LEDGE ROUTE IN THE SUN

Beautiful light this morning up the Allt a' Mhuillin

Smiles all round in the sun

Ciste Corrie and Carn Dearg Buttress

Looking into Ciste Corrie, N0.3 Gully still complete

Laurence starting on Ledge Route, CMD behind

Dry, warm rock

Sensational views all  the way

and more

sadly it finishes all too soon, but there is always another time :)

The sun shone merrily in Lochaber from the word go this morning. So Laurence and I had an early start to beat the rain which was forecast later in the afternoon. Laurence had never been on Ben Nevis even though he lived over in Ardgour for some years. We haded for Ledge Route today, the finest grade 1 scramble in Scotland (in my humble opinion!). The quality and clarity of air was superb this morning, great for photography. We had the whole route to ourselves, there was a couple of other guys heading for Tower Ridge. The bottom of N0.5 Gully still as a little snow in but if you don't want wet feet with a pair of light scrambling shoes (like me) then there is a superb and in some ways a much better and scenic alternative start to Ledge Route which goes over the top of Moonlight Buttress and so avoids any snow just now. The rock was warm and dry and Laurence just loved every minute. We made good time, even with our many stops for taking in the views and photos. Laurence wasn't particularly  looking forward to the final slopes of the Pony Track after the fine views and excitement of the north side of The Ben  but this was short lived as we headed down quickly from the summit and back to the NF car park before any rain. On the way down we chatted to  one of the guys involved in the construction of the planned cairn which is to replace the abseil post marker on the CMD arete. Interesting debate going on but it seems that a decision as been made by the JMT which includes the removal of the N0.4 Gully marker post (now gone too). Can't please everyone I guess. A grand day out and a memorable day for Laurence who saw Ben Nevis in all it's glory.