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Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice


Postby Cholin52 » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:18 pm

Seeing all this chat about Novices I guess this is the right place for advice! I'm climbing Ben Nevis in June with three chums who are all fairly fit mid 50's. we've done snowdon a couple of times using the easy Pyg Track. HOwever The Ben looks a tad more challenging and although we would like to try going by the Carn Mor Dearg Arete we are not sure if it could be a step too far! We understand about safety and being prepared but just how experienced do you have to be in June for that route?
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby mountain coward » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:35 am

I personally wouldn't say it was difficult, just narrowish - if you have a head for heights you should be fine I would think. June would ge a great month to do it and there shouldn't be any snow/ice on the ridge (there is always some on Ben Nevis's summit). I would look up the compass bearings (probably googleable) for the summit plateau in case it's misty. The only weather in June which I would say would be unsuitable is high winds. When I say you need a head for heights, it's not really all that narrow, just people (like me) who find very steep on each side daunting may not enjoy it much. I'd give it a go - either way, even if you don't make it, you'll have walked a great Munro one side or the other... Good luck!
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby Cholin52 » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:06 pm

Thank for that, very helpful and we can now make a much more informed decision!.
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby Paul Webster » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:10 pm

Yes, you need to be able to navigate, and also be fit as its a big route and is much more strenuous. But the arete itself doesn't call for any special skills; just normal hillwalking with a bit of hands. If you decide to go for it, good luck :D
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby Cholin52 » Fri Mar 13, 2009 12:24 pm

and thanks to you too PAul, I'm hoping I can persuade my colleagues it's not too tough for us 'oldens'!
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby mountain coward » Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:03 am

Well I'm an oldun (as is Richard) and we were fine! :)
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby munrojo » Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:59 pm

did the arete last year and its the best route and away from the crowded side of the ben im 50 now so you go fo it matey
and send in some good pics :D
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby bio-man » Wed Mar 18, 2009 6:17 pm

Agree with the above..... the arete looks worse than it is, it's not overly narrow, although it's steep on both sides. A bit airy and if you get a clear day it's a fabulous rush!! Enjoy!!
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby Monkey » Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:12 pm

You'll be fine in June. I crossed last summer and I was almost disappointed at how easy I found the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. I'm scared of heights and I was psyched up for something a lot worse. I did go very slowly however. ;) The views of Ben Nevis's craggy north face are very impressive.
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Re: Ben Nevis/ Carn Mor Dearg Arete advice

Postby Wanderlust » Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:30 pm

Pick a nice day for it, the views are amazing
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