Castle Ridge Guide

The shortest of the Great Nevis Ridges, what Castle Ridge lacks in length, it makes up for in quality. Although graded Moderate ( and technically the easiest great ridge), this route packs a punch with brilliant sustained scrambling and some memorable crux sections.

The first great ridge you come to whilst walking along the Allt a Mhuillin stream, this striking line provides a brilliant day out. We start up a grassy gully before gaining the ridge proper. Some scrambling eases us in gently before the first crux corner. From here we make our towards the second crux, a slabby rib leading to a very exposed groove in a sensational setting.

In anything other than dry conditions the climbing on Castle Ridge easily matches anything on Tower Ridge and if at all damp is significantly harder.

The fun isn’t quite over with plenty of interesting moves to come, including a narrow arete before we join on to the main plateau.

We have a couple of descent choices with Ledge Route being a short walk away. Otherwise, a short uphill takes us towards the Red Burn and the Mountain Track.


Is this for me?

You should have a good level of fitness to do this route with previous hillwalking recommended. A good head for heights is also essential as there are a few exposed sections on the ridge. Some previous scrambling of grade 2/3 or above would be very useful. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience.

Ratios- up to 1:2

Larger groups please contact us for prices


Prices
No. of PeopleCastle Ridge Guiding
1£280
2£310
Kit List
  • Technical Kit
    • Helmet
    • Harness – both of these can be supplied
  • Personal Clothing/Kit
    • Walking boots/Approach Shoes
    • 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
    • Warm hat– e.g. Woollen beanie
    • Gloves– minimum 2 pairs (at least one waterproof pair). Leather gardening style gloves are good for scrambling
    • Spare warm layer– e.g. fleece, 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 Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI)
  • Hire of helmet and harness
  • 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.

North Face Car Park


Enquire Now about Castle Ridge guiding


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