#THISISMYADVENTURE: Paul Brett

I first got into climbing in the holidays between Christmas and New Year 2010, a friend who had been into climbing for a while asked me to join him on a climb of Broad Cairn, a Munro (Scottish Mountain over 3000ft) in the Lochnagar group of mountains. On reflection after years of climbing this was a pretty easy route but at the time, after "topping out", it was amazing and I was hooked straight away with the views and the elation of the achievement.

 A few years on and the challenge of The CMD Arete and Ben Nevis had been in my head for a while and the thought of it kept me climbing, building fitness and experience. After a few postponed attempts due to weather we finally got the conditions we wanted and set off, winter conditions but clear and zero wind, perfect.

What can be said about the climb? I think the photos say it all! Stunning views, an epic ridge, an exhausting 9 hrs on the mountains, blood spilled, self-arresting, valuable experience gained, comradeship and friendships forged.

 #THISISMYADVENTURE - and what an adventure!

The CMD Arete in all its glory with The North Face of Ben Nevis and summit.

Taking in the views.. You can find more of Pauls epic photography on his Instagram - @paulbrett29

Final push to the top of Ben Nevis & seconds from disaster. I slipped and headed down this slope at speed - scary but managed to self arrest with ice axe and my arm, blood spilled - a war wound for the tourists at the summit. Photo by Johny Cook, @johnyamc

The top of Ben Nevis with the legions of tourists coming up the "easy way".