Ben Nevis via the North Face

Q. What is the best route to walk up the north side of Ben Nevis? There will be 5 walkers all male all with a good standard of fitness/all have climb up the tourist route.

Your help and experience is much appriceated.

Thanks John

John McEwan, Eastkilbride, Glasgow

A. On the North Face of Ben Nevis are precipitous, near vertical 500m (1500ft) cliffs. Whilst there is a route through the crags from The Mountain Rescue Post in Coire Leis up on to Carn Dearg (Ben Nevis) (North West Top) it is not a walk. This is a climb/scarmble requiring rope and climbing skills and therefore not recommended for the inexperienced and without a guide.

See Ben Nevis from Carn Dearg Meadhonach (Carn Mor Dearg) for a photo.

Why not tackle h137 Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) arete or h154 Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg from The Nevis Range Mountain Gondola and approach Ben Nevis via the notorious Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) arete which many find pretty scary and see how you and your friends get on.

If you find that easy (plenty of people don't) then I'm sure you will be able to find a guide in Fort William who will take you up the North Face of Ben Nevis itself.

Hope this helps . . .

Mike (Editor)

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