The North Face of Ben Nevis & Allt a' Mhuilinn

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Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

None to start; nearest bus Torlundy.

Start

North Face car park, near Torlundy. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 630m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN144763

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Park at the North Face car park (charge), reached along a track from Torlundy. Begin by heading along the track, over a bridge and past a vehicle barrier. When the track bends left, turn right on a path (signed North Face Trail). Go straight ahead uphill across the Puggy Trail, then keep right to stay on the main path at a fork. The path now takes a winding course uphill. Continue ahead when a smaller path joins from the left. Soon a bench is passed and there are great views over the head of Loch Linnhe and along Loch Eil. At another path junction bear right, signed ('North Face and CIC hut'). Pass a picnic table with another superb view. A track is reached at a bend, with a bridge on the right - go straight ahead up the track.

Stage 2

This soon passes above a hydro dam. At a track junction turn right, now with 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' Mhuilinn, 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 Càrn 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.

Route Profile

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