LEDGE ROUTE - BEN NEVIS NORTH FACE (RAINY, WET), 4K 

@@2112Tix thanks mate

I've seen your video mate 😉 + some of the other ones (nice). Appreciate your comment, even though i have done this climb before, it is always nice to go back. You are absolutely right - Ledge Route offers amazing views if the weather allows .... hence such high 4 stars rating in Scottish Climbing Guide.

Apologies for late response mate. Well - there is no yes / no answer (you already know i am sure). They're completely different, in my humble opinion - they're both very easy BUT most of the routes on Ben Nevis will always feel more adventurous "mountain type" (gaining height, a bit of a climbing combined with scrambling, route navigation, the approach to certain rock features, etc). Crib Goch is brilliant but once you get to the Ridge from Pen-y-Pass it is all straight line "flat" walking (a bit exposed from the right but flat). Yes - you need to look ahead and not to trip over but not much of a scrambling, right? The only features requiring little bit of scrambling are the pinnacles (believe me you can do it with no hands, same way most of the ridge). On top of that if you keep to the left side of the ridge - this "thrilling" exposure that was visible on your right (usually play games with your brain and balance i guess) suddenly disappears. I like them both - Ledge Route and C.G - as they're not 15 min scrambles ... but i have to admit i will always be happier with The Ben choices (different atmosphere for sure). Don't get me wrong - if the weather gets really bad (quick / sudden change), even though i will still find The Ben more challenging location - them two routes will become a trap and correct navigation will be a KEY to retreat with no consequences, especially in winter. Take into consideration i did this 3 times (winter / summer) and still missed 1 obvious feature which easily added 1 hour to the time frame planned. Hope it helps

@@billthomson7468 I appreciate your comment mate. Even though i’ve done it 3 times, when Scottish weather makes your climb more challenging, it is pretty easy to make a mistake. It is very common issue on the Ben- route finding.

Most creators including myself would tell you now- this is so motivating, thank you very much. Comment like that pushes u even further to get even more creative. Appreciate mate

@@duneideann9241 thank u mate, it’s way easier when dry conditions, you should give it a go…

@@juliel7522 Hi Julie, apologies for late response, i was away the whole weekend . As u know from my video we got lost, so this particular attempt wasn’t the quickest. On top of that- it was incredibly wet and foggy. Not the easiest to find your way. Having said that if you have a nice weather- I’d say 2 ( maybe 2.5) hours to the top? I never rush during climbing, stop for a photo or drink. Bear in mind there is fair walk to the summit from the end of the route. Also consider 20-30 min from CIC to actually get to the 1st pitch. Hope it helps. If you decide to try this in winter, you will love it.

@noexpirydate5208 thank you for your response. I actually plan to take this route on the 2nd August. I was weighing whether to do this or the cmd arete, I don't really have much of a head for heights tbh, i seem to get vertigo ish in narrow steep exposed areas, had scrambling practice on scafell pike in a long and windy rain storm so I think I might be ok. Would you recommend this one over the cmd arete route?

@@juliel7522 … without a doubt Julie. Don’t get me wrong, CMD is still worth doing but if was to make a decision what’s better- straight away Ledge Route. CMD is obvious ridge, Ledge can be tricky if you don’t know where you go or don’t know full route description with some images saved in ur phone. At least certain stops (turns u need to take)

@noexpirydate5208 thank you for the advice, I did feel very dizzy actually looking at cmd's long exposed ridge leading to ben nevis, can't imagine walking the length of that for hours though it looks very straightforward route wise. Maybe if I could stomach it could make the descent via the cmd route but if not is the pony/mountain track nice to do on the way down?

@@juliel7522 CMD is not very exposed. Of course you need to remember - at the end of the day it is a RIDGE so a bit more exposed. Still - very far from Crib Goch route, Elbow Ridge or Matterhorn Ridge (or even Bristle / Tryfan TNF). In my humble opinion - it is less interesting (no matter fantastic scenery) than Ledge route. Also i'd suggest you start VERY early if you want to climb LR and come down CMD, it will be a long walk - having in mind you've left the car at North Face Car Park. I would not treat LR as my retreat line to get back, it is too nice so prefer to climb up this way. Again - personal view. Good luck Julie

@@scottcjmckelviephotography hello mate, thanks 🙏 for your comment, this is one of the easiest ICONS on Ben. Ledge Route happens to be a “retreat “ line for many climbers to get back to CIC, so it should give you a clue of the grade. Yes, I fully agree that simple scrambling (grade 1-2) may be very dangerous and risky sometimes or tricky cos of the route finding but if the weather is good and you do have some scrambling experience you should be fine, enjoying stunning scenery. It was a mistake to do it in such misty and wet 💦 conditions but i did it at least 3 times (summer and winter) so i knew certain places and route features on the way, therefore still enjoyed it.