Ben Nevis’s North Face is strictly for climbers, but walkers can enjoy superb views of these magnificent cliffs from the area north of the mountain.
The following route leads you off the popular ‘tourist path,’ and is tough walking, involving some 1,700m of vertical ascent – so it will only suit fit and well-equipped hikers, whose party includes at least one experienced hill walker– especially in winter.
1
Glen to lochan
Park in Glen Nevis and set off along the main ‘tourist route’. After about three miles you will reach the ‘halfway lochan’, Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe.
2
Into the valley
Head north, skirting the lower slopes of Carn Dearg, until the path turns southeast. After a few hundred metres, leave the path and head east, crossing the Allt a’ Muillin river. In front of you lies a 600m ascent up rough slopes to Carn Beag Dearg.
3
A spectacular ridge
From Carn Beag Dearg, follow the high ridge south to Carn Mor Dearg, enjoying the sensational views of Ben Nevis’s north face.
4
To the summit
The ridge steadily drops 200m before a faint path leads steeply upwards to the summit. Descend to the west via the ‘tourist route’.
Map
For an alternative route, visit Walkhighlands.