Walking The Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arete, Ben Nevis, Scotland

by Neil Bennett

Some friends and I decided we wanted to do Ben Nevis but we didn't want to go via the Tourist route so instead we took on the physically and mentally challenging (in snow!) Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) arete.

This was the hardest 'walk' I have ever done!

Having managed to climb half way up 'The Ben' we were absolutely gutted to realise we had to drop back down again before climbing Carn Beag Dearg at 1010 Metres!

We really should've studied the map a little closer!

Having said that once we were up there it was all worthwhile; the views were stunning all around. It was a beautiful sunny day and despite the snow on the Mountains we were walking in tee shirts.We started along the edge of Carn Beag Dearg then Carn Dearg Meadhonach and Carn Mor Dearg where we finally got to see the CMD arete - our route to the summit of 'The Ben'.

Looking along the line of the CMD arete was a little intimidating with steep snow covered slopes on both sides (not a place for the faint hearted) and then onto the final summit slope of Ben Nevis also plastered in snow. Having said that there was no going back so on we marched albeit very carefully!

We finally managed to reach the summit and congratulated ourselves before taking in the stunning 360 degree views and trudging off toward the tourist path and our route down.

For me this route was very physically demanding but well worth the effort and the two days to recover from it!

Will I do it again? Would love to!

See Neil's Photos of the walk.