After yesterdays epic round from the North Face car park we decided to give the CMD a second chance.
The weather was supposed to be even better than yesterday. The winds were supposed to be negligible (15mph) and there was a 60% chance of cloud free munros. It was the best weather forecast we had seen all year.
We set off early. Rather than repeat the same route up to Carn Beag Dearg we opted to go up the slope we had come down, knowing full well that it would be icy and hard going, but hoping that it would be quicker than the ridge.
With the aid of more step cutting on my part we made it up to Carn Dearg Meadhonach with relative speed. I am in no hurry to cut steps up 300m of ice again. It was worth it though. As we reached the summit the cloud blew off and wow. Simply Wow.
The weather was supposed to be even better than yesterday. The winds were supposed to be negligible (15mph) and there was a 60% chance of cloud free munros. It was the best weather forecast we had seen all year.
We set off early. Rather than repeat the same route up to Carn Beag Dearg we opted to go up the slope we had come down, knowing full well that it would be icy and hard going, but hoping that it would be quicker than the ridge.
With the aid of more step cutting on my part we made it up to Carn Dearg Meadhonach with relative speed. I am in no hurry to cut steps up 300m of ice again. It was worth it though. As we reached the summit the cloud blew off and wow. Simply Wow.
The North Face of Ben Nevis.
The views of the North Face of the Ben were stunning. It glowed in the morning sun. We tramped along to Carn Mor Dearg, then stepped onto the Arête.
Looking back along the Arête. Cornices over hang to the left of Sarah.
The ridge its self is narrow and airy. Simply beautiful. The scrambling isn't too sustained, but throughly engaging. This is serious no slip terrain.
All I can really say is that this is one of the best days out I have had in a long time. We summited Ben Nevis then navigated our way down the tourist track. Unfortunately the cloud didn't lift off the summit so there were no summit views. We ended the day in the Ben Nevis Inn. I maintain its one of the best pubs in Scotland. At least it feels like the best place in the world as you sink on to the benches and take that first sip of a well deserved pint. The whole day out took us 8h. Not bad going at all.
All I can really say is that this is one of the best days out I have had in a long time. We summited Ben Nevis then navigated our way down the tourist track. Unfortunately the cloud didn't lift off the summit so there were no summit views. We ended the day in the Ben Nevis Inn. I maintain its one of the best pubs in Scotland. At least it feels like the best place in the world as you sink on to the benches and take that first sip of a well deserved pint. The whole day out took us 8h. Not bad going at all.
Sarah and I play with the GoPro while relaxing in the Ben Nevis Inn.