LEDGE ROUTE BEN NEVIS - COMPLETE GUIDE TO ONE OF SCOTLANDS BEST SCRAMBLES

Ledge Route on Ben Nevis offers one of the most rewarding ways to reach the highest point in Britain. This Grade 2 scramble climbs through the dramatic cliffs of the North Face, winding across exposed ledges and narrow ridges before emerging onto the summit plateau.

Unlike the popular Mountain Track, Ledge Route provides a true mountain adventure — quieter, steeper, and far more scenic. If you’re looking for one of the best scrambles on Ben Nevis, this is it.

What Makes the Ledge Route So Special

The North Face of Ben Nevis is one of the most impressive landscapes in the UK. Its steep buttresses, gullies, and towers seem impossible to climb until you discover the line of the Ledge Route, which threads its way through the cliffs. It’s wild yet accessible — a rare balance on one of Britain’s largest cliffs.

The route gains around 400 metres over roughly 800 metres of scrambling, linking natural ledges and ridges that rise above the Allt a’ Mhuilinn. Every step upward brings bigger views and deeper satisfaction.

How to Get There & Start the Route

The walk begins from the North Face car park near Torlundy (grid ref NN 146 767). From there, follow the Allt a’ Mhuilinn path as it climbs through forest and moorland, steadily revealing the towering cliffs ahead. After about 5 km you’ll reach the CIC Hut, the climbers’ base below the North Face.

From the hut, cross the burn and continue towards Number Five Gully, the wide cleft between Carn Dearg Buttress and Moonlight Buttress. In early summer, snow often lingers here — check conditions before setting out.

The Scramble: Step-by-Step

Entering the gully, a ramp on the right leads to the first system of terraces — the “ledges” that give the route its name. From here, the ground rises in a mixture of walking and hands-on scrambling. The exposure increases quickly, but the holds are solid and the views are breathtaking.

A short slab section forms the route’s crux, often damp and slippery but straightforward for those with good balance. Once above, the terrain becomes a series of broad steps and rocky ribs, climbing toward a narrow crest.

The final section follows this ridge high above the cliffs, offering incredible panoramas across Lochaber, the Mamores, and the Grey Corries. It’s one of the most scenic sections on the entire mountain. Eventually, you reach the summit of Carn Dearg, from where a short walk brings you onto the Ben Nevis summit plateau.

Key Stats

• Total distance: 19.5 km round trip
• Ascent: 1,345 m
• Time required: 7–9 hours
• Grade: 2 scramble (summer conditions)
• Start/finish: North Face car park, Torlundy
• Maps: OS Explorer 392 | Harvey Superwalker Ben Nevis & Mamores

Equipment and Skills

Even in summer, the North Face can be cold, wet, or windy. Bring:

• Sturdy waterproof boots or approach shoes with good grip
• Helmet and harness
• Warm layers and a waterproof shell
• Map, compass / GPS
• Ice axe and crampons if snow remains on the north face

A rope is optional for confident scramblers but provides reassurance for less experienced climbers on exposed sections. If you’re new to scrambling, consider hiring a Ben Nevis mountain guide for extra safety and route finding.

Best Time to Climb the Ledge Route

Ledge Route (summer) season runs roughly from June to early October. Earlier in the year, snow and ice can linger, especially in shaded gullies. Late summer and early autumn often bring the most stable conditions, though rain can appear at any time.

Always check the MWIS (Scottish West Highlands) forecast before heading out. If the cloud drops or the rock is slick, take your time and be prepared to retreat if necessary. 

Comparing Routes: Ledge Route vs Mountain Track

While the Mountain Track is straightforward and well-trodden, it lacks the atmosphere and solitude of the North Face. Ledge Route offers a deeper connection with the mountain — hands-on movement, dramatic scenery, and that thrilling sense of exposure that makes scrambling so satisfying.

If you’re confident on rock and have solid hill skills, it’s by far the most rewarding way to climb Ben Nevis.

Safety & Navigation Tips

The weather on Ben Nevis can change in a matter of minutes. Even experienced mountaineers have been caught out by sudden cloud or snow. Plan conservatively, carry emergency gear, and always inform someone of your route and expected return time.

When visibility drops, navigation can be difficult, especially when locating the top of the descent route from the summit plateau. Compass bearings are vital here — cliffs lie dangerously close to the summit edge. How to Navigate off Ben Nevis Summit.

Why Ledge Route Should Be on Your Bucket List

Climbing Ledge Route on Ben Nevis is more than a hike — it’s a mountain journey. You start in the glen, thread your way through towering cliffs, and finish standing above all of the UK. Every section delivers new challenges, from grassy terraces to solid volcanic rock and airy ridges.

It’s a challenge that pushes you just far enough to feel alive but not beyond reach for experienced hillwalkers. When you finally step onto the summit plateau, you’ll know you’ve earned every view, every heartbeat, and every photo.

Climb Ledge Route with Synergy Guides.

Synergy Guides deliver guided climbing and mountaineering on Skye, Ben Nevis and in the mountains of Glencoe. We also offer instructional courses and bespoke adventures for larger groups.

Synergy Guides deliver Winter Mountaineering from our base in Fort William where we teach people how to stay safe in the winter environment. We aim to cover the basics plus climb some classic introductory mountaineering routes on Ben Nevis and in Glencoe.

Already an experienced mountaineer? Take your skills a step further and join us for an Intro to Winter Climbing or push your grades on a Performance Winter Climbing course.

About the author

Steve Holmes owns Synergy Guides, he is a fully qualified Mountaineering Instructor and holds the WMCI (MIC) award. He spends most of the spring/summer on Ben Nevis and the Isle of Skye. You can read more about him here.