Location: Ben Nevis
Duration: 1 day
Client to Instructor Ratio: 2:1 Max
Ledge Route, Ben Nevis's acclaimed micro-ridge, is an ideal route for winter hillwalkers seeking to expand their experience. Nestled in the centre of the North East face, overlooking Number Five Gully, it's relatively easy to access and provides an adventurous way to summit Ben Nevis.Â
Before Your Course
Your EverydayClimbing mountain guide will be in touch one to two days before your course commences. This pre-course contact serves to introduce your guide, confirm meeting details, and provide insight into the expected weather conditions. Our guides are readily available to address any queries you may have, ensuring you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventure.
On the Day
One of the wonderful aspects of mountaineering in Scotland is the abundant selection of excellent routes available at every grade, ensuring there's something inspiring for every skill level. Ledge Route exemplifies this, offering novice winter mountaineers an entry-level experience leading to the summit of the country's highest mountain.
The adventure begins with a traditional climb through enchanting woods alongside the Allt a Mhuillinn, possibly sharing the path with fellow winter climbers aspiring for the North Face. Eventually, in the center of the face, we diverge from the main trail, traversing obliquely to reach the starting point of our chosen route.
The route is long and engaging, featuring a mix of easy, fun sections and occasional moments of commitment, airiness, and exposure to keep you fully engaged. Throughout the route, your guide ensures your safety with rope protection, guiding you to the best axe and crampon holds.
The setting of the ridge is breathtaking as it gracefully winds through steeper terrain, providing ample opportunities for quality mountaineering. The ridge concludes on the plateau of Carn Dearg, just a 20-minute stroll to the summit of Ben Nevis, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to conquer the mountain's highest point in the winter season.
Not quite what you're seeking? No problem! We specialise in organizing climbing, scrambling, or mountaineering guides for any route in the Scottish Highlands or islands. From the dramatic sea-stacks to the legendary Skye Cuillin, we've got your adventure covered. Feel free to drop us a line with your specific requirements, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Dates
This route is typically in condition throughout the winter season and can usually be scheduled on any day that suits your plans.
Feel free to reach out with your specific requirements or contact us using the form below, and we'll promptly respond to your inquiry.
Prices
Our prices are comprehensive and cover the following:
One person - £300
Two people - £350 (£175 per person)
Ledge Route serves as an ideal progression for those with some winter skills training and remains accessible to those venturing into the Scottish winter for the first time. While considered easier by Ben Nevis standards, it remains a substantial mountain day, requiring a solid level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Required
• 35-45l backpack
• B2/B3 Winter mountain boots (Can be rented locally)
• Gaiters
• Ski Goggles
• Walking poles
• Emergency shelter (Orange bag)
• Water bottle (around 1 litre) or hot drink flask
• Food and extra food (min. 1000cals.)
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Thick socks
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thin fleece or light insulated jacket
• Thick fleece or mid insulated jacket
• Thick insulated jacket
• Warm hat
• Buff
• 2-3x Pairs winter gloves
• Hiking trousers
• Synthetic/merino base layers
• Personal medication
• Waterproof stuff sacks for everything
Optional
• OS maps of planned areas
• Waterproof map case
• Compass (silva type 4 recommended)
Provided
• Harness
• Climbing helmet
• 120cm sling and karabiner
• C1/C2 crampons
• Single mountaineering axe
To guarantee your comfort and security throughout our activities, we strongly advise all participants to come prepared with the complete equipment listed. While our activities may proceed even if participants do not have the entire kit list, please be aware that EverydayClimbing and our instructors retain the right to modify the itinerary or conclude the activity early should the absence of essential equipment pose an elevated risk to the group, exceeding acceptable safety standards.
As part of our unwavering commitment to eliminating barriers to outdoor adventures, we offer a selection of equipment available for use by anyone, with no questions asked. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Just drop us a line and let us know what you require.