Quote Originally Posted by Mike T View Post
Hi Ian - I had looked.

" Equipment:

a) Competitors must carry full waterproof body cover, including head covering and gloves.

b) Competitors must carry a whistle and the runners card issued as confirmation of entry.

c) Failure to comply results in immediate disqualification from the current race. "

As is sometimes the case it is a bit vague - but I guess map/compass are not mentioned so can be left - in the car! Hood vs hat - or both? Who knows! I have Emailed the RO.

I have not been up Ben Nevis but I understand it is one of the few walking descents where an accurate compass bearing can be crucial particularly in poor visibility - if you do not have ascending walkers/runners to aim for.
It certainly could be crucial and make for a very speedy descent, although it would leave you with a longer road run at the end
Take a map and compass regardless, it's not as if they weigh much. If my memory is right, a bearing of 230 from the summit for about 150 yards and then 280 takes you to the zig zags avoiding Five Finger Gully and the North face crags.