21.11.13 - Ledge Route, II, Ben Nevis

Today I headed off on my tod,up the path to the CIC hut to see how things were coming along up on the Ben.  I had decided to ascend Ledge Route to the summit of Carn Dearg.  I love this route, its a super classic and having done it several times, it allows me to make good comparisons/assessments for current conditions.  At the foot of No5 Gully, there was a lot of recent (within 6-12hrs) avalanche debris with very loose large-ish blocks which gave way underfoot.  A crown wall spanning the entire widest section of the gully was spotted about 3/4 of the way up the gully.  Once topped out on Carn Dearg, I made my way round past some large and very unstable cornices to No4 gully which looked like death on a stick, so a descent was made via the Redburn and on to Torlundy.  A good day out with great company!

Castle Ridge (prob the only time its in nick!)

NE Buttress and Tower Ridge

Coire na Ciste today

Tower Ridge West Flank

Recent avalanche debris at the bottom of No5 Gully

The crown wall high up No5 Gully

Looking back down Ledge Routes upper section

Carn Dearg Summit