Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis
Tower Ridge is probably the most well known of all the mountaineering objectives on Ben Nevis - and rightly so, it’s an absolute classic! At 600m in length this route would not look out of place in the alps! Classic mountaineering terrain with short tricky steps and the infamous tower gap right at the top!
We begin our day from the North Face car park in Torlundy where it will take us approximately 1.5 hours to reach the CIC hut. From here we are able to take a short break while we take in the scenery around us and put our harnesses and helmets on. We’ll continue up to the base of the Douglas Boulder before making our way onto the start of Tower Ridge. From here the terrain provides continuous interest and stunning views as we gradually make our way to the highest point in the British Isles.
We top out on the summit plateau only a matter of minutes from the true summit. After taking a few moments to enjoy our successful ascent, surrounded by the remains of the old meteorological observatory (which would have been in full operation at the time of the first exploration of Tower Ridge in 1892) we have a variety of descent options. We can descend via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, taking in another Munro summit, we can opt to go down Ledge Route, or take the main walkers path back down to half-way before returning to the Northern side of the mountain and back down to Torlundy. We’ll make this decision at the time based on the weather conditions and how everyone is feeling.
““Thanks again to Scott for seeing us safely up and down Tower Ridge - really enjoyed your company and ability to make something well outside my comfort zone seem so achievable!””
experience required
Anyone hoping to climb Tower Ridge will require a good level of mountain fitness and a reasonable head for heights. Previous experience of grade 2/3 scrambling and some rock climbing experience is useful but not essential.
Your Guide
Scott Webster Mountaineering is a small ‘one-man-band’ operation so in almost all cases I will be your guide! Occasionally during busy periods I will bring in another guide but this will always be someone with the same qualifications and experience as me and whom I know well and completely trust to provide you a fantastic day out.
Ratios
I only guide Tower Ridge on a max of 1:2. It is possible, and safe, to do it 1:3 but the whole process becomes a bit more time-consuming and in my experience less enjoyable for the clients. If you are part of a larger group I can arrange it so that we ascend Tower Ridge together but with extra guides to keep the ratio at 1:2.
cost
A guided ascent of Tower Ridge costs £400 1:1, and £450 1:2. This includes the use of ropes, harnesses, helmets and all other necessary technical equipment. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to guarantee your chosen dates.
| Price: £400 per day (plus £50 for additonal person) |
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| Max group size: 2 |
Equipment
A detailed kit list will be sent out at the time of booking.
how to book
If you would like to book a guided ascent of Tower Ridge then please get in touch using the form below.
