Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arête Route
The Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) Arête route to Ben Nevis is one of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain outings - ideal for experienced hillwalkers seeking a challenging and rewarding horseshoe route.
- Distance: 11 miles / 18km
- Ascent: 1500m
- Time: 9 - 10 hours
- Start Point: North Face car park, Torlundy
- Grid Ref: NN 144 763
- Maps:
- Ordnance Survey: Explorer 392
- Harvey Maps: Ben Nevis & Glen Coe
A classic mountain challenge in the Scottish Highlands
This full-day adventure takes in the narrow, airy CMD Arête, offering exceptional views of the North Face of Ben Nevis.
Important note: The Allt a’ Mhuilinn river must be crossed near the end of the walk. After periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, water levels can become high and dangerous. Always check recent and forecast conditions before starting.
Getting to the North Face Car Park
The North Face car park is located in Torlundy, just outside Fort William on the A82. Buses from Fort William bus station stop here (request stop on the route to Spean Bridge). The car park is named for easy access to the North Face cliffs of Ben Nevis - not the clothing brand!
Follow the brown tourist signs from the A82 into the car park.
Route Description
1. North Face Trail to the Allt a’ Mhuilinn
From the car park, follow the well-constructed, waymarked North Face Trail as it rises through Leanachan Forest.
Around the 300 m contour, the path exits the trees, revealing the dramatic cliffs of Ben Nevis’ North Face.
Continue along the trail beside the lively Allt a’ Mhuilinn for roughly 800m.
At around 350m elevation, look for a less-defined path branching off to the left - this is your ascent line towards Carn Dearg Meadhonach.
2. Ascent to Carn Dearg Meadhonach (1179 m)
The 3.2 km ascent heads generally southeast over grassy slopes, becoming rockier as height is gained. Above 1000 m, large granite boulders dominate. The ridge narrows and offers stunning panoramic views:
- Ben Nevis’ North Face to your right
- The graceful arc of the CMD Arête to the south
Reach the summit of Carn Dearg Meadhonach (1179 m) - not a Munro, but an excellent viewpoint.
3. Carn Mor Dearg (1220 m)
A short 600 m walk south leads to Carn Mor Dearg, a Munro whose Gaelic name means “big red peak”, referring to the reddish granite that covers the summit. This is the gateway to the iconic CMD Arête.
4. Crossing the CMD Arête
Descend slightly from the summit and follow the narrowing ridge as it curves south and then southwest. Expect:
- Some hands-on Grade 1 scrambling
- Boulder-hopping sections
- Steep drops on either side
- Bypass paths below the crest in a few spots
In clear, dry weather the ridge is exhilarating and offers some of the best mountain views in the UK.
The arête is roughly 1.2 km long and ends at a final steep, boulder-covered slope - the last 200 m of ascent to the summit of Ben Nevis. This section is tiring but not technically difficult.
5. Ben Nevis Summit (1345 m)
On the summit plateau, you’ll find:
- Remains of the old meteorological observatory
- A large summit shelter
- The Trig Point, marking the highest point in the UK
In good visibility, the views across the Mamores, Lochaber, and your ascent route are superb.
6. Descent via the Ben Nevis Mountain Track
Descend using the Mountain Track. Although straightforward in good conditions, the descent is long and can be demanding.
In poor weather:
- From the summit, walk 150 m on a bearing of 231° to avoid the tops of dangerous gullies.
- Turn to 282° for 1 km to reach the top of McLean’s Steep and the beginning of the main zigzags.
Continue down to the Red Burn crossing at approx. 700 m.
7. Return to the North Face Car Park
At the major path junction below Lochan Meall an-t Suidhe, turn right (left goes to Glen Nevis). Pass a large boulder and take the smaller path left towards the lochan outflow.
Descend boggy slopes north-north-east towards the Allt a’ Mhuilinn, cross the river at around 350 m, and rejoin the engineered trail back to the car park. It’s a long, satisfying finish to a truly memorable Scottish mountain day.
Inspired? Read our in-depth guide to this walk »
Guided Ben Nevis Walks
Fully immerse yourself in your Ben Nevis experience - without worrying about navigation or route planning - with an expert-guided walk. Run throughout the year, our Ben Nevis Open Days are guaranteed to take place, regardless of booking numbers. Check out our upcoming dates »
Alternatively, if you want to explore Ben Nevis with friends, colleagues or family, why not book one of our Mountain Leaders for a private guided walk?