Ben Nevis from Carn Mor Dearg. Apr 2011

This is arguably the finest walking route up to the summit of Ben Nevis. This way up Ben Nevis is truly Alpine in character with a slender narrow ridge, known as the CMD arete linking Carn Mor Dearg to Ben Nevis. It is longer than the Mountain Path route and in places steeper with a little exposure but it is well within the capabilities of any reasonably fit individual. The route gives fabulous views of Ben Nevis's awesome North Face where all the climbing in summer and winter takes place.

We start at Torlundy, 3 miles East of Fort William and take the excellent new forest path from the North Face car park. We soon reach the top of the forestry and the Allt a' Mhuillin and start heading up onto the shoulder of Carn Beag Dearg. From here the views just get better and better looking over to Ben Nevis's vast North face. The long broad ridge continues all the way to the main summit of Carn Mor Dearg and the extra bonus of another 'Munro'. The views are now extensive with Aonach Mor to the East, Ben Nevis to the West and looking down to the start of the arete or narrow ridge which links the two mountains together. For over 1km the ridge snakes ever closer to Ben Nevis with jaw dropping views all the way. The ridge is narrow with just the odd place where you need hands for balance but it isn't a scramble. All too soon the excitement is over and we reach the final 200m of wide boulder slopes to gain the summit of 'The Ben'. Average time to the summit is 5 hours. We descend the Mountain Path back down to the Lochan Meall an t-Suide then easy heathery slopes to the Allt a' Mhuillin and back to Torlundy. Total time for the whole day including stops is 8-10 hours.

Ben Nevis from the Allt a' Mhuillin, Aug 2009

The first view of Ben Nevis above the forestry on the Allt a' Mhuillin path. From this point we head onto the shoulder of Carn Beag Dearg to the East.

The North Face of Ben Nevis from Carn Beag Dearg. May 2009

As we gain the lower slopes of Carn Beag Dearg your eyes will be drawn to your right and the 2km line of the finest mountain crag in Britain, all from a relitively easy walk! The views get better and better the higher we go.

Carn Mor Dearg summit, Sept 2009

On the summit of Carn Mor Dearg looking back to The Great Glen. At 1220m this is one of the 283 'Munros' in Scotland (mountains over 3000ft or 914m)

On the arete, Apr 2011

For 1 km the CMD arete snakes it's way toward Ben Nevis. With only a little exposure, this isn't a scramble, though a few places you may need to use your hands for balance. The views are ever changing as we progress along the ridge with stunning views of Ben Nevis's North Face.

Ben Nevis and the CMD arete, Sept 2009

Half way along the ridge and the views just get better and better. The ridge never drops below the 1000m contour

Looking back to Carn Mor Dearg. Feb 2010

The views back along the arete aren't bad either. The ridge snakes for 1km and comes out onto a much wider area and a nice spot for a rest.

The arete in full winter conditions. Feb 2010

The arete can be well banked out with snow in winter. This transforms the mountain into a truly 'Alpine' like mountain, unlike anything in Britain. There were many days like this in winter 2010!

Half way along the arete. Apr 2011

The arete is narrow and a bit exposed but in summer it is still only an airy walk-not a scramble. There is no where else like it in Britain. The arete and Ben Nevis's vast north face are unique and 'Alpine' like. All away along this 1km ridge there are views every where and some great spots for very spectacular photos.

The final slpes to the summit. Feb 2010

The final slopes to the summit are well covered in snow until the end of  May. The views over to The Mamore mountains and upper Glen Nevis are magnificent. In summer conditions the route goes up large boulder slopes and after 20 minutes greeted by the masses at the summit where the peace and quiet ends!