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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 renouned 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.
- Join a small group led by an experienced leader who knows the 'Ben' extremely well.
Dates and booking
| 2020 dates | Cost | Availability |
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| 21 Aug'20 | £129 | Fully booked | |
| 18 Sep'20 | £129 | Places available | Book online » |
| 2021 dates | Cost | Availability |
|---|
| 4 Jun'21 | £129 | Places available | Book online » |
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 guide.
Your guide will know Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis's North Face and its routes well and will also be able to give you insight into the flora, fauna and geology.
Our maximum guide to client ratio on this event is normally 1:3, however while Covid-19 restrictions are in place, we are limiting the client ratio on this event to 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', 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 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 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
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
- ideally have been out with us before
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 or
contact us for more information.
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 along with a checklist to download and Pinterest board for specific suggestions 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.
Leading the Tower Ridge events in 2020.
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More information on your guide can be found on our
About Us page.
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).
Below is a list of accommodation that previous guests on our trips have recommended.
Other accommodation can be found at
Visit Scotland.
Around a month prior to an event taking place, we hope to set up a 'Whatsapp' chat group for the event. This will hopefully help participants find out where others are staying and organise car-share.
Please note that our expertise lies in offering you great guided days in Scotland's mountains and not providing transport or arranging your accommodation. Please see our
FAQs for more information.
Previous trips »
Below on our Blog or on Flickr are some previous trips similar to this one.
Booking terms »
Our booking terms and conditions are set out
on this page.
These terms and conditions help us deliver great experiences, at the same time keeping costs down to give you value for money.
When booking onto this event or any other event, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and agree with the terms and conditions.
Some often asked questions are outlined and answered in our
FAQs.
