CMD hard core steepy,icy,no escape for great Ben Nevis views

[Petr Dakota]

The Route:

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After long 15 hours working day on tuesday I was looking forward to refresh myself by some adventurous mountains trip. Weather looked best for West incl. Skye this time, but my very limited time ( need to be back early afternoon with my daughter Cheyenne ) during a week day offered Glen Etive Munros or Fort William. I realized that I did Ben Nevis once only this year ( 21 x in total ) and I always love to climb the Ben in any conditions, mostly very early morning or winter - no crowds So I woke up at 02:00 for another early start and kept it open if only Ben Nevis or CMD or both. Easier way if incl. CMD is start from North Face car park, but I was not decided if only climb Ben Nevis faster by the easier tourist route or go around for another descend and very steepy straight ascent to CMD which offers great views of Ben Nevis. Started in darkness, I felt ok when reached the Loch on top so despite the time and icy / slippery conditions I decided to risk it and turned towards CMD. The path there was very icy and slippy on the descent way to CIC Memorial Hut and I started worried about my time. The ascend was even worse, no much snow, no grip, icy, stony and very slippy on the very steep pathless slope...no way back down there, the only way ( safer...slow ) was on the top, where the weather changed: misty, snowy, strong wind, no views, no visibility. I wanted reached at least the summit of Carn Mor Dearg as I was sure in that point that continue via CMD arete and Ben I had not enough time for it to get back home in time...( did the CMD arete to Ben 4x before ) Despite all that, I enjoyed the adrenaline and challenging conditions, shame no more time to stay longer and I turned to the easier and faster way to the Nort Face car park, then used lift back to Glen Nevis for my car.
It was great adventurous day around my favourite mountain, I enjoyed that fully...no excuses, no mercy, no regrets ! Almost end of the year, but there is still a chance to do Ben Nevis no.22 to finish the season




The Movie:

Some Photos:

[ere1]

Another cracking report Petr. Really enjoyed the video.

[Petr Dakota]

Another cracking report Petr. Really enjoyed the video.

Thanks Peter, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family !
Greetings to the Netherlands, wishing you many great trips, back in Scotland next year...stay safe

[ere1]

Many thanks and the same to you Petr!

[Petr Dakota]