This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
1778 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
6.5 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
16.68 km
The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
This is a more difficult ascent with some exposure and scrambling, but it avoids most of the crowds and gives a taste of real mountaineering. Navigate with care, this is a dangerous mountain for the unwary.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Fort William
From Fort William (A82), at the Nevis Bridge roundabout, follow signs to Glen Nevis. Park by the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 1,778 metres. Allow 6.5 hours to complete this 16.68 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Start from Parking near Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
NN12747175
Distance
Altitude 30 m
1
Cross river and ascend ENE to join main path
NN13327202
Distance 0.66 km
Altitude 175 m
2
Ascend SE on path
NN14007178
Distance 1.01 km
Altitude 372 m
3
Continue NE on path to junction above lochan
NN14737240
Distance 1.04 km
Altitude 600 m
4
Turn Left and head NNW
NN15097320
Distance 0.97 km
Altitude 614 m
5
Follow path SE around Ben Nevis into Coire Leis
NN16167276
Distance 1.22 km
Altitude 560 m
6
Cross Allt a' Mhuilinn and ascend slopes of Carn-Dearg Meadhonach
NN16867334
Distance 0.98 km
Altitude 920 m
7
Continue ascending NE to reach the ridge
NN17307320
Distance 0.57 km
Altitude 1060 m
8
Ascend SSE to Carn-Dearg Meadhonach
NN17597267
Distance 0.50 km
Altitude 1179 m
9
Continue SSE to summit of Carn Mor Dearg
NN17757217
Distance 0.55 km
Altitude 1220 m
10
Descend S onto exposed narrow rocky ridge = Arete
NN17667145
Distance 0.75 km
Altitude 1075 m
11
Follow Arete SW to reach the south ridge of Ben Nevis
NN17207103
Distance 1.14 km
Altitude 1130 m
12
Continue WSW around corrie rim
NN17047098
Distance 0.17 km
Altitude 1094 m
13
Ascend NW to summit of Ben Nevis
NN16697127
Distance 0.46 km
Altitude 1344 m
14
Bear SSW to reach ruins (Do not navigate direct to descent path)
NN16667118
Distance 0.08 km
Altitude 1340 m
15
Turn WNW and descend onto boulder strewn slopes (Beware steep gully to south)
NN15707139
Distance 0.98 km
Altitude 1190 m
16
Descend WNW down winding path
NN14707151
Distance 2.02 km
Altitude 750 m
17
Continue N to rejoin ascent path
NN12747175
Distance 3.62 km
Altitude 30 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 22 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
Steven Budd
on 26 Jul 2010:
Excellent route although got lost at the mountain hut so had to climb 900ft up the face of CMD to get to the ridge. definately the best route to climb Ben Nevis. climbed on 23 july 2010. www.8summits.co.uk
Written by
Brian Sutherland
on 25 Jun 2010:
Everything was perfect untill i reached the summit of the Ben, which was heaving (100+) with tourists/kids and litter. This is the only route worth taken, classic views and the route can be as easy or hard as you choose. Climbed 19/06/10
Written by
Mike Watson
on 29 Dec 2009:
3rd ascent. 1st in winter and in fantastic conditions, reminded me of the alps.
Written by
Peter Dorrington
on 21 Aug 2008:
Although I covered this rout ewhilst it was clagged in, make no mistake that it is the only none climbing route to take up the Ben! We went straight up CMD from the SMC hut which is hard on the legs. The arete itself is fairly straight forward with plenty of alternative routes for the less confident. My 15 year old nephew loved the day this being his first time on both mountains. He was a little dissapionted to discover that the Ben which he had just conquered was heaving with the trainer wearing tourists. But heho thats the Ben for you. I will take him back up in the winter when its quieter
Written by
Craig Robinson
on 15 Sep 2006:
The CMD arete is fantastic. Not being a fan of exposed scrambling, l found this within my capabilities. The tricky sections can be avoided by a path on it's south east side. It still demands respect but nowhere near as tricky as the aonach eagach ridge for example. This should be the only way to climb Ben Nevis.
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
