Alpine conditions on Ben Nevis and the Carn Mor Dearg Arete - Saturday 21st March 2015

Another day and another great forecast. With that in mind, Dave and I headed west again for an ascent of the CMD Arete and the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The ascent and traverse of the CMD (Carn Mor Dearg) Arete, combined with an ascent of Ben Nevis makes for a demanding but classic mountaineering day out. Even with height gain, conditions were just amazing and the views were to die for. The snow pack was well frozen although softening up by late afternoon, another magical day out in the Scottish mountains, could it get any better!

 Dave walking up the track next to the Allt a' Mhuilinn, with the North face of The Ben in the background.

 As you gain height, you are rewarded with stunning views back over Caol, Corpach, Loch Linnhe and loch Eil.

 Carn Mor Dearg (1220m) on the left, Ben Nevis (1344m) to the right.

 Lots of snow on easterly aspects, it may be spring at lower altitudes but at this height winter still has a hold, even with the warm temperatures there were signs of riming. 

 Dave almost at the summit of Carn Mor Dearg, the snow was in fantastic condition.

 The North Face of the Ben in all it's splendour, a magical place if your a climber, scrambler or Winter mountaineer.

 Now the fun really begins, looking along the CMD Arete, despite the route being technically quite easy, it should not be underestimated, once established on the CMD Arete, there are no safe escape routes.

  

 Snow Bunting.

 Skiers enjoying the snow plastered Easterly aspects whilst Dave and I traverse the Arete.

 Great views of The Ben on the traverse of the Arete.

 Looking into Coire Leis and the little Brenva Face of The Ben.

 Looking back along the CMD Arete.

 After reaching the col (1100m) that marks the end of the CMD Arete, you are now faced with the long and steep ascent to the summit of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis (1344m).

 Breathtaking views to the South from the summit of Ben Nevis.

 Unbelievable conditions on the summit of the UK's highest mountain, at least 2.5m of snow still remains, winter is far from over.

     

 Lots of climbers enjoying the great conditions.

 Descending the vast and complex plateau of Ben Nevis. The summit only has about 60 days of good sunshine every year, much of the time it is spent shrouded in cloud.

 Huge cornices, for scale, there are people in the middle of the picture.

 Tower Ridge looking fantastic.

 The infamous Tower Gap on Tower Ridge, steeped in Scottish mountaineering history.

 Looking towards Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe or as it's more commonly known, The halfway lochan from the steep descent down the Red Burn. The Mountain Track is to the left of me.

The Ben looking great in the late afternoon sunshine.

  

 North East Buttress, first climbed in 1892.

Great ending to a great day.