Ben Nevis North Face Climber

Ben Nevis is a deceptively rounded mountain from most sides except the north, where its huge, soaring, dark cliffs and impressive amphitheatres drop deep into the glen. This face can feel like a cold, dark, forbidding cauldron one minute and a sun-drenched, sheer mountainside the next.

Due to the compact nature of the ancient volcanic rock that forms the Ben, protection can be both interesting to find and arrange. Learning the skills of placing protection, building belays and equalising anchors are very much a part of the total mountaineering experience.

The content of this course is very much decided by your prior experience and goals. You may wish to be guided up the classic routes, opt for a more instructive trip enabling you to become an independent climber, or perhaps combine the two.

• Experience - dependent on routes attempted, but as a minimum, you should be seconding on very severe (VS) routes.

• Minus One direct - another ‘hard, very severe' route, involving 256m of 3*** climbing on perfect rock and in yet another magnificent setting.

We normally run this trip over the weekend, Friday night to Sunday, however if you would like to do this at any other time then please contact us.

You will meet your instructor when you arrive at your accommodation. At this time they will go through plans for the weekend and carry out an equipment check to ensure you have everything you need to enable you to enjoy the following days.

A typical tour itinerary may look like this:

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members' fitness, weather conditions or for any other reason the guide may deem necessary.

You should be fit enough to spend 8 -10 hours or more out on this mountain, quite possibly immersed in the Ben's often 'unique', weather. Long walk-ins are part of the challenge and you will need to be able to carry all of your own personal gear, food, water and a rope each.

Being prepared, self-sufficient, and ready for early starts/late finishes, especially on this distant, high mountain crag, is essential. You should be willing to persevere and have an ability to be flexible; a stoic sense of humour will also come in handy!

The rock climbing season can begin as early as May and last well into October. There is seldom a best period and often having a spirit of adventure is the best approach. Some of the better weather can be found in the "Indian summer" months of September/October, with the added benefit of the absence of biting midges.

This trip is available for individuals and groups.

You can request the date for when you want to take part in the trip by clicking on the link below. These will then be advertised here.

For 1 person booking on a trip we will advertise the trip here and upon meeting minimum numbers (2) confirm the trip.

For 2 people booking we will run an exclusive trip.
All requested dates are unconfirmed until minimum numbers have been booked.

• Group first aid with qualified first aiders.

2011 price - £399pp

For 2012 trips, 2011 prices will apply if booked before 2012 prices are released.