Ben Nevis via the CMD Arête

An ascent of Scotland's highest mountain. Ben Nevis 1345m, (4,413ft), via the Cárn Mór Dearg (CMD) Arête 1220m (4,003ft).
Starting from the North Face Car Park in Torlundy just on the outskirts of Fort William. An easy walk in through the forest track which is well sign posted for the North Face and CIC hut.
The navigation is easy and the route straightforward.
once off the normal track and making your way up CMD, the route becomes a little rougher and boggier under foot. Progress is good though and there's even a very good water source after 800m. If I'd known this I wouldn't have taken so much water with me to this point.
There is a large (false) summit prior to ascending the main summit of Corn Mór Dearg called Cárn Dearg Meadhonach which offers outstanding views of the main summit on clear days.
Once at the top of CMD you realise the grandeur of the area with fantastic vistas in all directions. Particular attention is drawn to the Arête which is mighty impressive from here. The ridge starts easy enough and doesn't pose too many problems, even offering bypass paths often. Good balance and a head for heights is required. The ridge is a long one and takes a good amount of time to traverse the whole lot. The main bulk of the work is dine when a large built cairn is reached at what I can only assume is the start of Ben Nevis.
The climb up to Ben Nevis is intimidating from a far. This side looks steep and unrelenting. Once on this section you'll realise that these fears are unfounded and other than being a thigh burner, its less difficult than the ridge you just traversed.
Reaching the summit of Ben Nevis you'll more than likely be greeted by the usual crowds of people, fortunately Ben Nevis' summit is huge and there's plenty room for all. Care does have to be taken here especially in thick clay as there is huge unsuspecting drops on the North face particularly!
The descent down the Pony Track is the usual the so many people have heard about. Busy and long! But once done, the achievement of the day sets in and pride in ones work is established!
This was a great hike, one of my best and I thoroughly recommend this.
OS Explorer 392
Fort William
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Пікірлер: 95

  • @benkilpatrick2331
    @benkilpatrick233116 күн бұрын

    Currently preparing to do the CMD Arête, watched loads of videos and this is by the far the best I've seen. Well in mate on doing the hike and the fantastic content 💪

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    16 күн бұрын

    @@benkilpatrick2331 my pleasure! 😇 had a great time filming this one and what a day it was too. Hopefully be heading back up there soon far a wee visit. Good luck on your hike. I’m sure it won’t disappoint. ATB.

  • @glenblaven
    @glenblaven29 күн бұрын

    Absolutely loved your video. Engaging from start to finish, great editing, fabulous drone footage and awesome music. Subscribed!

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    29 күн бұрын

    @@glenblaven thanks so much for the great comment! Loved making and editing this one! 😊

  • @GaryBurns-l2c
    @GaryBurns-l2cАй бұрын

    Hi great video by the way 👍 I just did it 18/06/24 I started and finished at north face car park ! Took me 10 hrs ! Had some great encouragement along the way by other walkers and their dog 😆 some fantastic views ! Sprained my ankle on way down ( incorrect footwear ) so hobbled last hour !!😵‍💫 great sense of achievement getting climb ticked off list !! Just wanted to thank Andy , billie & mike ! Really helped me !!

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Ай бұрын

    Hi Gary, thanks for the great comment. Sounds like you had quite a memorable day. Hopefully your recovery is quick. Thanks for watching. ATB. 😊

  • @marcnikolai

    @marcnikolai

    Ай бұрын

    Gary what was the incorrect footwear you wore please? Were you wearing approach shoes? Hope you are better and well done. I'm doing it this Saturday

  • @GaryBurns-l2c

    @GaryBurns-l2c

    Ай бұрын

    @@marcnikolai hi marc I wore Salomon speed cross 6 which have great grip on the rocks 👍 route very boggy lower down ! They were fine dealing with bogs going up but coming down 8/9 hours later when my legs were like jelly not so much !! In hindsight I would recommend a lightweight boot/ shoe with ankle support to deal with any off track hiking that may arise . I know you’re in for an awesome hike 💪let me know how it goes! Oh and don’t forget your sandwiches like I did 😭😆

  • @marcnikolai

    @marcnikolai

    Ай бұрын

    @@GaryBurns-l2c that's very helpful indeed thank you. left my midweight Lowas at home 🙁 but am taking a pair of heavy Meindls. I might pack my Speedcross (4) for the ridge.

  • @GaryBurns-l2c

    @GaryBurns-l2c

    Ай бұрын

    @@marcnikolai makes sense to me 👍enjoy

  • @gangwan5036
    @gangwan5036 Жыл бұрын

    The best CMD vid I've seen on KZread,drone footage was top notch and a cracking soundtrack to boot,thanks for sharing!

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much. It truly was a great hike and one I'm sure I'll repeat in the future. Thanks again for watching. ATB.

  • @garylovattlovatt193
    @garylovattlovatt1938 ай бұрын

    Watched this about ten times. Amazing 😊😊❤

  • @amandamorton2788
    @amandamorton27882 жыл бұрын

    Well done!! Great video.Always fancied this route.🙌🙌🙌

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment Amanda. The route is well worth it. Especially if you get the views! Thanks for watching. 😊

  • @HighlandHikers
    @HighlandHikers2 жыл бұрын

    Spectacular drone work! Love it!

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! Was a nervous few flights in that wind but thankfully managed to land it safely! 😂 thanks for watching! 😊

  • @jean-francoismartin5352
    @jean-francoismartin535211 ай бұрын

    Thanks, i have a good idea now of the CMD arete. Great video

  • @philmetcalfephotography
    @philmetcalfephotography Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, well done. I did it many years ago and your video brought back some great memories ... 👍

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Phil! Hopefully fond memories! It is truly one of the great hikes in Scotland and i'm glad my humble wee video brought back memories for you. Thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @bamdebambambam
    @bamdebambambam2 ай бұрын

    Was looking for a vid with nice footage of the scenery, 2 minutes in im also partying. 🎉🕺one of the best videos of the ones of Ben Bevis ive watched so far. This deserves 10 to a 100 times more views. Ive been to Fort Williams a couple of years ago when i visited scotland, didnt try to get on the top as there wasnt any time for it. Recently im itching with Fernweh (the pain you feel when you wish to be somewhere else) and been grinding videos about hiking to the top of Ben Nevis.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 ай бұрын

    What a great comment! This hike is truly a great experience and I would always recommend saving it for the perfect conditions, because it deserves it! I hope when you get to go that everything fits for you! All the very best of luck on your future travels! Thanks for watching 😊

  • @williampaterson1706
    @williampaterson1706 Жыл бұрын

    Watched many videos on this route this is the best I’ve seen this is on the list to do two in one just need to get the boy’s onboard thanks for sharing your vlog great source for me

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate the great comment William. I took a bit of time planning this vid as I know how important it was to portray this walk in the right way. Thanks again for watching. ATB.

  • @brianst8
    @brianst82 жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed that video and drone footage was excellent. Well done. I'm planning this route next Sunday 🤞

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the lovely comment. Let us know how you get on next Sunday and I hope the video helped you in some way. Thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @TheMarco99
    @TheMarco992 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations Stevie. I could tell at the start of this hike you looked a bit nervous. Well done for getting it done, you certainly got a cracking day for it.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much mate. Couldn’t have asked for better weather. I absolutely loved every minute of it!! Thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @craiggallacher7557
    @craiggallacher75572 жыл бұрын

    Amazing footage m8. Brilliant video well done 👏

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching Craig! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

  • @jamesmclean7868
    @jamesmclean7868 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Well done mate

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much mate. Enjoyed making that one. ATB

  • @mad-about-scotland
    @mad-about-scotland8 ай бұрын

    New sub.....some seriously epic drone footage in this.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for the great comment… and the sub. Really enjoyed filming this one. Thanks for watching. ATB

  • @corinamusgrave8508
    @corinamusgrave8508 Жыл бұрын

    Wow!! Stunning video and views. Well done! I did Ben Nevis for first time on 2nd October via tourist path. Nice day but fog at the summit obscuring the views at the top sadly. Was truly a great experience though. You got a fabulous day for it! 💚🥾🥾

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the lovely comment Corina. Yeah, i was very lucky that day to get a view from the top. Previous summits of mine weren’t so good. Any time on the hills is good in my opinion. Well done on your summit too! Thanks for watching, ATB.

  • @peterdeazley2031
    @peterdeazley20312 жыл бұрын

    Well done, great video really enjoyed that. On my way back next week to hopefully bag some more munros. Definitely want to do this route one day, once I've got a bit more experience 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment Peter. This route is a cracker and well worth the effort!! Happy Munro Bagging for next week! Thanks for watching. ATB. 😊

  • @outdoortechtrekguy1029
    @outdoortechtrekguy102910 ай бұрын

    Superb bro 👌 nicely done

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    10 ай бұрын

    Thank you 😊

  • @justmyopiniontoday7548
    @justmyopiniontoday754819 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the route guidance. So hard to film a ridge realistically conveying slope.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    18 күн бұрын

    @@justmyopiniontoday7548 thanks for the comment. To be honest, I just kinda let it happen and fortunately it worked out not too bad. 😆 thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @pamiewillis7752
    @pamiewillis77522 жыл бұрын

    Looking forward to this one , 2 of my most wanted hikes this one and the bookle ,

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Buachaille is next week! I'll post a link after this vid airs. Hope you enjoys it.

  • @WestCoastKilties
    @WestCoastKilties6 ай бұрын

    I've done it three times in both directions solo and in actual fact its the 'best' route ontae Big Ben 🙌 👌. Its a great view when you step out of the tree-line from Torlundy and see the Ben Nevis that the tourists don't see on the Donkey Track. Great thing is you can join them or better still leave them all behind at Half Way Lochan and take the quiet route back to Torlundy.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for your great comment. I think you're absolutely right. This is by far the best route but would be even better to slope off from the half way lochan. Circumstances didn't allow for me to do it this time but will definitely be considered for the next! Thanks for watching ATB.

  • @jigold22571
    @jigold22571 Жыл бұрын

    Thank You 💐 🕊 ❣️ 🔥 😊 🙏

  • @hamshanksproductions7161
    @hamshanksproductions7161 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic

  • @WestCoastKilties
    @WestCoastKilties6 ай бұрын

    Well Done! Done Ben Nevis 10 times now , twice by the CMD Arete mostly solo but also as a group chatity leader twice and once in a three piece suit at midnight.Google It! 😂 My favourite route is from Torlundy and I recently changed a friends opinion of The Ben as 'boring' by showing them this route. No doubt do it all again 2024. 🎉

  • @ytfeelslikenorthkorea
    @ytfeelslikenorthkorea25 күн бұрын

    I have a very broken brain (tumour, surgery, long story) and it massively overreacts/overcorrects. I found myself on all fours in a number of places along the ridge. But I'll definitely return there in a better weather.

  • @justmyopiniontoday7548

    @justmyopiniontoday7548

    19 күн бұрын

    So very well done. Congratulations on your climb. JMO.

  • @ytfeelslikenorthkorea

    @ytfeelslikenorthkorea

    19 күн бұрын

    @@justmyopiniontoday7548 Thanks :) I simply refuse to surrender. Instead of wallowing over my disabilities, I push myself. Had a few much harder walks/climbs since then. It's a weird feeling when your brain is SCREAMING at you. but I push anyway. 5 Munros last weekend :)

  • @craig3401
    @craig3401 Жыл бұрын

    Great vid I've got this route penciled in very detailed and great views. I will be camping on CMD so good to know there's water up there and the arete looked ok it's the wind that puts me off with the bigger backpack on so those little bypass routes come in handy

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Craig, it’s definitely “doable” with a slightly bigger pack but as you say, the wind will play a big part. There would always be the option to back track if the wind became an issue. Good luck 😉 and thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @vikone1
    @vikone13 күн бұрын

    Hi Stevie, thank you for the insightful video. Im planning to do the CMD Arête route but the weather man says there will be 55km/h gusts of wind so I am slightly anxious about doing it. If the wind doesnt calm down by the time I am supposed to hike I will probably do the touristy trail to the summit of Ben Nevis. Could you please share your experience with wind from all your hikes at Ben Nevis? Thanks.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    3 күн бұрын

    Hi @vikone1. Thanks for the great comment. Ultimately the decision to tackle the CMD rests with you but... there's a couple of things to consider. Is the wind speed you're talking about definitely km/h and not mp/h? There's a big difference and this can sometimes catch people out. Is it gusting a max of 55km/h? What is the sustained wind speed? Personally, as long as the other conditions were ok; no rain, clear and good visibility, the wind speed you're talking about wouldn't put me off. What are the chances of the weather getting worse? So many things to consider but as I said, ultimately the decision rests with you and that also is true when you're on the mountain. Don't be afraid of turning back! Stay safe and take care, and don't forget to enjoy the hike! It's one of my faves!🙂

  • @garylovattlovatt193
    @garylovattlovatt1938 ай бұрын

    Brilliant thanks. Fantastic watch. Who sings the tune please...... its awesome 😊

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    8 ай бұрын

    Be mine by Offenbach and Wicked Ones by Dorothy. Had these tunes saved especially for this vid 😜

  • @garylovattlovatt193

    @garylovattlovatt193

    8 ай бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390 Thanks so much

  • @strafeyfn5717
    @strafeyfn57175 ай бұрын

    Hi awesome video with some amazing drone footage. Just wondering what month is it in the video. Wanting to do this route but want to avoid snow. Thanks

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi @strafeyfn5717. Thanks for the great comment. This was done in July the day before the hottest day of the year. I think the temp at sea level hit 30°C that day and there was still snow at the North Face of Nevis!

  • @corvusprodo
    @corvusprodo Жыл бұрын

    Love the video, amazing scenery. How did the Free Hikers work out? Are they a bit less stiff than usual boots?

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi mate. I didn't wear my FreeHikers on this hike I used the Trailmakers. Both are great boots but the FreeHikers have much less ankle support and given that there's a LOT of uneven surfaces on that ridge I figured these might be better. The one thing I will say about the FreeHikers is that the grips are so soft and grippy but wear out very fast. I now only use these for day to day walks. Thanks for the great comment and thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @cjmercado6442
    @cjmercado644211 күн бұрын

    I am planning to climb Ben Nevis with the same trail you had. Absolutely helpful to me. How many hours normally does it takes via CMD Arete?

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    10 күн бұрын

    @@cjmercado6442 thanks for the comment. It took me around 7.5hrs. I had a fair bit of filming to do so potentially a little quicker. Depends on yourself. I would certainly budget at least 8 for any unforeseen eventualities. I also had a very clear day which made navigating a breeze, would be very different in the clouds. Let us know how you get on. Thanks for watching. ATB.

  • @paulmuir2184
    @paulmuir21842 жыл бұрын

    Great video as always mate, correct me if i’m wrong but it didn’t look the exposure was anything too hairy? I’m still not sure how i’ll cope with sheer drops or huge exposure.. i’ve already done Nevis but am keen to do this route too!

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Paul, thanks for the comment. I guess it comes down to weather really. If you took that out of the equation then I would say the exposure isn’t too bad, but even on the day I did it, the wind caught me a few times by gusting past. When that happens you do feel quite vulnerable. I would say give it a crack if you feel experienced enough and comfortable with heights. Although I will say, it’s a very long ridge!

  • @danieIlondon
    @danieIlondon6 ай бұрын

    8:53 are their various routes? I saw people take much steeper routes directly up to the arête

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    6 ай бұрын

    Hi @daniellondon. Yes there are various routes up to Carn Mor Dearg summit and eventually the arête. This one is the most straight forward. The others may require more careful navigation. 🧭 thanks for the great question. ATB.

  • @terrydelahunt842
    @terrydelahunt8422 ай бұрын

    Great video. How long is the ridge in terms of distance? Cheers

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 ай бұрын

    Hi Terry. The ridge, from the summit of CMD to the cairn at the start up Ben Nevis is around 1.5km. As ridges go, it’s a decent length! Thanks for the great question, and for watching. ATB. 😊

  • @paulallan9921
    @paulallan99212 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant video mate. The drone footage was amazing thanks for sharing 👍 The boots you are wearing are they any good and would you recommend them, what Adidas range are they? Thanks loved the music too 👍

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the kind words Paul, the boots are Adidas Terrex trail makers. Here's the link. www.adidas.co.uk/terrex-trailmaker-mid-gore-tex-hiking-shoes/GV8954.html Thanks for watching. ATB

  • @paulallan9921

    @paulallan9921

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390 thanks mate, keep up the good work 👍

  • @Elysianplains

    @Elysianplains

    Жыл бұрын

    Excellent. Would you recommend some sort of water purification/sterilisation if you used the burn water?

  • @k33tokhan25
    @k33tokhan2511 ай бұрын

    This was a fantastic video, im going next week via cmd route was just wondering can you easily get lost or is it a simple straight forward route

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    11 ай бұрын

    Hi @k33tokhan25. The route is fairly straightforward and well pathed pretty much all the way to Ben Nevis. I would say though, if there’s low cloud level it could become very disorienting and you could get off track easily. If the weather is clear you shouldn’t have an issue till Nevis. At Nevis it’s a little undefined in places and you may need the help of GPS and a map. This is all very weather dependent and if the weather is poor and you are unsure I would wait till a clearer day. Have fun, stay safe, and thanks for watching.

  • @k33tokhan25

    @k33tokhan25

    11 ай бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390 thankyou so much for heads up. Keep up good work

  • @lukeclayton-holland1564
    @lukeclayton-holland1564 Жыл бұрын

    How good is wild camping at the north face car park.

  • @jasonrogers1758
    @jasonrogers1758 Жыл бұрын

    Top video mate. Drone footage is amazing. I’m planning to do this route in the next couple of week with the dog. Was there any parts of the route you thought would be a bit too risky for our K9 friends?

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Dogs are always more capable than we give them credit for, however it would definitely depend on the breed. There are some sections where even I at 6’2” was stretched. My dog Luna 🐕 I believe would manage it and she’s a medium sized dog. Hope this helps and best of luck. ATB. 😉

  • @amnanoor6191
    @amnanoor6191 Жыл бұрын

    This video is amazing and so inspirational. I’m aiming to do Ben Nevis in august and as a novice hiker would you recommend still doing this trail? It looks amazing.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi @amnanoor6191. Thanks so much for your kind words. This trail is definitely more difficult than the standard tourist route but very rewarding. I’m not sure what level you’re at hiking wise but this is quite technical in places and a good head for heights would be required. Lastly, if there’s a hint of poor weather I wouldn’t recommend it as a novice. I definitely lucked out on my hike! Let me know how you get on!!! Good luck 🤞🏻

  • @amnanoor6191

    @amnanoor6191

    11 ай бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390I just did the cmd arête route on Saturday. First ridge I’ve ever hiked. It was definitely difficult but worth it. The views were amazing and the weather was great. I really enjoyed it despite being anxious. It was great fun 😊

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    11 ай бұрын

    @@amnanoor6191 absolutely amazing! Glad you enjoyed your hike. Thanks again for watching. ATB.

  • @WestCoastKilties

    @WestCoastKilties

    6 ай бұрын

    Would recommend doing it late April early May where you've got a chance of the best weather fronts for clear blue skies and spectacular views which I was lucky to get.💙 👌 It's all about the weather front to get the best experience August is OK too. Bagged some great days in August

  • @serval_fpv
    @serval_fpv Жыл бұрын

    Super nicely done m8 that drone handed the wind like a champ what is it a DJI Mavic ? Im into drones also but build my own just doing my research before setting of on some adventures.. new sub from me 🤙

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to have you on board @serval_fpv. It’s a Mavic Air 2S. Did really well. Gusting upwards of 25mph over the ridge but handled it well. Had to keep a close eye on the battery though! 😂 🪫 thanks for watching and more dronage to come! 😜

  • @serval_fpv

    @serval_fpv

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390 aye DJI top of the game best on the market.. the aerial footage just makes the views you see that little bit better. Keep up the good work fella 🤙

  • @salsageordie
    @salsageordie Жыл бұрын

    Would be interested to know where you left the path to the CIC hut ?

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi @salsageordie. Apologies for the delay in replying. I didn’t actually get near the CIC hut. I’ve attached the route link for you to look at on OS Maps. Let me know if there’s anymore information I can give you. Thanks for watching. ATB. explore.osmaps.com/route/16801195/ben-nevis-via-cmd

  • @rolando4002
    @rolando40025 ай бұрын

    Hi, how long did this route take you from start to finish?

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    5 ай бұрын

    Hi @rolando4002, this took me 7.5hrs with filming and a decent lunch stop. ;)

  • @rolando4002

    @rolando4002

    5 ай бұрын

    @@mountainspeak390 I see, thanks for much for your reply. I'll be doing cmd in may and some info online was telling me it would take around 9-11 hours not sure why.

  • @mountainspeak390

    @mountainspeak390

    5 ай бұрын

    @@rolando4002 these things are always open to interpretation. I suppose it all depends on how quick a hiker you are and how many stops you take.