How hard is the ledge route?
The route is steep, but reasonably short at only 1km in length and around 460 metres of ascent to the summit of Carn Dearg (1221). From here, you’ll get grandstand views of the North Face and a reasonably exclusive route to the summit of Ben Nevis that hugs the clifftops, before joining the masses.
Can you climb Ben Nevis in the winter?
Climbing Ben Nevis in the winter months is definitely not for everyone. It can be a long and tiring day, requiring a good level of fitness, and the weather conditions can be incredibly tough, with strong winds and poor to zero visibility on the upper parts of the mountain being quite likely.
What grade is the ledge route?
grade 1
Ledge Route is a grade 1 (ie easy) scramble up the imposing north-east face of Ben Nevis in Highland Scotland.
How hard is Tower Ridge?
The normal route up Tower Ridge is a graded 3S as a scramble (the highest scrambling grade), and contains short pitches of rock climbing graded as difficult. It is one of the few mountain routes in Scotland with sufficient length and exposure to be considered Alpine in character.
Is there snow on Ben Nevis all year round?
Indeed, avid snow-watchers are keen to stress that it is a popular misconception to presume peaks are always snowy, or that the lower the altitude, the less the chance of a powdery summit. “It can snow at any time on Ben Nevis, but snowfall at this time of the year is generally ephemeral,” says Cameron.
What grade is Ben Nevis?
Probably the most popular ice climb on Ben Nevis is The Curtain (IV,5) on the left side of the Càrn Dearg Buttress. At the top end of the scale, Centurion in winter is a grade VIII,8 face climb.
Do you need ropes for Tower Ridge?
This prominent feature is high on the ridge and is sandwiched between two sections of more technical climbing. The climb into and out of Tower Gap is very exposed and some alpine rope work trickery is needed to protect both leader and second for the descent in to the gap.
Which is the best way up Ben Nevis in winter?
Ledge Route on Ben Nevis is one of the best ways up Britain’s highest mountain in winter. What’s more, it is at a relatively low grade. It’s a fine summer scramble, transformed into something much more serious in winter. At Grade II, it’s not a highly technical winter route but that takes nothing away from its quality.
Where is the ledge route in Ben Nevis?
Ledge Route is located on Carn Dearg Buttress. This is towards the northern end of the cliffs (to the right as you look up at them). It finds a cunning way up the seemingly impregnable buttress connecting a series of ledges in a zig-zag manner.
How long is the walk up Ben Nevis?
The route is steep, but reasonably short at only 1km in length and around 460 metres of ascent to the summit of Carn Dearg (1221). From here, you’ll get grandstand views of the North Face and a reasonably exclusive route to the summit of Ben Nevis that hugs the clifftops, before joining the masses.
Is there a scramble route up Ben Nevis?
Grade 1 scramble on Ben Nevis’ North Face – a classic route! Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace. Grade 1 Scramble – with the usual warning not to stray onto more technical routes.