. Thanks for sharing. I hope to go there one day.... Keep safe.

[@khepri152]

This is a beautifully honest depiction of the highs and lows (no pun intended), of climbing a mountain - of the fear of failure, the apprehension, the sense of immediate danger, of the need to persist and succeed, the joy of triumph, the degree of isolation, and the realization you are not alone after all.

[@jhbiologysupport]

I climbed the same slope from the CIC hut just yesterday (my husband was doing Munro 280 (Carn Mor Dearg) and asked me to join him). It’s comforting to see that I was not alone in finding that slope a real psychological challenge. Afterwards, we decided to descend Carn Mor Dearg to the top of Glen Nevis rather than tackle the Arête. Having seen your video, I know the right decision was made for me. We may not have done the arête but we did the ‘Tour de Ben Nevis’ in stunningly beautiful weather. Thanks for your video - an opportunity to live the arête through someone else’s eyes!

[@syncrosimon]

Just awesome👍👍👍

[@Andyb2379]

Well done Abbie that was brilliant. Well done you, you faced your demons & over come them. We are very proud of you for pushing on & completing your task. Thank you. You are such an inspiration. Andy

[@angelakm6753]

Congratulations for completing your walk. These videos are excellent.

[@johnduggan218]

I love her videos. She is so honest about how she feels and is willing to share her emotions with us which helps us how to deal with our own fears and limitations. May she share many more adventures with us.

[@michelleleclaire7434]

I love how honest you have become with the feelings you feel in the moment and sharing them w/us. Cheers.

[@pconnor76]

Loved watching this...reminds me of my journey to Ben Nevis summit 28 years ago...well done Abbie!

[@Chris-Vicky-Travels]

That was so emotional Abbie, well done. My wife and I went up the same route as you and we both went through similar panic attacks at the same point as you. Thank you for sharing this, it’s very professional with excellent commentary, it took me right back there.

[@ashleyjarnold]

Well done Abbie, very raw and honest but you battled through to victory. We all need support and encouragement, but you shared a part of your life many hide and I think you will win by doing that. Again, well done, Ashley

[@123reivax123]

A brilliantly brave video in so many ways. You are an inspiration.

[@patrickmoore2031]

Man Abbie, what can I say? So bold in more ways than one. Very moving. If I may say so, I’m grateful for your life as well. I hope you keep going up the mountains.

[@jennygenricks2007]

Great to watch during lockdown

[@outdooradventure4590]

Hi Abbie, what an awesome achievement, not only did you conquer Ben Nevis, you conquered every emotion going!... I felt the emotions with you 👍❤️

[@gayled3059]

Abbie, you going over the ridge when it's not just ROCKY, but almost VERTICAL....I would never NEVER go that way. I would not have the courage. For you to go that way and ENJOY it is just AMAZING to me!!

[@kevinrodgers3146]

Abbie, massive well done. I do a lot of climbing in Scotland on my own and I know only too well that feeling of fear and vulnerability. You are in inspiration to young people suffering from mental health issues and you should be very proud of yourself. Great effort.

[@kyliejwhyte]

Thank you for being so open and honest about mental health Abbie - it's a gift to us all! x

[@AlyMarshall]

Abbie your a real trooper.. Keep walking luv you'll always be able to beat that ongoing fight that mental torments throw at you.. Proud of ya x

[@missionpassed4584]

I always find in situation where it can get a bit hairy to say the least your mind tends to way over think it, so I tend to just almost shout in my mind to drown out the negative thoughts, "DO IT, JUST DO IT" "STOP FAFFING AROUND"GO FOR IT" etc, then I grit my teeth and go for it. Great vid well done young lady!

[@MrMrAIDEN]

I have bad mental health and just started hiking about 3 months back to help it. I joined walking group on FB who recommended me to your videos. I'm going to be attempting Ben Nevis in 6 weeks i think its way to early for me to go but i thrive from the challenge. Watching you do this has gave me so much confidence and i think you are an inspiration to a lot of people with mental health so thank you Abbie

[@jonrandall4005]

I think you show immense courage in taking on these tasks on your own but even more to then post your vulnerability for all to see. You will never know how much you encourage others to push themselves with whatever challenges they face so for that I salute you.

[@TheMrsKKB]

I was in tears with you when you saw the people. That was an amazing feat of courage and perseverance. I just got into a situation hiking in Tucson 2 weeks ago where I went up a steep hill that seemed to have a well defined trail but it wasn't and had a panic attack.... talking myself through getting back down (I tried to continue up but that was not a good idea) on my bottom, cacti on both sides was so scary and the adrenaline was pumping so I totally relate. Also having hiked the BEN last year via the normal route with my Englishman it gave me so many wonderful memories as we had clouds and freezing cold at the top, but blue skies and gorgeous views just a few feet below the summit. Your video looked eerily similar to mine!!! Thank you so much for taking us on your amazing journey and continuing to show you strength and vulnerability. You go girl :)

[@cornishnige]

Thank you Abbie another great video I love the way you battle with your demons you are a true inspirational young lady. You keep going when deep inside you just want to quit keep the great videos coming my love and please stay safe xx

[@Wild-Camping-Geordie]

Exellent video as always ! Good on you Abbie ! you are not afraid of showing and recording your feelings ! Inspirational 👍👋👋👋

[@gerardosullivan8516]

I was thrilled when you saw people ahead, hard when you feel alone and isolated. Well done Abbey

[@gainesy_walks]

That was superb, Ive often wondered about the CMD route and wasn't sure what to expect, some walk up. Thanks for sharing this.... and really, well done!

[@williamjames-hirst709]

My lord Abbie I’ve never wanted to reach out and hug someone so much more than watching you make your way up you are amazing

[@maxflight777]

Candid, Congratulations Abbie,

[@ianrobinson4970]

What a brilliant video Abbie, so pleased you carried on through your panic attack and achieved your goal.You are such an inspiration to everybody to see your lovely smile at the end made my day.❤️

[@alexwade9921]

Great video Abbie. I wanna go up there now. Looks really exciting!

[@johnhyland9549]

well done abbie well smashed it you are an inspiration to us all keep em coming

[@davidtomkinson1570]

Well done Abbie. They hardest battle in climbing is with yourself. Love your videos. This one reminds me of when I climbed Nevis with my son last year. Happy memories

[@andyraven6219]

I first watched this a few weeks ago, awesome. This inspired me and my wife to follow in your footsteps. We have just got back from a great few days in Scotland. The icing on the cake was climbing the Ben via the CMD arete. We had blue skies all the up and down, so stunning. You are so inspirational. As someone who battles his own demons, many hugs and respect to you. All the best, and a great channel to subscribe to. 🙂

[@aaronbeharie8445]

Simply amazing! What an inspiration for being struggling with metal health!!

[@marisastrum5735]

Thank you so much for sharing your honest and vulnerable experience!

[@markgerrard383]

You just forged your own route up Ben Nevis!!! That's totally amazing... Well done

[@WillN2Go1]

Terrific video. Exciting. I've been in similar situation. On Ben Nevis coming up the tourist path, when it clouded in above I turned around, but after a mile or so met up with a pair of Irish guys, one of whom said, 'I was up yesterday, if you want to stick with us....' I shared your anxiety approaching the ridge. I've gone 50 meters off a main trail (on Old Baldy in Southern California) and then vectored to rejoin the trail. Over an hour later scrambling straight up the slope I finally go back to it. It's easy to lose a trail, and can lead to serious problems.) What I'd like to do sometime is duplicate your approach to the ridge, clouds closing in, and then just figure out a spot to roll out my bivy, stake it down and spend the night-- 'cause that might be the best thing to do in some situations. Plus after a long break, catch your breath, maybe some sleep, we're usually calmer and during the down time the back part of our brains will have figured it all out. The ridge is a glacial arete, all around the world where there were glaciers these are left behind. They're the

[@beckyskye6708]

OMG Abbie YOU made it ...that was tough..eh...so proud for you..i could feel the panic setting in too.. Brill xx

[@paulmiller7671]

Awesome video. You are one courageous girl. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@erikvandoorn1674]

This is one of your very best, Abbie. Thanks for sharing.

[@PerfectoProductionsInc16]

So incredibly brave, Abby !! 💯👍☑🙏🏼👏✌🏽🥊💫

[@Barbreck1]

Brilliant Abbie! I did the Carn Dearg Arrete way back in '96, on the hottest day of the year. I ran out of water by the time I reached CMD, so had a struggle to get round. But it was spectacular. Got a scare half way across the CDA when a guy I was walking before disappeared from view! For w hile I thought he'd taken a tumble over the egde but it later transpired that he'd climbed down to an out-of-view ledge to eat some lunch! Great walk. Congraulations on conquering it!

[@adeledesolla1404]

Simply wonderful, thank you. xx

[@zennor_man]

Bravely done Abbie....have been waiting for this post....My ascent was via the distillery path to CBD on to the CMD. I hit the panic button at the start of the arete but honestly after a couple of steps felt confident....I'm proud to be one of the tribe..

[@9kevkav]

Great effort Abbie and a stunning vid... Well done you

[@davidcalder8210]

Abbie well done 👏 👏 👏 lots of courage there to overcome your fears i did that exact climb on 10.07.22 direct up from the CIC HUT it’s a fair climb up found that the toughest part also found the Arête pretty straight forward did it solo like yourself and can relate to your fears of vulnerability if i ever see you on the hills I’ll gladly keep you company again we’ll done great effort 👍