The CMD Arete: A long and spectacular excursion. This classic high-level journey [...] involving over 3km of exhilarating ridge walking and easy scrambling, is an excellent way to reach the top of Ben Nevis.
1550m. Grade 1 / I (WINTER). ****
(Scotland's Winter Mountains with one axe)
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Route: The Carn Mor Dearg Arete
Mountain: Carn Mor Dearg (definition: the big red hill) and Ben Nevis (definition: the venomous or cloudy hill)
Stars: ****
Grade/Difficulty: Grade 1 (easy scrambling / difficult walking / I (Winter)
Time: 8/10 hours
Distance: 16km / 10miles
Ascent: 1550m / 5100ft
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​This vast horseshoe over two of the UK's highest peaks makes for a spectacular day out. Starting and finishing at the Ben Nevis North Face car park we ascend the western flank of Carn Mor Dearg to its fine summit from which the grandeur and complexity of Ben Nevis's multifaceted north face becomes apparent. From here an interesting and spectacular crest arcs around to the summit of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak. This route is perfect for those seeking a little more remote and exciting ascent of the mighty Ben.

​A spectacular alternative ascent of Ben Nevis.
               
​               "The simple shape of Carn Mor Dearg's slender ridge contrasts starkly with the huge and complex mass of Ben Nevis, whose north-east face presents the grandest array of cliffs of and Scottish mountain. Another contrast appears between the pink granite of Carn Mor Dearg and the grey andesite of the Ben, a contrast made more obvious by the great exposure of rock, boulders and scree on both mountains. However, the hillwalker on the 'tourist route' up Ben Nevis gets little impression of its great mountain architecture. For this reason the traverse from Carn Mor Dearg to Ben Nevis is recommended as the finest way for a fit and competent hillwalker to reach the summit of Scotland's highest mountains" 
​                                                                                                                   The Munros, Scottish Mountaineering Club Hillwalkers' Guide
Cost
SUMMER:
1 Person: £260
2 People: £320 (£160 each)
3 People: £360 (£120 each)
4 People: £400 (£100 each)

WINTER:
1 Person: £295
2 People: £375 (£187.50 each)

​Prices are per day. For larger groups please enquire and we will be able to quote for your specific requirements.
equipment
We will provide a helmet for each day. If you are not used to this technical equipment your guide will ensure it is used in the correct manner. They will also assess the groups abilities and the prevailing weather and chose the appropriate route for the day. We are here to make your experience as safe and fun as possible.

Please see the Kit List for a comprehensive list of what you will need to bring.
whats included
Fully qualified, insured and experienced Mountain Leader/Instructor/Guide
Helmet for the duration of the course
​Safety brief
Action photos
​£10 per guided day donated to Nevis Landscape Partnership
Kit list

You will have to organise accommodation, food, personal equipment and insurance.

For larger groups we can arrange extra guides at a corresponding cost.
timing and meeting
You will meet your leader/instructor/guide on the morning of your start date. Your leader/instructor/guide will be in contact the week before your start date to discuss final arrangements and the prevailing weather conditions.