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Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis
Guided ascent of Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis
We're climbing and scrambling up 'Tower Ridge' on Ben Nevis, probably the most renowned climber's route on the mountain's North Face. The exposure is sensational as we move across the narrow crests and negotiate The Tower and Tower Gap. With challenging rock, and some intricate navigation, having a guide who knows the ridge inside-out is the best way to conquer this route.
At a glance
- A guided day rock-scrambling up Tower Ridge, the classic climb on Ben Nevis
- Clamber up the ridge, a summer Grade 3 rock-scramble and 'difficult' grade rock-climb.
- Cross the Great Chimney and Tower Gap
- Options include returning along the CMD arete, or better still, descending Ledge Route
- Reach superb vantage points from where vast views can be savoured.
- Be led by an experienced mountain guide who knows the 'Ben' extremely well.
| Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis | |
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General info
Rock-scrambling to Grade 3 and moderate rock-climbing.
This day event is a guided rock-scrambling and climbing day on Tower Ridge on the North Face of Ben Nevis in the Central Highlands with an experienced and qualified mountain guide.
Your guide will know Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis's North Face and its other routes well and will also be able to give you insight into the flora, fauna and geology.
Maximum guide-to-client ratio on this is 1:2.
Outline of event »
Guided day rock-climbing up Tower Ridge on the North Face of Ben Nevis
| Summits : | Ben Nevis |
| Grading : | 'demanding day', with rock-scrambling and some 'difficult' rock-climbing |
| Stats : | Ascent : 1350m, distance : 14km, time : 7-9 hours |
We'll meet early morning at the Ben Nevis North Face car-park, then walk to the CIC Hut hiding below Ben Nevis's massive cliffs.
The route we'll then be taking onto Ben Nevis is the classic 'Tower Ridge' route, most of which is scrambling at Grade 2 or 3 with some sections of 'difficult' climbing.
Tower Ridge comes in nice bite sized chunks and is clean and positive in general.
There are several rocky sections requiring concentration with the crux of the ridge being 'Tower Gap' - a short void with sensational drops either side.
We will be roped up for most of the ascent !
We'll briefly join the crowds for a short section to reach Ben Nevis's summit, then there may be the option to return via a descent down 'Ledge Route', a summer 'Grade 1' scramble, or the Carn Mor Dearg arete, summiting Carn Mor Dearg on the way.
Map of intended route to summit
Experience & fitness needed »
Rock-scrambling to Grade 3 and moderate rock-climbing.
To join this guided event, we ask that you :
- have a good level of fitness and stamina
- have done some Grade 2 rock-scrambling routes and are comfortable on such terrain
- are comfortable hiking for 8 hours plus
- had exposure to Scottish mountain weather or similar
- possess a good head for heights
The route begins on a fine path leading to rough terrain higher up.
We've classed the length of the day as 'demanding'.
Much of the route up Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis involves rock-scrambling up to Grade 3 with some sections of 'difficult' climbing, some of which is very exposed and airy - a great progression on from Curved Ridge or Skye's Cuillin.
Have a look at
how we grade our events.
Gear you'll need »
You'll need your general hiking and hill-walking gear appropriate to the conditions and time of year.
Your guide will have ropes and other climbing gear. We will supply you with a climbing harness and helmet, but if you prefer, you would be very welcome to bring your own.
More information on this gear can be found on our
Mountain Gear page.
Your guide »
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Al Halewood
MIC, IML qualified and more, Alan's first love is helping people become more independent in going to the crags and mountains.
Al operates Climb-When-You're-Ready based in the Lochaber area.
In addition to Tower Ridge, Al leads our Aonach Eagach and Curved Ridge events.
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Location & accommodation »
The day begins from the Ben Nevis North Face car-park at Torlundy which is around 3 miles north-east of Fort William.
There are good public bus and train transport connections to Fort William (see
National Rail and
CityLink for timetables).
Nearby accommodation can be found on the
Visit Scotland website, in Fort William and around the villages of Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge.
Please note your guide's expertise lies in offering you a great day on Tower Ridge and not providing transport or arranging your accommodation.
Booking terms »
