BEN NEVIS, CMD ARETE

The North Face of Ben Nevis

Nice to get a hot and sunny day again. One of those short lived 24 hr jobs we've been experiencing this Summer. Well timed for Vicci and Rachel who are up on a week long walking holiday in the Scottish Highlands. They've already racked up 15 Munros before today. They wanted a day of guidance over the CMD arete onto Ben Nevis.

First views of the North Face

We set off at 0830 am from the NF carpark were temperatures were already up in the mid teens. The carpark was full and up on the hills I had never seen so many folk heading up to Carn Mor Dearg. After a clear skies start the high level cloud soon drifted in from the West but not enough to spoil the magnificent views of the North Face of the Ben.

Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis

Carn Dearg Mheadonaich

Carn Mor Dearg summit

By the time we started  along the arete the crowds soon spread out. There was some concern over the forecasted 40-50mph winds. It was soon evident that the arete was quite doable as it wasn't has windy has expected. Always worth having a look, the option of turning back is always available.

The arete

Great fun

 Not too windy

We made excellent progress and enjoyed the brilliant views all the way along the 1km ridge. Best to stop now and again to admire the amazing scenery.

Stunning 

Little Brenva Face

 Early there

From the end of the arete it is another 30 minutes up boulders to the summit of Ben Nevis. The rain held off till just 1 hour from the carpark.  Top day out and great company.

On the summit 

Ben Nevis summit

Tower Ridge

The summit 

Ledge Route

Rain not far away