Ben Nevis via CMD arete 21-23 May 2010

[666_pack]

got this off Munromagic.com

http://www.munromagic.com/RouteInfo.cfm?RouteID=183

[666_pack]

And this it seems that you have to do Aonach beg First

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map4_12fw.shtml

Aonach Mor & Aonach Beag Route
The route starts off at the car park at the head of the Glen Nevis road where in the summer months parking is at a mjor premium so get there fast.  Take the footpath into Glen Nevis proper an excellent area and one which is used frequently for the Mamores.  This walk down through the glen lasts about 40 minutes passing the Steall bridge and Steall Falls.  Once you reach Steall Ruin it is your que to take to the hill, so head north falling the path going to the Carn Mor Dearg bealach.  Its quite a steep climb but enjoyable due to the views of the Mamores.  After about 50 minutes of climbing the path levels out a bit as you continue to follow the stream right up to the bealach.  Looking up is brilliant as you see people walking along the arête.  Once you reach the bealach the extremely steep slopes of Aonach Mor are the last obstacle.  A Line of fence posts show your route up on a very eroded scree-ish path a tough climb and very dangerous if someone is walking behind you i dislodged 2 boulders accidentally and thankfully no one was behind.  you gain the last bit of height very quickly and after about 20 minutes you attain the summit plateau where its now just a short stroll to the summit.  the views of the Grey Corries really open up.  Take in the views of of The Big Yin and and the next part of the walk Aonach Beag, before you head back to the bealach.  Its a steep climb up the craggy slopes of Aonach Beag were you eventually top out right on the summit.  The cliffs on the eastern side of the summit are huge and you would have a pretty sore knapper if you stepped off there.  The descent takes you down the south west ridge passing a few other tops on route.  Once you reach the final part of the shoulder that drops you back into Glen Nevis the path can become very boggy.  keep following the path right along the shoulder and follow the stream back down to Steall Ruin where you walk back along Glen Nevis back to the car park

[666_pack]

Thi thread on scottish hills is also worth a read as this guy has the same plan as us.

http://www.scottishhills.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7077&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=aonach+beg&start=0

[666_pack]

we might as well just do this

[RedLeader]

How come Ben Nevis got such an ordinary name when the mountains around seem to have been named by someone so drunk they couldn't speak properly

we might as well just do this

[NeilB]

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/cgi-bin/psProdDet.cgi?prod_code_in=274215

something to consider, what do u think guys

[666_pack]

looks good neil

[MG1]

This was the Arete on Easter

http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.html?id=141424

[666_pack]

nice

[NeilB]

bloody hell that looks the part, i cant wait to get over there, did we ever reach a decision about ice axes

[MG1]

It seems that we can hire very thing we need when we get there


http://www.ellis-brigham.com/fort-william.htm

Works out £36 for 2 days hire of all gear we need.

[666_pack]

Today on the ben

http://blog.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/?cat=13

Not sure if this has been posted but it gives daily photos of route on ben nevis(not ours at the min) and gives a good indication of conditions

[MG1]

Well guys any kit lists ready for the Ben?
Just so i know how much room i have for Buckfast.

[fatty-arbuckle]

Guys, can you PM me your real names so I can send the route card and pax list off to lochaber MR.

Although it would be amusing to see what they make of our forum names.........

[MG1]

No worries mate.