Càrn Mòr Dearg · Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis by the Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête
Scramble · Grade 1Grade details
Grades describe the named technical sections, not every metre of the route.
Carn Mor Dearg Arete (Summer): Grade 1 Grade reference
Route overview
This celebrated horseshoe route offers a superb and physically demanding way to ascend Ben Nevis, bypassing the busy mountain track for a grand mountain day. Starting from the north, the route climbs Càrn Mòr Dearg before traversing the famous, sweeping arête. It provides an elegant line and peerless views of the formidable North Face cliffs.
Terrain and underfoot
The route follows clear forest tracks and mountain paths initially, transitioning to a steep, boggy ascent up Càrn Mòr Dearg. The arête itself requires sustained but straightforward scrambling over large blocks with significant exposure. The final climb to the Ben Nevis plateau is a steep, rough boulder field. The descent uses the well-made tourist path before a rough, pathless section leading to a potentially difficult crossing of the Allt a'Mhuillin.
- Distance
- 18.3 km
- Ascent
- 1,548 m
- Typical time
- 6.5 - 8 hoursStandard moving time
- Your time
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- 2
Getting there and parking
Driving and parking
North Face car park, Torlundy
The North Face car park is a separate arrival from the Ben Nevis visitor centre. Parking costs £3 all day or £1 for up to an hour, payable by card or RingGo.
Gravel woodland parking in sections either side of the access lane. Keep the onward forest track clear.
- Facilities
- There are no toilets at this car park.