UKC

Ben Nevis Winter

© Dan Arkle

Situated in Lochaber, Scotland at the west end of the Grampian mountains and close to the town of Fort William, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

"It has the tallest and most extensive cliffs, and attracts some of the most severe winter weather. This unique combination produces some of the best snow and ice climbing of its type in the world." Simon Richardson, Ben Nevis Rock and Ice Climbs, SMC, 2002

The stunning and foreboding Ben Nevis in full winter glory &copy pete leeming, Apr 2008  © Peter Leeming
The stunning and foreboding Ben Nevis in full winter glory © pete leeming, Apr 2008

As our highest mountain, our "only Alpine mountain" and one with perhaps the richest history of climbing of any place in the UK; Ben Nevis is as big as it gets. Although its scale is often the first detail mentioned about the mountain, it is really the nature of the place and its climbs that stand out most. In fact Jimmy Marshall summed it up as being hard to equal for hidden depths of character.

These hidden depths offer new discoveries every time you climb there by virtue of the array of coires, buttresses and huge ridges that form it's north-east face. I can't imagine the feeling of anticipation that hits you on emerging from the CIC hut door on a sunny morning, and taking in the full vista of grand cliffs, ever fading.

Pete Benson on Centurion (VIII,8), Carn Dearg, Ben Nevis. &copy Guy Robertson  © Guy Robertson
Pete Benson on Centurion (VIII,8), Carn Dearg, Ben Nevis. © Guy Robertson

History

With nearly 120 years of climbing history, ground breaking routes and legendary stories of bravery on the cliffs throughout, the mountain is steeped in history. Ken Crocket and Simon Richardson's book Ben Nevis is an excellent and inspiring chronicle of the highlights of these many adventures through the ages as the sport, culture, standards and approaches to climbing have evolved.

The first ascent of the Ben's first recorded route, Tower Ridge (IV 3) was done in full winter conditions in 1895. The next massive step forward, well ahead of its time was Raeburn's ascent of Green Gully (IV 4) in April 1904. Later in the 1950's and early 60's the harder gully lines were the focus of a feverish race by rival groups of Scottish and international climbers.

Many of British climbing's most legendary figures played a role here including Patey, McInnes, Haston, and Clough. But perhaps its finest and most lauded exponents were Jimmy Marshall and Robin Smith who proved a remarkable and ground breaking team, eating up cutting edge first ascents of the big ice climbs such as Orion Face Direct (V 5) in their customary casual style.

After the step cutting era had passed, ever thinner face routes were the focus until finally in the 21st century the Ben has once again entered a new phase of development. Hard mixed buttress routes like Sassenach Winter (IX 9) IX, 9 and Don't Die of Ignorance (XI) XI, 11, have brought the mountain truly into the modern era.

The infamous crux 'Tower Gap' on the ultra-classic and sought after 600m alpine outing of Tower Ridge (III). The difficult Eastern Traverse and the Tower Gap have been the scene of many a benightment! &copy benfaz  © benfaz
The infamous crux 'Tower Gap' on the ultra-classic and sought after 600m alpine outing of Tower Ridge (III). The difficult Eastern Traverse and the Tower Gap have been the scene of many a benightment! © benfaz
A solo ascent of the classic Grade V <i>Smith's Route</i>, high up Observatory Gully. As this 2 pitch route is one of the highest on the mountain it is often in condition. &copy neil the weak  © neil the weak
A solo ascent of the classic Grade V Smith's Route, high up Observatory Gully. As this 2 pitch route is one of the highest on the mountain it is often in condition. © neil the weak

The Climbing

photo
The imposing and beautiful Northeast buttress of Ben Nevis caught in morning light with a dusting of early winter snow. wee jamie

As in the Alps, climbers make the winter pilgrimage to the Ben to tackle very different objectives.

Top Five Entry Level Routes by Alan Halewood

Alan Halewood is an MIC Holder and regularly works on Ben Nevis. He knows the routes inside out. Here he gives us his top five 'entry level' routes at grade II.

Ledge Route (II) A fine rocky route easy for the grade unless the initial slab is thinly iced in which case it may feel much harder. To avoid this or reduce the exposure to avalanche conditions in No. 5 Gully go up to the Coire na Ciste Lochan and turn right over the top of Moonlight Gully Buttress. This leaves a short sprint across the narrows of No. 5 Gully and puts you on Ledge Route above the first bend.

North Gully (II) The easiest of Creag Coire na Ciste's fine Gullys. Reliable and often with a fine initial ice pitch. The upper pitches are easier but beware in avalanche conditions or after a thaw when the frequently huge (avoidable) cornice might be prone to collapse and sweep the route.

Number Two Gully (II) The best of the easy Gullies on Ben Nevis giving good situations and rock and ice scenery. Early in the season can give an icy pitch of III.

Raeburn's Easy Route (II) Another reliable favourite. After a traverse left from the approaches to No. 2 Gully climb icey bulges (much variation possible at a slightly harder grade) for a pitch. This puts you onto a long right trending snow ramp (beware avalanche prone in bad conditions) that can be followed easily to the plateau. Alternatively take one of several icey direct finishes possible at the end of the ramp at III or IV.

Gardyloo Gully (II) Has been described as 'the longest walk for the shortest climb on Ben Nevis'. At the very top of Observatory Gully this Route's guidebook grade can be deceptive. As a guide if the through route is banked out and you step over the chockstone rather than passing under it then the gully should be straightforward. Otherwise be prepared for a short pitch of up to III,4! Worth it for the situation and the easiest route to top out so close to the summit.

In the same vein: Garadh Gully (II), Slingsby's Chimney (II), Bob Run (II), Raeburn's 18 Minute Route, North Castle Gully (II).

Next steps: Castle Ridge (III), Number Three Gully Buttress (III 4), Central Gully, Creag Coire na Ciste (III 4), Tower Scoop (IV 4), Good Friday Climb (III).

The Great Ridges

Straightforward in summer, the four great ridges of the Ben are serious mountaineering expeditions for novice parties, and the frequency of rescues and fatalities on them are grim proof of this. On a day of perfect neve, sunshine and glorious fast progress, you might wonder what all the fuss is about, climbing these ridges is an exercise in pure joy. But in deep powder, bad weather or if the climbers don't make enough progress before the short winter days end, they are great for producing epics.

However without making the key mistakes of starting too late, or in poor conditions or not researching the route finding properly, they will often provide a magical experience. Tower Ridge (IV 3) is the longest at 600 metres, But North East Buttress (IV 5) and Observatory Ridge (V 4) have harder climbing, North East Buttress in particular catching tired and gripped novices out with the difficulty of the Mantrap high on the route.

Classic Nevis ridges in order of overall difficulty/commitment:

  • Ledge Route
  • Castle Ridge
  • Tower Ridge
  • North East Buttress
  • Observatory Ridge

The Ice Gullies

Like the ridges, in the April sunshine and with fat plastic ice, they can be a romp of sheer joy to ascend. Pitch after pitch of stunning mountain scenery and elegant lines to follow to the plateau. Or they can be evil spindrift avalanche chutes, devoid of protection and belays and will command your respect no matter what your experience level. It all depends on the conditions, so it's a good idea to soak up as much advice from those who know them well, as you can.

The other major aspect of the big ice gully ticks such as Point Five Gully (V 5) ("The most famous ice gully in the world") or Zero Gully (V 4) is that these climbs suffer from those who wish to 'tick the famous route'. Standing shivering in a queue of several parties at the foot of Point Five Gully is not a good way to spend the wee small hours of the morning (in my opinion), especially when there are an abundance of similar but empty climbs all around (examples: No match for climb id:"Boomer's Requiem", Vanishing Gully (V 5), No match for climb id:"Comb Left-flank" among countless others). There's really no sense in queuing, and little pleasure in following a convoy of climbing parties up an ice, gully being bombed by their dislodged chunks of frozen debris and moving at the pace of those in front. Get there really early, or go for something else to enjoy your day on the ice.

Recommended Ice Gullies and Faces:

  • Good Friday Climb (III) III, 3 - High on the mountain, and comes into condition early.
  • Point Five Gully (V 5) V, 5 - The most famous, and fat for much of the winter. But always the first to have a queue. Go early in the morning (ie, the middle of the night).
  • No match for climb id:"Smith's Route" V,5 - The other most famous route, shorter but spectacularly positioned at the head of Observatory gully. It's neighbour, No match for climb id:"Kellett's Route" VI, 6 is maybe even better.
  • Orion Face Direct (V 5) V, 5 - Very long and brilliant expedition comparable to a big Alpine face route.
  • Green Gully (IV 4) IV, 4 - Easier angled than the big grade Vs but still a full-value Nevis steep ice gully. If it's crowded head for Thomson's or the Comb Gully area.

Video: A Winter Ascent of Point Five Gully

The Thin Face Routes

Once held in high regard as a fringe activity for the boldest of climbers, many of Nevis' famous thin face routes such as Psychedelic Wall (VI 5), Gemini (VI 6) or Astral Highway (VI 5) have become trade routes in recent years and really lost their aura, which is a good thing I think. Bizarrely, part of this is down to them forming fatter ice in recent seasons, perhaps due to the warming climate?

photo
Hadrian's Wall Direct
© Tom Ripley Mountain Guide, Mar 2008

The joy of climbing Nevis face routes is their unlikeliness. Breaking out onto an open wall encased in ice only a few centimetres thick, with little prospect of a solid runner in a whole pitch always seems like something for only the bravest and not for 'mere mortals'. But the quite exquisite Nevis neve leads you on, the difficulty of the moves are no good enough reason to turn back until it's too late. And so you carry on and have an adventure. That, together with the pleasure of waiting and striking at the right moment of ephemeral conditions is all part of the pleasure.

Recommended routes:

  • climb("Hadrian's Wall Direct")]V, 5 - Long, adventurous and often in 'nick'.
  • climb("Psychedelic Wall")]V,5 - It's been pretty fat and protectable in recent years, but every bit as fun and exposed.
  • climb("Astral Highway")]VI,5 - This and the less often 'in' Astronomy are quite spectacular alpine expeditions up the Orion Face.
  • climb("Albatross")]VI, 5 - Formerly had an aura that sent ice shivers down many a hardened winter warrior's spine. But recent chain ascents in fat conditions have brought it down to modern classic status.

<i>Psychedelic Wall VI,5</i> &copy hwackerhage, Mar 2007, a classic thin face route high on Ben Nevis' Indicator Wall  © hwackerhage
Psychedelic Wall VI,5 © hwackerhage, Mar 2007, a classic thin face route high on Ben Nevis' Indicator Wall

The Modern Mixed Routes

Big, bad, unfriendly and tough. That is what most Nevis mixed climbers are after. And the mountain offers plenty of this. But not all the mixed routes are so intense, in fact, many of the mixed climbing areas of the north face offer good options for the shorter days of mid winter and the same big mountain atmosphere without the commitment of the big face routes. The routes tend to vary from good well protected and physical crack/corner lines, to deviously blind and hard to protect. In fact any exponent of hard Nevis mixed will lament at length about the blind, crackless corners and soul searching leads.

Recommended routes:

  • climb("Cutlass")]VI, 7 - An oft ignored but excellent soaring corner thats a life saver on a stormy day.
  • climb("Route 1")]V,6 - The mega chimney line. The squeeze crux is often described with wide eyes!
  • climb("Tower Face of the Comb")]V,6 - a spectacular adventure up the Comb, Alpine feeling.
  • climb("Centurion")]VIII, 8 - It goads you every time you walk in to the Ben. When are you going to be brave enough to go for it?

Usual Descents

Alan Halewood gives us a few tips on how to get off the mountain which are best planned before topping out in the dark or a whiteout!

The Pony/Tourist Track. The new cairns across the plateau may be invisible when plastered in rime so don't rely solely on them. Then descend the tortuous zig zags to the half way lochan. Accessible from any route.

No. 4 Gully. Popular descent into Coire na Ciste for a second route or to return to the CIC area. Cornice may necessitate an abseil, bollards often in evidence from instructed parties. May well be avalanche prone after fresh snow and or strong winds.

The Red Burn. Safe and easy under snow- harder if the scree is still exposed. A good choice if concerned about the possibility of No. 4 Gully avalanching. Takes you down to the track near the half way lochan.

No. 3 Gully. Steeper at the top than No. 4 but a good way to avoid the crowds there. After an initial abseil No. t much harder. Again it is a Gully so assess the snow and possibility of avalanche before committing yourself. Again this brings you back into Coire na Ciste.

Tower Gully. Useful for a descent back into Observatory Gully for another route. Steep and more exposed than the Ciste Gullys an abseil may be required to get over the cornice (may be bypassed on the left as you look down). One for the confident and make sure you traverse between the base of Smith's and the top of Tower Scoop to avoid the steep ground of taken by the latter route. As per the other Gullys make sure you have assessed the possibilities of an avalanche. Conditions may have changed since you approached up Observatory Gully earlier in the day.

Coire Leis. Under good snow this descent can be one of the quickest most pleasant ways to come down from the summit. Often icey, from the headwall traverse down left in descent for easier angled ground. It's not for nothing that Coire Leis translates as the windward/leeward coire so again, bear in mind the avalanche conditions.

For those confident on the grade, Ledge Route can make a good descent route if No. 5 gully is safe to cross or descend above the slab (see description of Ledge Route above).

Lastly when the weather is fine and the daylight longer you could stroll along the Carn Mor Dearg Arete basking in the sun, pleased with your climb and watching those still in the shade still enjoying their own route.

Photo Gallery: Ben Nevis in Winter

A climber foolishly peers over a huge cornice overlooking Indicator Wall, Ben Nevis (Do NOT do this at home!) &copy hwackerhage, Mar 2007  © hwackerhage
A climber foolishly peers over a huge cornice overlooking Indicator Wall, Ben Nevis (Do NOT do this at home!) © hwackerhage, Mar 2007

The famous CIC hut (the UK's only Alpine Refuge?) sits below the cliffs of Ben Nevis and is perfectly situated for climbing. The hut is seen here at night. Grahame N  © Grahame N
The famous CIC hut (the UK's only Alpine Refuge?) sits below the cliffs of Ben Nevis and is perfectly situated for climbing. The hut is seen here at night. Grahame N

descending from the ben  © smithaldo
descending from the ben
© smithaldo

Logistics

 

When to Go

The pure mixed routes high on the mountain are often good for the early season keenness in November. But the ice gully season usually starts sometime in January and improves steadily through the season, culminating in the magic sunny days of April. There are several superb conditions blogs to help time your strike to perfection. These, together with the weather and avalanche forecasts are an invaluable tool to learn about the patterns of conditions and the many factors to consider when choosing the best route to go for on a given day.

How to Get There

Fort William is the main hub, right at the foot of the mountain, and is reached via the A82 from the south. From Fort William head north on the A82 towards Inverness, turn off at Torlundy with signs to the North Face Car Park. From here a well built path leads in 90 minutes to the CIC hut underneath the cliffs. Allow another half hour at least to the base of the crags, or much more than this in deep powder.

Fo those without a car, Fort William is reachable via bus and train.

Accommodation Advertise here

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If you get the opportunity, staying in the CIC hut is a wonderful experience not to be missed. The hut is privately run by the SMC but allows access to affiliated clubs and is not as exclusive as is often thought. It's a very sought after place in winter, so get your booking in now (for the season after next!!). Visit the SMC site for more info. Otherwise there are many options in and around Fort William which is well geared up for visitors.

Hundreds of B&Bs, quite a few hostels and several campsites are available.

Gear

The usual winter necessities of axes, crampons, helmet and warm clothes are a pre-requisite. Two 60 metre ropes are a good idea in case you need to do a lot of abseils if the weather turns bad high on a route. Plenty of cord and some old wires will come in handy if this happens. Ice screws are necessary for the gullies and faces and a normal trad rack of wires and cams is needed for the mixed climbs.

A head torch, map, compass and the ability to use them are also essential. Some slower parties even take (and use!) bivi gear. Rescues from high on North-East Buttress, The Long Climb and Tower Ridge are depressingly common. You don't want it to be you.

Outdoor Shops Advertise here

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Fort William has everything you'll need. The biggest supermarket is Morrison's in the centre of the town and nearby is Nevisport and Ellis Brigham's outdoor stores. For monsoon days, Lochaber Farm Shop at Nevis Range, The Sidings in the train station, and Fired Art at the far end of the High Street are all excellent.

A big day on the Ben is a fine way to develop a voracious appetite, and the best places to go to sort this out are The Ben Nevis Inn at Achintee, The Grog and Gruel (good food but a busy place) and the Indian Garden on the High Street, which does the best curry around. If you have to hit the road and head south then the chip shop in Inverlochy, just north of the Glen Nevis roundabout is much better than the two in town. Many folk who are driving south after a day on the Ben will get an hour's driving in and then stop at the superb, Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum, which really shows the way for fast food and is open until 10pm every night.

Instructor/Guides Advertise here

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Guidebook

Numerous guidebooks contain information on the routes and climbing on Ben Nevis but probably the two most useful and up to date are the 2002 SMC Ben Nevis guide and the 2008 SMC Scottish Winter Climbs. Both feature excellent descriptions and photo topos, with the considerably less hefty Scottish Winter Climbs guide probably the best starting point for the winter visitor.

Other Activities

Believe it or not Fort William is even better suited to other sports than climbing, with world class mountain biking, kayaking and walking all around. If you are just looking for a walk then Steall Falls at the top of Glen Nevis is the local 'must see'. Fort William is also an excellent base for exploring other parts of the Western Highlands and islands.

Climbing Walls Advertise here

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photo
Dave MacLeod

About Dave MacLeod:

Dave MacLeod is one of the world's top all-round climbers. From E11 first ascents, grade XI winter routes, F9a red-points and F8c solos, he's pretty much achieved it all. He is also a knowledgeable and fully qualified climbing coach.

He has an excellent blog and his own website.

Dave MacLeod is sponsored by GORE-TEX, Black Diamond, Scarpa and Mountain Equipment.

Alan Halewood  © AlHal
Alan Halewood

About Alan Halewood:

Alan Halewood is an MIC Holder and regularly works on Ben Nevis. He knows the routes inside out and offers professional guiding and instruction.





19 Nov, 2009
what happened to the cascade style routes? And 'true' mixed routes? The Ben is teeming with them. Good to see Cutless get a mention.
19 Nov, 2009
- 2nd para, 2nd sentence - 3rd para, 2nd sentence (although this also has one correct usage of "its"!) - 6th para, 2nd sentence - 7th para, 2nd sentence Other than that, I thought it a handy and inspiring article, reminding me that I really ought to head up that way sometime this winter and see if I can't lose my North Face cherry. Thank you!
19 Nov, 2009
You've put me off my work, you b******s. I'm struggling with a head full of images as I get cracking on my first few routes on the Ben this year. Excellent timing, just bringing me to fever pitch on this dreich day!
19 Nov, 2009
- "sNo. W" appears a couple of times, also "No. t for No. thing" - "The Red Burn" isn't in bold, or preceeded by a blank line, like the other routes are.
19 Nov, 2009
Looks like either my Blackberry or whatever Jack used to copy and paste from the e-mail has decided that it should default to 'No.' any time I've used the letters 'no'. Checked now, its not on the original e-mail?? Al
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