The Carn Mor Dearg Arete offers by far the finest walking route to the summit of Ben Nevis.
The route starts from the North Face Car Park at Torlundy where the path is followed towards the NW slopes of Carn Beag Dearg. It includes stunning views of the North Face of the Ben, including the famous ridges and gullies, as well as including another Munro top, Carn Mor Dearg (1220m)
The narrow rocky arete then leads on to the Summit of Ben Nevis (1345m). This is not a technical trip involving ropes but a good head for heights is essential as the ridge is quite narrow in parts. This is altogether a longer and more strenuous day than the Mountain Track. However, the extra effort is well worth it and you will be rewarded with a real sense of mountaineering and adventure. A highly recommended way of climbing Ben Nevis! It is worth noting that this route does require reasonable weather in order to traverse the Arete safely.
Is this for me?
You should have a good level of fitness for this route so previous experience hill walking/hiking is ideal. The route is exposed in places and you’ll be scrambling over large rocky boulders so a good head for heights is essential.
There is around 1500m of ascent and descent and around 13km of distance. Average times are 6-10 hours.
Ratios: Up to 1:4
Larger groups please contact us for prices
Prices
| No.of people | Carn Mor Dearg Arete Guiding |
|---|---|
| 1 | £250 |
| 2 | £270 |
| 3 | £290 |
| 4 | £310 |
Kit List
Personal Clothing/Kit
Walking boots– waterproof with a good tread on the sole
Wicking baselayer – keeps moisture away from your skin and reduces how cold you feel as a result. Cotton is not suitable.
Trekking trousers– Lightweight, fast drying trousers are ideal.
Mid layer– to be worn on top of baselayer in cooler conditions, for example a lightweight fleece or Primaloft top.
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers– made of something like Goretex
Warm hat– e.g. Woollen beanie
Gloves– minimum 2 pairs (at least one waterproof pair).
Spare warm layer– e.g.another warm fleece or synthetic insulation like primaloft.
Other Kit
Food and water – around 1-2 litres of water and plenty of snacks and high energy foods to get you through the day.
Rucksack – 30 litres- recommended
Rucksack liner/Drybags– rucksacks aren’t waterproof so either a large poly-bag liner or several smaller dry-bag type bags recommended.
Sun screen, sun glasses – mountain sun can be fierce and the sun does come out occasionally in the Highlands!
Small Personal First Aid Kit– e.g. blister plasters, painkillers, medications
Whistle
Head Torch– for Late Summer/Early Autumn (August onwards)
Trekking poles (Optional) – can take 3 tonnes of loading off of your knees over the course of a day- recommended for the Aonach Eagach descent in particular!
What’s Included/ Not Included
What’s included
- Qualified and Experienced Mountain Leader
- Action Photos of your day!
What’s not included
- Personal kit
- Transport/Accommodation/Meals
- Cancellation/Personal injury Insurance
Meeting Location/Time
Meeting Times are usually 0700-0730hrs (will be confirmed beforehand). If travelling to the area by public transport let us know and we may be able to arrange a pick up. Location will be the North Face Car Park, Torlundy
