Ledge RouteGrade 2** |
Ledge Route is best started from CIC hut, have a breather here after approach path from Glen Nevis or from North Face car park (approx 2 hours from Glen Nevis). First identify No.5 Gully (a scree cone very visible at the bottom). Approach the gully over some smooth slabs, slippy when wet, a path did appear further up but unsure where it started. Enter the Gully and after a short distance a grassy terrace appears on the right hand side, take this and climb over some more slabs (good grip even when wet). A short while after this another ramp shoots upwards to the left to a flat area with outstanding views over the Ben. From here there's only really one way to go, rightwards past some pinnacles and left again onto the ridge of Carn Dearg. A choice of scrambling along a narrow wall leading upwards or easier ground to it's right leads onto the top of the scramble. The ridge broadens out and hopefully the top is in sight straight ahead, straightforwards easy scrambling leading to the summit cairn of Carn Dearg. The Pony track is about 700m to the south or follow the rim of the north face onto the summit of Ben Nevis. This is an easy route up the north face of Ben Nevis and well worth it for the scenery. |