The North Face of Ben Nevis and the Allt a' Mhuillin

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Follow a mountain path as it heads up into the corrie beneath the magnificent North Face of Ben Nevis, giving superb views up to its mighty precipices. The route takes in some of Britain's most magnificent rock scenery. Please note that this is NOT A ROUTE OF ASCENT FOR CLIMBING BEN NEVIS.

Terrain

Forest path and then good hill path. The route involves a fair amount of ascent.

Public Transport

None to start; buses pass Torlundy.

Start

North Face car park, near Torlundy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 630m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN144763

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the North Face car park, reached along a track from Torlundy. Begin by heading along the track, passing a barrier. When the track bends left, turn right on a path (signed North Face Trail). Go straight ahead uphill then keep left at a fork in the trees. The path climbs and swings right, passing a bench, then becomes flat, passing another bench. Keep ahead when it meets another path. The path then reaches the edge of the forest, with stunning views of Fort William ahead and Ben Nevis to the left - there is another bench here. Carry on left along the path, passing a small wooden bridge and dam on the right. Turn right at the next signpost (signed Allt a'Mhuillin and CIC Hut). Keep ahead when a path joins right, passing another bench, and join a track. Finally turn right at a track junction to face Ben Nevis ahead.

Stage 2

Finally turn right at a track junction. There are now stunning views of Ben Nevis ahead. At the top of the forestry the track ends.

Stage 3

Cross the stile and follow the excellent path as it continues up to the left of the Allt a'Mhuillin, with the north face of the Ben Nevis drawing ever closer. Ignore a boggy path forking off to the left.

Stage 4

Continue on the main path, enjoying the views of the jaw-dropping series buttresses and gullies of the magnificent cliffs opposite. The massive Castle Ridge and Carn Dearg Buttress dominate at first. The path continues climbing, rising a little away from the burn at one point.

Stage 5

Further on the path runs closer to the burn once more, finally crossing it (ford) to approach the Charles Inglis Clark (CIC) Hut - a private, locked shelter for mountaineers. Please respect the privacy of those staying here. The hut stands at the foot of Tower Ridge, a classic mountaineering route (a 'Difficult' rock climb in summer; a Grade IV ice-climb in winter) for those with the skills and equipment.

Stage 6

It is possible to continue a short distance beyond the hut up into the bowl of Coire Leis, giving changing perspectives on the great cliffs. With binoculars it is often possible to watch climbers making the ascent of the countless routes.

Stage 7

For non-mountaineers, the return is to head back down the path the same way.

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