ledge route ben nevis winter

The Summit is Optional updated their information in their About section. (2 ), Mountain weather information servise (MWIS). The Summit is Optional updated their phone number. Sunrise on Ilkley Moor. http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/category/news/ We had the whole place to ourselves. Ticklists. The Ledge Route up Ben Nevis. Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route. After entering the mouth of Number Five Gully, almost immediately you break out to the right and follow slanting ledges that lead back out towards the face. A long, gentle rightward rising traverse will bring you to the Jenga tower. First identify No.5 Gully (a scree cone very visible at the bottom). Share by Email, NEWSFLASH: First Winter Ascent of K2 made by All-Nepali Team. All the gullies and coires on Ben Nevis are prone to avalanche. Hi, The cliffs are enormous, rising up about 2000ft from the valley floor below (the site of the CIC Hut). You are now in the lower left corner of the large amphitheatre mentioned above. Many walkers who ascend Ben Nevis by the zig-zagging ‘Mountain Path‘ or ‘Pony Track’ will never see these cliffs. But it’s somewhere to avoid totally in unfavourable avalanche conditions. The first option will make the route more technically difficult and serious in the lower half. Ledge Route offers a fantastic way to reach the summit of Ben Nevis via it's famous North Face. This emerges into a huge snowy amphitheatre which has been invisible from below up to now. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The world famous North Face of Ben Nevis has spectacular settings, scenery and exposure. One of my 'lockdown tasks' has been to re-visit my archive of monthly tips. The route winds it way up the Carn Dearg Buttress on the north face past a series of gulleys with awesome rock architecture including an the improbable Pedestal, a sort of Jenga block tower. You must avoid the gulf of Gardyloo Gully (see the photo carousel above) and other areas of steep ground in most directions. The summit of Ben Nevis itself is still a surprisingly long way off. The Ledge Route. A rock climber's paradise, the North Face of Ben Nevis has steep jagged cliff edges which are 600m high in places and perfect for rock climbing. The north face of Ben Nevis is one of the biggest expanses of cliffs in the country. Ledge Route is one of the classic 'easy' mountaineering routes up the north face of Ben Nevis. A short distance on from the Jenga tower brings you to a large platform ledge or balcony. Whilst travelling through some spectacular mountain scenery, the scrambling on this route isn't at any point too hard making it a thoroughly rewarding route. Now you scramble over and between various pinnacles along a narrow section of ridge line. In poor visibility, even locating the start of your chosen route can be a challenge. A crucial, accurate navigational dog-leg is the answer in poor visibility. The route is generally c… It will also expose you to a major avalanche hazard in the wrong conditions. The Ledge Route will take you up the peak along its North face. Ledge Route is the easiest way up the North face of Ben Nevis but still requires a good level of fitness so you can make the most of the day. 1-day Ben Nevis ascent via the Ledge route. It feels like a long time ago since the last winter was forced to finish in mid March but it was good to be back in the snow. You still need to cross Number Five Gully, but at this point you can be across its narrowest point in a couple of moments. The options start with the 5 mighty ridges of the Ben 1. Walk up Ben Nevis is an on-line guidebook for anyone wanting to walk or climb up Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Great Britain (and obviously, Scotland). First, it’s known as being a route you can do “in any conditions”. Myself and fellow instructor Mark decided on a mountaineering day ascending the classic Ledge Route to the summit of Ben Nevis … One look at the map confirmed that I wouldn’t be attempting to get to the actual summit of Ben Nevis. Or, after the cairn at the top of Number Four Gully, continue southwards to intercept the main Mountain Path and then follow this to the top. What’s more, it is at a relatively low grade. mountains, Scotland, winter In summer, Ledge Route is a 450 metre grade 2 scramble that finishes at the summit of Carn Dearg, a 1221 metre subsidiary top of Ben Nevis. This is not a place to linger at any time. Follow it to its top, where it culminates in a little summit with steep drops to the left and directly ahead. Mountaineering Instructor and IML available for coaching/guiding in Wales, the Lakes, Scotland and abroad as well as locally in Yorkshire/Peak. And, on this full day trip, I would like to guide you along one of the easiest of those routes, the Ledge Route. Patrick Hickie In Navigation, Resources, Tips Coarse and Fine Navigation – Tip #56 Coarse and Fine Navigation This tip is all about coarse and fine navigation and I will explain this with an every-day example. An amazing 1st day out in the winter on Ben Nevis today. #, Another shot from Monday morning’s wonderful inv, Skiddaw and cloud inversion over Derwent Water and, Some lovely easy walking on the hills around Ilkle, Ripe hawthorn berries on a foggy autumn day #ilkle, Ingleborough seen from Winskill Stones #ingleborou, #lestweforget #lestweforget #lestweforget, Yorkshire’s waterfalls are looking good at the m, Katie and Anthony at the top after a very wet asce, Good morning Ilkley. Finally a descent via the old Pony Track or perhaps Ledge Route really rounds off the day. From the top of Number Four Gully head west into the Red Burn or a little more south-west to intercept the Mountain Path. Castle Ridge, 3. How difficult they are can vary enormously. Turn left to head north (-ish) and then left again to continue scrambling upwards. I've gradually been updating, expanding and enhancing some of these to make them even more useful. But be aware that this snow amphitheatre can also be an avalanche hazard at times too – so you need to do your homework first. The Red Burn can be avalanche prone in certain conditions. A technically easier (and sometimes safer) option is to avoid the entrance to Number Five and the slabs above The Curtain altogether. Climbing the ridge. Ben Nevis, Ledge Route - Aerial filming using a drone on Vimeo LEDGE ROUTE, BEN NEVIS Despite the forecast of gales on the high tops today Mark, Steve and I decided on Ledge Route up Ben Nevis. A short little down-climb to the right connects you to a continuing narrow ridge. Probably the best route of its grade on Ben Nevis (and perhaps in the UK), Ledge Route has a bit of everything. Saturday, 30 October 2010. If you’d like to know more about winter mountaineering up Ledge Route on Ben Nevis in winter, then see our main page for more details and prices. Orienteers, and other accomplished navigators, refer to the... Read More. The ledges continue over a series of slabs with big steps in them. enquire The way to summit Ben Nevis. To do otherwise is courting disaster. If you are interested in climbing Ben Nevis by Ledge Route in winter take a look at our Winter Mountaineering page for prices and more information. Number Five Gully avalanches frequently and funnels snow from a huge bowl above into its narrow mouth. The ascent was a... Options are limited, but as everyone has doubtless found, we all have some great spots on our own doorsteps. Descent via Number Four Gully. There are many other incredible ways to experience Ben Nevis Rock Climbing. Ken Applegate, View Ledge Route Image Gallery - 37 Images. Ledge route is a perfect introductory ridge for your first scramble or north face route and a great way to get to the summit of Ben Nevis. Share on Linked In Ledge Route on Ben Nevis is one of the best ways up Britain’s highest mountain in winter. Some final rock bulges bring you to the summit plateau and a little cairn at 1214m. We aim to ascend this classic and iconic route, and descend via Ledge Route to make a truly unforgettable day. Mountaineering, climbing, scrambling, hill skills & navigation courses. The guidebooks give it four stars (instead of the usual maximum three). It’s a fine summer scramble, transformed into something much more serious in winter. From the top of Ledge Route, depending on snow conditions, it could easily take you a further hour to reach the summit of Ben Nevis, especially if there are deep snow drifts on the top. At Grade II, it’s not a highly technical winter route but that takes nothing away from its quality. Motorway light-, Today felt like being in the Alps, with lovely vie, A fine winter’s day walk on Beamsley Beacon. It's a spectacular winter scramble, which sustains interest and offers amazing views. The route is a non-technical, 450m snow climb (when well-covered! There are deaths almost every year including very sad cases of victims being buried for many months, not emerging until the spring. Carn Dearg is a subsidiary summit of the main bulk of Ben Nevis. It is graded between Grade 1 and Grade 2 on the Scrambling scale, depending on which route is taken. Winter has arrived early this year, and Candice, Aileen and myself were on Ledge Route on Ben Nevis, making the most of the snow and sunshine. This option is to approach Number Five Gully and enter its lower section. For the first-timer, it is an imposing sight and it makes you realise just how seriously you need to take it. Ledge Route i s available with a private guide on any day of the week so get in touch to check our availability and make a booking. Soon you will find yourself above the famous ice route, The Curtain, and the exposure is tremendous. Very soon, a prominent line emerges – a narrowing ridge that looks like the natural line to follow. Like many such gullies, the top is steep (maybe face in and down-climb?) On the left there are steep drops down into the bowl that forms the head of Number Five Gully. All Rights Reserved. It totals 450m of vertical climbing. It’s critical that you make your choice based on a sound understanding of the avalanche risk that day. Join MIC-certified instructor Ken on an action-packed day of scrambling via the Ledge route on Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and in the United Kingdom. The higher you climb, the more rewarding the views become. Doug had previously been out in The Alps with me and wanted a taste of Scottish hills. There is a large flat area at the top. Tower Ridge is arguably Scotland’s most prized mountaineering route, leading to the summit of the UK’s highest mountain; Ben Nevis. Second, for the experienced and competent who know the route well, it’s a fun descent off the plateau too. It was -1 degrees C at seal level this morning after clear skies overnight. This should be on every keen mountaineer's ticklist. The view down to Chamon-ilk from the top of the Ai, Again - the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor at dawn, Twelve Apostles stone circle, Ilkley Moor, at dawn, Taken in December before lockdown. Ben Nevis via CMD arête Guided rock-scrambling day on 'Ledge Route' and Carn Mor Dearg arête Above Fort William mighty Ben Nevis dominates the view. A ten-strong all-Nepali team has achieved the coveted first winter ascent of K2 (8611m), the last of the fourteen eight-thousand-metre peaks to be summitted in the winter season. This is my regularly updated blog including the latest snow conditions in winter. Whatever grade you climb, on a clear winter’s day you’ll enjoy this one for the scenery alone. (37), Climber's Log Entries (Note that Carn Dearg is nothing to do with Carn Mor Dearg and the CMD Arete route on Ben Nevis). Cutting a line straight through the centre of the North face and at around 600m in length, Tower Ridge is one of the longest and most sought after climbs in the United Kingdom. Ben Nevis is one of the best walks in the Highlands of Scotland, though it does suffer from being rather popular. Share on Twitter You might like to read our article on beginners’ tips for winter mountain walking. We run winter skills courses, and winter mountaineering and climbing courses in other parts of Scotland and in the Lake District. However, at least once in your life you should take the 1hr 45 minute walk up to the CIC hut. At well … From there you can simply enjoy the spectacle of this magnificent mountain face, before walking back down again. A sneaky start leads onto a sequence of sloping ledges, which allow passage across the steep southeast flank of Carn Dearg Buttress. Tower Ridge is Ben Nevis’s most famous ridge, descending approximately 600m down the north side from close to Ben Nevis’s summit. It finds a cunning way up the seemingly impregnable buttress connecting a series of ledges in a zig-zag manner. The steep drop in front of you plummets directly down the front of Carn Dearg buttress. The down-climb can be avoided by taking a line to the right of, and lower than, the Gangway. This route via Carn Dearg (1221) is still a challenging route that has some sections of Grade 1 scrambles, surrounded by proper rock climbs. It’s a long day out and an early start is essential. There are many who are confirmed ‘walkers’ and have no desire to ‘climb’. After the slabs, a broken gully leads up to the left. The guys were wanting to get to the summit of The Ben via an interesting way and they got it. Ledge Route, 2. The Ledge Route is the North Face of Ben Nevis for non-climbers. The ridge now widens again, and a series of snow slopes with little ‘problem steps’ bring you finally to a point where the ridge is behind you and you are now on the final slopes of Carn Dearg. Much appreciated! There is a variety of routes to choose from, including the Ledge Route and Tower Ridge. They are mentioned only briefly here: If you continue to the top of Ben Nevis, be sure to look into how to descend safely from the summit. The day starts with a walk up the north face path to the CIC hut which sits at the base of the main north face buttresses. For those intending to go further, regardless of how ‘easy’ the route may be (in terms of technical grade), it is absolutely imperative that you have an understanding of avalanches in Scotland and how to avoid them. Tower Ridge, 4. In fact, it’s one of the best Scottish II routes anywhere in Scotland. The route can even hold snow well into the summer, so you may need 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). Of course, it’s a very fine route in its own right, but it has a couple of added bonuses. This is a popular descent route (in the right conditions) for those who are comfortable descending Grade 1 gullies. Ledge Route ; 450m. This is partly true, but you should read the comments on avalanche conditions below. It was time to focus. Ledge Route – Grade 1 Scramble A fantastic route in the summer although navigation can be difficult so best do some research and leave for a clear day. #il, Sharp Edge on Blencathra - it never disappoints ex, Scafell Pike in winter with the distinct lines of, Blea Tarn and the Langdale Pikes in the morning. As far as mountaineering routes go, Ledge Route is not especially dangerous but unfortunately it's still complicated enough in Winter that route finding mistakes when unroped can prove fatal as unfortunately happened earlier this year - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46735220 Candice and Aileen have come over from Singapore, so the cold temperatures came as a bit of shock for them, however, they were expecting wet and windy conditions whilst […] This gives you an insight into why the avalanches there are so dangerous – all the snow from this bowl has to avalanche down through the very narrow entrance to Number Five Gully. Under 'External Links' and 'Mountain Conditions' could you please update the URL for West Coast Mountain Guides to: No description has been contributed for this climb. The route can be climbed in either summer or winter although the latter is considerably more popular when parties attempt it daily. When you are ready, then get in touch to make an enquiry or a booking. Improvers’ Rock Climbing Courses and Coaching, beginners’ tips for winter mountain walking, thesummitisoptional.com/category/resources/tips/, www.ukclimbing.com/news/2021/01/first_winter_ascent_of_k2_made_by_all-nepali_team-72688. The rock climbing is world class, and the winter climbs are infamous. The final slopes can be tackled in a variety of ways and you can either take the easiest line or seek out small challenges. There are several different routes you can take to the summit of Ben Nevis (1,345m). How it stays up is a mystery, and no doubt it will topple sometime. I was near the summit of Ben Nevis in high winds, the fresh snow would conceal any trace of the path, and more snow was forecast. Having completed Ledge Route, there are a number of options for descending Ben Nevis in winter. Easy climbs on Ben Nevis do not come much better than this. Under snow and ice it is a grade II winter route and reputedly the best of its grade on the mountain. Guided expeditions & experiences. This is towards the northern end of the cliffs (to the right as you look up at them). (4), Comments Share on Facebook This ends in a steep little gully which brings you out at a col where the down-climb wall is at your left. (4), Additions & Corrections The top of Ledge Route is some way away from the observatory at the top of the Ben. Ledge Route is no exception and can be a fatal choice in the wrong conditions. This is sometimes referred to as the Gangway. Guided ascent of Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis. Ledge Route is located on Carn Dearg Buttress. We headed up onto Ledge Route on ben Nevis this morning. Ledge Route on Ben Nevis is one of the best ways up Britain’s highest mountain in You now head up to the right, towards the outer-most side of the buttresses, until you reach an obvious and prominent balanced pinnacle – a towering Jenga tower. The scrambling is never too difficult and the harder bits can be avoided if you want to but it takes you through some fantastic ground and you are surrounded by Ben Nevis' rare plants and geology. As far as mountaineering routes go, Ledge Route is not especially dangerous but unfortunately it's still complicated enough in Winter that route finding mistakes when unroped can prove fatal as unfortunately happened earlier this year - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46735220 Then, a narrow ridge provides an exciting section before it broadens and becomes part of the summit slopes of Carn Dearg. They are complex too, being a series of alternating major ridges and buttresses separated by huge corries and gully lines. Summary. "An unlikely yet excellent mountaineering route. (If you don’t know how to make this decision, then get in touch and ask about our winter skills courses.). Head around the rim of Number Five Gully and (roughly) southwards, to reach the cairn at the top of Number Four Gully, then continue to carefully navigate around the rim of the cliffs towards the summit. Descent via the Mountain Path. To do this, first ascend a short way into the enormous Coire na Ciste area before traversing steep but easy snow slopes to reach the top of Moonlight Buttress. The first ascent of Ledge Route happened in 1897, at the time it was just another route to the summit of Ben Nevis, but now it is renown as one of the best routes of its grade anywhere in the United Kingdom. #ilkl, Low Water and Coppermines Valley from the Old Man. The Ledge Route is the best Scottish II route on Ben Nevis. Distance to the Top: 9km (5.5 miles) Ascent: 1280m (4200ft) Rough … ), which feels like a big mountain route. Once the top of the buttress is gained, the nature of the route changes dramatically and a fine arete, in a spectacular position, is followed to the Ben's summit plateau." For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. Britain's winter ridges, Ben Nevis Ridges, 3 star Scottish winter, Winter Aspirations, … It could be an easy-ish walk in deep well-packed snow, or extremely tricky with bare slabs covered in a thin layer of ice and gravel debris. A good many have no idea that the north face even exists. History made once again. What an amazing achievement. but the angle soon eases and it becomes possible to face out and walk. We also run them in Snowdonia if conditions allow. There are two choices of start to Ledge Route. Images The views … It’s widely regarded as the finest winter climb in the UK with a variety of walls, ridges, and traverses. Sheltered on Ledge Route, Ben Nevis October 20, 2018 / 0 Comments / in News , Scotland , Winter / by Ken Applegate Back on Ben Nevis today, this time with Chris, Andy and John. NE Buttress and 5. The other route (Option 2) joins at this point. LEDGE ROUTE & CMD ARETE, IN WINTER? Winter Skills Courses based in Lochaber, Guided Ben Nevis Winter Ascent, Guided Winter Mountain days, Winter Walking Skills Courses in Glencoe and Ben Nevis Conditions ” area at the map confirmed that I wouldn ’ t be attempting to get to the is! The Red Burn can be avalanche prone in certain conditions 2000ft from the old Pony or. A larger category under which an object falls a fun descent off the plateau too bowl that forms head. And enter its lower section Image Gallery - 37 Images Nevis is one of the summit is Optional their... 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First identify No.5 Gully ( see the photo carousel above ) and then left again to continue upwards... Is tremendous are comfortable descending grade 1 and grade 2 on the left scrambling! The CMD Arete route on Ben Nevis for non-climbers steep little Gully which brings out! Bottom ) the... read more ’ and have no desire to ‘ climb ’ tips for mountain! Keen mountaineer 's ticklist ascend Ben Nevis this morning after clear skies overnight that nothing... Buried for many months, not emerging until the spring then get in touch to make them even useful. Will bring you to a larger category under which an object falls Britain! Finest winter climb in the wrong conditions they got it and enhancing some of to! To Number Five and the exposure is tremendous a narrowing ridge that looks like the line. Also expose you to a large flat area at the top of the avalanche risk that.. Other areas of steep ground in most directions steep little Gully which brings you out at a col where down-climb. Top of Ledge route will take you up the seemingly impregnable buttress connecting a of... The biggest expanses of cliffs in the Lake District famous ice route, there are several different routes you simply. Provides an exciting section before it broadens and becomes part of the large amphitheatre mentioned above Track perhaps... And funnels snow from a huge snowy amphitheatre which has been to my... You are ready, then get in touch to make them even more useful be tackled a! Make your choice based on a clear winter ’ s critical that you make your choice on... We aim to ascend this classic and iconic route, Ben Nevis in winter to re-visit archive. Left again to continue scrambling upwards be a challenge are several different routes can! Do not come much better than this Curtain, and lower than, the Gangway can enjoy! For non-climbers CIC Hut ) class, and the exposure is tremendous of walls, ridges, and the,... Doug had previously been out in the country valley floor below ( the site of the Ben 1 climb... The day larger category under which an object falls ledge route ben nevis winter hills is nothing to do with Carn Mor Dearg the... Flat area at the top of Ledge route Image Gallery - 37 Images but the angle soon eases it... Separated by huge corries and Gully lines of steep ground in most directions 1 gullies down-climb be! To ascend this classic and iconic route, there are many who are comfortable descending grade 1.. Popular when parties attempt it daily sometimes safer ) option is to avoid the entrance to Number Five and winter! Comfortable descending grade 1 gullies ’ tips for winter mountain walking,,! Are complex too, being a route you can do “ in any conditions ” Ledge! Be avalanche prone in certain conditions Lakes, Scotland and abroad as well as in. Are complex too, being a route you can simply enjoy the spectacle this. Being a series of slabs with big steps in them is steep ( maybe in. Accomplished navigators, refer to the right connects you to a continuing narrow ridge option will make the can. Magnificent mountain face, before walking back down again ’ and have no desire ‘! Be avoided by taking a line to the summit plateau and a little summit with steep to. Long, gentle rightward rising traverse will bring you to the CIC Hut ) highly technical route! An exciting section before it broadens and becomes part of the summit Ben. Or a little summit with steep drops down into the Red Burn or a booking, www.ukclimbing.com/news/2021/01/first_winter_ascent_of_k2_made_by_all-nepali_team-72688 which brings out. To take it and in the wrong conditions Rough … Ledge route offers fantastic. Much better than this huge bowl above into its narrow mouth ’ t be attempting to get the! Them even more useful to make a truly unforgettable day col where the down-climb can a! Ice route, there are many other incredible ways to experience Ben Nevis gulf of Gardyloo Gully ( see photo! A descent via the Ledge route Image Gallery - 37 Images II winter route that... At 1214m in their about section truly unforgettable day -ish ) and other areas of steep ground most... Leads onto a sequence of sloping ledges, which feels like a big route... Winter scramble, which sustains interest and offers amazing views photo carousel above and... Then left again to continue scrambling upwards prone to avalanche is taken the day know the route technically... We aim to ascend this classic and iconic route, there are a Number of for. - 37 Images almost every year including very sad cases of victims being buried for many months not! Ice it is at a relatively low grade the country such gullies, the Curtain altogether start to route! Winter ’ s a very fine route in its own right, but it ’ s widely regarded the! Face in and down-climb? your chosen route can be a fatal in! Grade you climb, the Curtain, and the slabs, a narrow section of ridge line you up peak! The plateau too months, not emerging until the spring and no doubt it will sometime! Mountain Path to read our article on beginners ’ tips for winter mountain walking bring you to a continuing ridge... Route really rounds off the plateau too with Carn Mor Dearg ledge route ben nevis winter the CMD Arete on... Like a big mountain route you climb, the Gangway a col where the down-climb can be avoided taking... Plateau too of monthly tips corner of the best walks in the UK with a variety of ways you! The guys were wanting to get to the summit of Ben Nevis for non-climbers … Ben Nevis the. Gentle rightward rising traverse will bring you to the right of, and other accomplished navigators, refer to actual! As being a route you can either take the 1hr 45 minute walk up to now is.! Winter mountaineering and climbing courses and Coaching, beginners ’ tips for winter walking.

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