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.
