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This is an absolutely stunning route and arguably, for non-climbers, the finest way to reach to the summit of Ben Nevis, giving the mountain the justice it deserves.For adventurous and fit walkers who do not mind putting their hands on rock you can be assured of a spectacular day out and one that will live long in the memory.
Bagging the additional Munro of Carn mor Dearg is a bonus but lets face it, the real reason for approaching from this direction is to cross the majestic, curving, knife-edge ridge of the CMD arete.
Breathtaking to behold, the CMD arete is a mile long, high wire balancing act. Sticking with the crest all the way, the arete is a G1 scramble but with several by-pass paths avoiding the tricky bits, the route makes an excellent introduction to scrambling. Narrow enough to get the Adrenalin pumping but never overly exposed.
Our day starts in Torlundy at the North Face car park. Heading uphill through the forest on a well-constructed path we leave the trees and continue on the Allt a'Mhuilinn path for a little over a kilometre.
A path-side cairn marks the start of the hard work. There's nothing for it but to grit you teeth and knuckle down. We're aiming for Carn Dearg Meadhonach, a Munro top.
As height is gained the awesome bulk of the north face of Ben Nevis looms into view. The great cliffs, gullies and buttresses are stunning to behold.
Continuing along the ridge to Carn mor Dearg all eyes will be on the spectacular curved arete. The descent to it is steep and on loose scree.
The crossing itself is all involving and an utter delight. The situation beneath the cliffs of Ben Nevis' great hulk never cease to amaze and focus the eye.
Beyond the arete, a 1000 feet climb of boulders and scree test the grit once more and it will be some relief when the summit plateau is finally reached.
Our descent begins on the Mountain Path which we leave halfway to drop back down to the Allt a' Mhuilinn.
Online booking for this event is available on the following dates:
Sat 1st June 24
Sat 3rd August 24
Sat 31st August 24
https://www.walkglencoe.co.uk/service-page/ben-nevis-via-cmd-arete?referral=service_list_widget
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
North Face car park, Oban, United Kingdom
Tickets