Scotland, Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis Via the CIC hut.
8 hours.

Camped at the Glen Nevis campsite the plan was to go up the tourist track and cut off left at the half way lochan which isn't, well, half way and then tackle Ben Nevis by the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. That was the plan.
A view of the top.

Ben Nevis from the campsite.

Looking down to the campsite from the tourist track.

Just after the Lochan I took the left turn heading towards the CIC hut, much quieter and way more scenic.

Fort William.

Much better than the tourist track.

At the CIC hut there should have been a path going left up Carn Dearg but I could not see any sign of it so I just carried on up the valley.

After some valuable advice from a fellow walker I was told to head for the far right of the gully where a path would lead me out onto the arete.
Had the walk gone to plan I would have been over there, ah well, twas a nice day anyway.

After reaching this snow I realized that the path was over to the left so a slight adjustment was required.

That's better. At the top and at the wrong end of the arete and that is very steep.

Some fine views to be had on a rare day.
The Ring of Steall.

From that rest point a further half hours climb takes you onto the summit of Ben Nevis where it gets a little busy.
Some views....

The descent back to the campsite was by the tourist track which was very busy.

And tedious.

Almost down as the clouds and rain closed in.

Back at the camp.