CMD arete and Ben Nevis

[Yipyipcoyote]

There are very few days in the the mountains of Scotland where it is as clear as it was this day and far fewer when the Ben can be seen in such glorious clarity. Having changed computers I thought these photos were lost but they turned up this week on a memory card much to my surprise and delight.
For months my brother had pestered me to do this route (he had never done a Munro) but I held off waiting for the perfect day and I think I chose well.
When we stopped for some lunch just below the summit on the south side of Carn Mor Dearg he pointed out that he didn't believe there were places like this in Scotland. Made me feel quite proud in a certain way.
There a probably very few people reading this who have not done this route so I will let the photos do the talking. Anyone who has not done it - watch the forecast and try to chose this sort of day - even if you have to wait for years it is worth it!

Our first view of the North face

The ideal route to get the right line for Carn Mor Dearg is to cut off from the path just as it turns in a south easterly direction about half a mile beyond the lochan. This takes you quite sharply downhill and over pathless terrain but the long traverse up CMD is far easier than the steep boring plod to be had by following the path almost to the CIC hut. I know this from experience.(yes I know - I said I would let the photos do the talking. I will shut up now)

Ben Nevis in full view. We could see people moving around on the top it was so clear.

First view of CMD arete.

Stunning views in every direction

The Aonachs

Hot and hatless

Geoff with 1 Munro under his belt and about to tackle the arete

A climbers paradise

Castle Ridge

CMD arete and the steep climb up the Ben

The Rookie!

Steall Falls

The view directly south

Looking back

Top of the world

Tower Ridge

What a fabulous day

Without doubt the best day I have ever had in the mountains.

[delberto]

really nice photos, far too hard for me to try, but looks very impressive. nice one well done

[Yipyipcoyote]

It looks difficult but in good conditions it is really quite easy. Don't be put off.

[LeithySuburbs]

you were not wrong - stunning clarity in those photos .