Tower Ridge

Tower Ridge

From: £150.00

Tower ridge is one of the many ridges running up the North face of the Ben – it is graded as a grade three scramble and will require a good level of mountain fitness to successfully manage.

A Guided Scramble on Tower Ridge

On Ben Nevis’s North Face are six classic ridges; Tower Ridge being one of them. It is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous and rewarding ascents of Ben Nevis. This iconic guided scramble up Tower Ridge is graded at a Grade 3 and requires some previous hillwalking experience as well as a good level of fitness.

A Grade 3 scramble is equated to a ‘Diff’ climb and there are sections where you will be required to rope up and climb rather than walk- albeit a relatively easy grade of climbing with big holds for both your hands and feet. Don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with the ropework, as your professional guide will be instructing you along the way.

Starting from the North Face Car Park, you will walk to the CIC Hut, where you can refuel and kit up for the ridge. From here the start of the route bypasses the Douglas Boulder and heads up Easy Gully to gain access onto the ridge. Over the 600m route, there are moments of walking where you can fully appreciate the dramatic views of the North Face. Then, you will reach various steepenings along the way, giving you a great sense of adventure and satisfaction as you literally ‘climb’ Ben Nevis. Toward the end of the route, you are faced with the challenge of the renowned ‘Tower Gap’- a notch in the ridge that is guaranteed to give you the thrill of airy exposure as you step down into it and then climb up the other side, with only steep drops on either side (Don’t worry- you will be on a rope and completely safe!)

From here it is a short walk to the top. The descent will be one of the other 6 ridges- either Ledge Route or the CMD arête. However, if the group are particularly tired, we can choose to descend via the Mountain Track. A standard guided scramble of Tower Ridge will take approximately 7-9 hours depending on fitness levels.

*All these routes are also available during winter, though if you have no prior experience, we do suggest you book onto a 1-day Winter Skills Course prior to taking on Ben Nevis in the winter.

Included in the cost

  • A qualified guide who will provide you with instruction and ensure you get the most out of your day.
  • Harness, helmet, ropes and technical gear.
  • Transport to/from Newtonmore or Aviemore.

What to bring

  • Walking Boots
  • Waterproofs
  • Drink Bottle and Lunch
  • Warm clothes
  • Suncream, sunglasses and hat
  • Midge repellent
  • Any personal medication

Private 1:1 Instruction!

If you wish to book a instructor specifically for you or your group. Simply fill in an enquiry form by clicking the button to the right or drop us a ring on 01540 210 000. Private instructor rates start from £225.00 on a 1:1 ratio, additional adults £50.00 and children £25.00

Note – By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.

If you do not have previous experience and are wanting to attempt this in Winter, then we would recommend booking onto a winter skills training course first.

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Meeting Location

For this activity we aim to meet at the North Face Car Park at 09:00
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