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Mountain Peaks

United Kingdom
Scotland
Highlands
Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy

Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête

Discover
Places to see

Mountain Peaks

United Kingdom
Scotland
Highlands
Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy

Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête

Highlight • Summit

Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête

Recommended by 134 hikers

Routes leading to this Highlight may be dangerous

Routes may comprise technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

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    Location: Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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    Best Hikes to Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête

    4.7

    (156)

    1,238

    hikers

    1. Càrn Mòr Dearg Arete (CMD) & Ben Nevis loop

    17.9km

    07:58

    1,420m

    1,420m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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    Hard

    13

    hikers

    2. Ben Nevis Mountain Path – Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête loop from Glen Nevis

    29.2km

    11:43

    1,610m

    1,610m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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    Hard

    13

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    3. Ben Nevis Mountain Path – Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête loop from Glen Nevis

    24.6km

    10:20

    1,450m

    1,450m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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    Hard

    Tips

    December 3, 2020

    A simply sensational grade one scramble, set against arguably the most awesome mountain backdrop in Britain: the North Face of the Ben. The Càrn Mòr Dearg Arête' hangs like Britain's most exciting washing line between Càrn Mòr Dearg and the summit slopes of Ben Nevis.

    It is not as exposed as the Aonach Eagach or even Crib Goch in Wales and there's often a bypass path to one side of the crest. In winter, the ante is well and truly upped – one for those with the relevant skills and equipment. However, if the sun is shining and you're a confident hiker, this is a much more satisfying route up Ben Nevis than the Pony Track.

      May 17, 2019

      There is no real path on the final ascent on Ben Nevis, so be careful there. But as long as you are ascending you should be fine.

        August 25, 2017

        For experienced, fit mountain walkers who do not mind easy scrambling, this is the finest way to climb Ben Nevis.

          August 9, 2020

          Great stretch with an easier option below should it get a bit much

            September 23, 2020

            Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Gloves and layers are a must!

              September 1, 2021

              The route is very demanding and you have to be really careful.

              Translated by Google •

                March 9, 2021

                When hiking Ben Nevis, I've started my hike on the touristy path before deviating toward the Charles Inglis Clark Memorial Hut before climbing up to CMD. I would certainly recommend the CMD, however, would caution any novice hiker heading up to CMD via the Hut, as there is no clear path on the way up, loose rocks, and inclinations of around 55% incline.

                  September 23, 2021

                  This didn't seem to bee too tough of a scramble. We scrambled across it in rain so the rocks were slippy and slightly dangerous but with steady steps and clear mind this is very doable!

                    September 1, 2022

                    Best way to hike up Ben Nevis, absolutely amazing route!

                      June 10, 2024

                      In summer conditions and good visibility this grade one scramble is very enjoyable and not really difficult especially when going from Càrn Mòr Dearg towards Ben Nevis. Going in the opposite direction is fine in good visibility but much more difficult in poor visibility and navigating to the start of the arête can be challenging. In winter conditions the arête is a much more serious undertaking and appropriate winter skills are required. I am fortunate to have enjoyed the arête in all these variations.

                        July 24, 2023

                        Did this walk with my wife last week. Starting at the north car park you climb steadily through woodland and then encounter a boggy area which takes you to the start of the climb to the CMD. The route up is mainly boulders, as is the arête when you get to the CMD summit. We had watched a few videos of people crossing and we were pleased it was nowhere near as daunting when you are there. The arête itself is all boulders but there is a path for some of it that you can take. Once across you then have a steep walk over more boulders to reach the summit of Ben Nevis. There is no defined path to the top so be careful in poor visibility. You take the tourist route down branching off and again crossing more bogs before reaching the north car park. You will need some experience to complete this walk and a good level of fitness. We completed it in just
                        under 9 hours stopping for food and photos. The views on the approach to Nevis are fantastic and make the effort well worth it.

                          March 20, 2022

                          Narrower parts of the arete require careful footwork, and the short, steep section before leaving the arete for the final push to the summit of Ben Nevis can require a bit of care. A fantastic introduction to Scottish winter grade 1 mountaineering.

                            January 5, 2023

                            Grade one scramble: As with any scramble best done in dry low wind conditions. However, if the weather suits this a fun interesting way to go up Ben Nevis. Views are fantastic and much quieter than the main foot path😊

                              May 26, 2024

                              Beautiful views on the narrow ridge.

                              Translated by Google •

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                                Elevation 1,030 m

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                                Monday 17 November

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                                Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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                                Location: Fort William, Inverlochy And Torlundy, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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