Do trekking poles help with walking on loose scree on Ben Nevis?

Yes – trekking poles are essential on Ben Nevis's loose scree, especially on the steep upper sections of the Mountain Track or the descent of the Carn Mor Dearg Arête. They provide three key benefits: stability (four points of contact on shifting ground), braking (lengthen poles by 5–10 cm to slow your descent and reduce knee impact), and testing – probe the ground ahead to check if a stone is loose. Use sharp carbide tips (rubber tips are useless on rock) and plant firmly before moving. Shorten poles by 5 cm for ascents, lengthen for descents. Avoid planting in deep gaps where the tip could jam. If you are new to scree, practice the rhythm on the lower slopes before you reach the notorious Red Burn section. Poles are a safety aid, not a guarantee – still take short steps and keep your weight centred.

1. Understanding Ben Nevis's scree

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, is notorious for its loose scree, particularly on the upper slopes of the Mountain Track (Tourist Path) and the steep descent of the Carn Mor Dearg Arête. The rock is a mix of shattered quartzite, granite, and schist, which has broken down into small, sharp, and often unstable stones. On a dry day, the scree is loose and shifts underfoot; on a wet day, it becomes slippery and treacherous. Walking on scree is like walking on a conveyor belt of stones – each step dislodges the rocks beneath you, making balance and control difficult.

2. How trekking poles help on scree

a. Stability – With two poles, you have four points of contact with the ground. On shifting scree, this wider base of support significantly improves your balance. If your foot slides on a loose stone, the poles can help you recover and prevent a fall.

b. Braking effect – On descents, the most effective technique is to lengthen your poles by 5–10 cm. Plant the pole ahead of your foot, and push down to create a braking effect. This slows your descent, reducing the impact on your knees and giving you more control over each step.

c. Testing the ground – Before committing your weight to a step, use your pole to probe the scree ahead. A firm plant suggests a stable stone; a shifting plant indicates a loose rock you should avoid. This is particularly useful on the steep sections of the Red Burn, where the scree can be particularly unstable.

d. Reducing knee impact – On the long descent, the cumulative load on your knees can be significant. By transferring some of your weight to the poles, you reduce the force on your knee joints. Studies show this can reduce knee impact by up to 20–25% on descents.

3. The right technique for scree

a. Plant firmly – On scree, do not jab the pole; plant it firmly and deliberately. The sharp carbide tip should bite into the stones, giving you a secure hold.

b. Shorten on ascents – When climbing up the scree, shorten your poles by 5 cm. This lowers your hands, giving you better leverage to push up the slope.

c. Lengthen on descents – On the descent, lengthen your poles by 5–10 cm. This allows you to plant ahead of your feet and brake effectively.

d. Keep your weight centred – On scree, keep your weight over your feet. Do not lean forward or backward excessively. The poles should be used for balance, not as a crutch.

e. Use a steady rhythm – Move with a steady rhythm, planting the pole with the opposite foot. This spreads the load evenly and helps you maintain balance.

4. Equipment considerations for Ben Nevis scree

a. Carbide tips – Use sharp carbide tips. Rubber tips are useless on scree – they slide on the stones. Remove any rubber ferrules before you enter the scree fields.

b. 7075 aluminium poles – Carbon poles are more brittle and can splinter if they get wedged between stones. Aluminium is safer on scree.

c. Lever locks – Lever locks are more reliable than twist locks on the gritty scree. Grit can jam twist locks, causing them to slip.

d. Mud baskets – On loose scree, small baskets are not necessary and can catch on stones. Remove them before the scree section.

e. Spare tips – The abrasive scree will wear down carbide tips. Carry a spare pair.

5. Common mistakes on scree

• Planting in gaps – If you plant the pole in a gap between stones, the tip can get wedged. When you pull it out, the pole can bend or snap. Plant on top of a stable stone.
• Rushing – Scree requires patience. Rushing increases the risk of a fall. Take short, deliberate steps.
• Not adjusting length – Walking with the wrong length on scree reduces the benefit of the poles. Adjust your length for the slope.
• Using rubber tips – This is a common error. Remove rubber tips before scree.

6. Practice on lower slopes

Before you reach the steep scree sections (the Red Burn on the Mountain Track or the descent from the Carn Mor Dearg Arête), practice your technique on the lower, gentler scree fields. Get used to the feel of planting the pole, testing the ground, and adjusting your length. This will build your confidence for the more exposed sections.

7. Safety on scree

• Consider a helmet – On busy routes like the Mountain Track, dislodged stones can fall onto those below. A helmet is a sensible precaution, especially if the path is crowded.
• Stay clear of others – On descents, maintain a safe distance from the walker below you. A dislodged stone can cause serious injury.
• Use the poles as a probe – Always test the ground ahead before committing your weight.

8. Final verdict

Trekking poles are an essential tool for walking on loose scree on Ben Nevis. They provide stability, braking, knee protection, and a way to test the ground ahead. Use sharp carbide tips, 7075 aluminium poles with lever locks, and adjust your length for the slope. Practice on the lower scree before tackling the steep sections, and stay safe by keeping a distance from others. With the right technique, poles will help you descend Ben Nevis's scree safely and with less impact on your knees. They are a vital piece of safety equipment on this iconic mountain.