Ledge Route offers a fantastic way to reach the summit of Ben Nevis via it’s famous North Face. Whilst travelling through some spectacular mountain scenery, the scrambling on this route isn’t at any point too hard making it a thoroughly rewarding route.
Ledge Route is a brilliant introduction to both scrambling and to the North Face of Ben Nevis. Your Ledge Route Guide will look after you as you ascend this fantastic route.
We walk in to the CIC by the side of the Allt a Mhuillin and from there we can either ascend into Number Five Gully, or cut across above Moonlight Gully Buttress. From there we arrive on the ridge which takes us all the way to the North summit of Ben Nevis, Carn Dearg (1222m). A short walk along the ancient volcanic boulders on the plateau, takes us to the South and true summit at 1345m.
We can either descend quickly via the Mountain Track, or if time and energy levels allow, we can descend the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, making this an amazing full on day of mountaineering!






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. Any previous scrambling or climbing would be a bonus but is not essential- we can coach you through any tricky bits. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your experience.
Ratios- up to 1:4
Larger groups please contact us for prices
Prices
No. of People | Ledge Route Guiding |
---|---|
1 | £280 |
2 | £310 |
3 | £340 |
4 | £370 |
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 Times/Location
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.