The Ben via the cmd arete

[ChrisG]

We had sunshine in the Glen and snow on the ben with a little rain on the way down. This was everything I expected it to be a fantastic day out on the ultimate hill.

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[ronofcam]

I was on the Carn Mor Dearg arête on Sunday (though I didn't summit either CMD or the Ben) and I just can't understand why anyone would walk up to the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe only to drop back down to the CIC hut, then the horrendous slog up the steep slope of CMD! The route from the north face car park at Torlundy is much the better (and quieter) route. Plus you can ease yourself into the lower slopes of CMD and watch the magnificent views of Ben Nevis unfurl before you.

Just saying! You look like you had a decent day though, so I'm sure it was good.

[ChrisG]

I was on the Carn Mor Dearg arête on Sunday (though I didn't summit either CMD or the Ben) and I just can't understand why anyone would walk up to the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe only to drop back down to the CIC hut, then the horrendous slog up the steep slope of CMD! The route from the north face car park at Torlundy is much the better (and quieter) route. Plus you can ease yourself into the lower slopes of CMD and watch the magnificent views of Ben Nevis unfurl before you.

Just saying! You look like you had a decent day though, so I'm sure it was good.

I was told that was a better way to do it but it was my first time on the ben and my first time on the cmd arete so I did it the way the rest of the party suggested. Next time I will do it the other way. Your right the climb up from the cic hut is a hard slog.