NN1772 : On the Carn Mor Dearg ridge
Strenuous; scrambling on the CMD Arête

Carn Mor Dearg

1,221m Elevation
164m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN1772 : On the Carn Mor Dearg ridge

Peter S Photo source

Overview

Carn Mor Dearg

Carn Mor Dearg is a Munro in Lochaber, northeast of Ben Nevis. Its current surveyed elevation is 1,221.1 metres, rounded to 1,221 metres for a whole-metre display. The older 1,220-metre figure remains in some guidebooks and websites. A cairn marks the summit, which looks across Coire Leis towards the North Face of Ben Nevis. The Mamores lie to the south and the Aonachs to the east.

Routes and planning

The established North Face car park circuit climbs Carn Mor Dearg, crosses the CMD Arête to Ben Nevis and returns by the upper Mountain Track and the Allt a' Mhuilinn approach. Walkhighlands gives approximately 17.5 km, 1,506 metres of ascent and 10–11 hours for its specific itinerary. This is a strenuous outing with exposed scrambling, not a casual mountain walk. Its rough return includes a burn crossing that can be impassable in spate; the alternative bridge detour changes the distance and time.

Carn Mor Dearg can also be climbed without continuing over the arête. Use a mapped out-and-back approach from the North Face car park via the northern summit ridge, returning by the same route. Do not confuse this with a direct ascent from near the CIC Hut: that option crosses very steep, loose, broken ground. The exact mapped line for the summit-only option has not been verified.

Combining the mountain with the Aonachs is a specialist undertaking. The suggested Aonach Mor circular, Lairig Leacach approach and two-day traverse below are not verified complete itineraries. Plan the actual connections, descent, finish and any overnight stop before considering them; the narrow exposed arête should not be presented as a recommended campsite.

Local mountain guides have highlighted erosion on the lower Carn Mor Dearg approach. Check current route and responsible-access advice rather than widening eroded peat paths.

Landscape and geology

The peak consists of pink-to-grey granite from the Ben Nevis Inner Granite intrusion, which formed when magma cooled below the surface. Subsequent erosion and glaciation exposed and shaped the mountain. Its granite contrasts with the darker volcanic cliffs across the corrie on Ben Nevis.

The Scottish Mountaineering Club gives the Gaelic name's meaning as “Big red hill”.

Safety and conditions

The CMD Arête has steep drops, loose blocks and exposed scrambling. It requires appropriate experience, sure-footedness and a head for heights. Strong winds, wet rock and poor visibility can make the crossing much more serious. Reaching Ben Nevis still leaves a long descent requiring careful navigation.

Snow and ice can turn the arête into a winter mountaineering route. Appropriate winter skills and equipment, including an ice axe and crampons, may be needed. Do not assume spring or autumn offers gentle conditions. Check mountain weather and, when snow is present, the relevant avalanche information. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, suitable clothing, food, water, a torch and emergency equipment. Choose a route and turnaround time suited to the whole group.

Access and facilities

The North Face car park is reached from the A82 at Torlundy, outside Fort William. Parking is charged; check Forestry and Land Scotland for current charges and access notices. Its published postcode refers to the road turn-off, not the summit or exact car park entrance.

Buses between Fort William and Nevis Range or Spean Bridge can stop at Torlundy on request. There is no bus to the car park itself: allow for the additional approach and check the current timetable and last return. Forestry and Land Scotland lists the nearest public toilets at Fort William or Nevis Range. Carry everything needed for the mountain day.

Nearby summits include Ben Nevis, conventionally rounded to 1,345 metres, and Aonach Mor, whose surveyed height is 1,220.4 metres. Their proximity does not make connecting routes straightforward.

Sources

Reviewed 15 October 2026. These are planning summaries, not turn-by-turn navigation.

Explore routes near Carn Mor Dearg

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Coire Ardair lochan from Aberarder and back

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Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis via the CMD Arête (North Face circuit)

From the North Face car park, climb Carn Mor Dearg via its northern ridge, cross the CMD Arête to Ben Nevis, then return via the upper Mountain Track, Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe and Allt a' Mhuilinn. Walkhighlands gives approximately 17.5 km, 1,506 m ascent and 10–11 hours. A burn on the rough return can be impassable in spate; a bridge detour adds distance. Requires fitness, navigation and exposed scrambling skills. Snow and ice require winter mountaineering skills.

17.5 km ~11 hours Strenuous; exposed scrambling

Carn Mor Dearg from the North Face car park (out and back)

A summit-only option from the North Face car park, using the Allt a' Mhuilinn approach and northern summit ridge, with a return by the same route. It avoids continuing across the CMD Arête but still involves a substantial ascent and steep, rough mountain terrain. Do not mistake the very steep, loose direct slope above the CIC Hut for a straightforward path. Select a complete mapped line before setting out; the precise itinerary has not been verified.

Strenuous mountain walk

Carn Mor Dearg and Aonach Mor (unverified circuit)

Combining Carn Mor Dearg with the Aonachs is possible for experienced mountaineers, but this card does not establish a complete circular route. The precise Nevis Range start, connection between summits and return are unverified. The terrain between these mountains must not be treated as a straightforward continuous ridge walk. Use a specialist mapped itinerary and appropriate skills rather than navigating from this summary.

Specialist mountain route; itinerary unverified

Carn Mor Dearg via Lairig Leacach (unverified proposal)

The Spean Bridge–Lairig Leacach approach has not been verified as a complete route to Carn Mor Dearg. Its onward connection, descent and finish are not established. Do not rely on this card for navigation or treat it as a recommended day walk.

Unverified; no usable itinerary

Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg two-day traverse (unverified proposal)

A two-day plan needs an explicit start, finish, descent and safe, lawful overnight location. These have not been verified for this proposal. The CMD Arête is a narrow exposed scrambling ridge and should not be presented as a recommended campsite. This card is not a complete itinerary; use a complete specialist mapped itinerary with appropriate mountain experience and responsible-access guidance.

Unverified; exposed scrambling terrain
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

1,221m

4,006 ft

Prominence

164m

Coordinates

56.8053, -4.9866

NN177721

OS Map

41

Explorer: 392

At the Summit

A cairn marks the rocky summit. Steep ground falls away close by; the outlook includes the North Face of Ben Nevis across Coire Leis.

Terrain & Geology

Steep mountain paths rough and sometimes boggy lower slopes loose stones and boulders exposed scrambling on the CMD Arête pathless ground on some routes

Carn Mor Dearg exposes the Ben Nevis Inner Granite, a pink-to-grey intrusive rock formed as magma cooled beneath the surface. Later erosion and glaciation shaped the peak and its ridges.

Views & Scenery

The North Face of Ben Nevis lies to the southwest across Coire Leis, with the Mamores to the south and the Aonachs to the east. Views depend on visibility.

Best Seasons

Clear weather can bring extensive mountain views in any season. Spring and autumn can still have severe weather, snow or ice; choose conditions rather than assuming a season is benign.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The Scottish Mountaineering Club gives the Scottish Gaelic name Carn Mor Dearg as “Big red hill”.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

North Face car park near Torlundy, reached from the signed A82 turn-off outside Fort William. Parking is charged. Check Forestry and Land Scotland for current charges and access notices; PH33 6SW refers to the Torlundy turn-off.

Public Transport

Buses between Fort William and Nevis Range or Spean Bridge can stop at Torlundy on request. There is no bus to the North Face car park itself, so allow for the extra approach. Check current Traveline Scotland timetables and the last return.

Nearby Facilities

The North Face site has parking, picnic and viewpoint facilities. Forestry and Land Scotland lists the nearest public toilets at Fort William or Nevis Range. Carry food, water and equipment for the mountain day.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The CMD Arête involves exposed scrambling, steep drops and loose blocks; a slip can have serious consequences. Strong wind, wet rock and poor visibility increase the difficulty.
  • Direct slopes above the CIC Hut are very steep, loose and broken. The usual northern ridge approach is still a strenuous mountain ascent.
  • The full Ben Nevis circuit requires careful summit navigation and a long descent. Its pathless return includes a burn crossing that can be impassable in spate; plan the alternative bridge detour.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can turn the CMD Arête into a winter mountaineering route requiring winter skills, ice axe and crampons. Snow can persist beyond winter. Check mountain forecasts and relevant avalanche information; do not assume spring or autumn conditions are forgiving.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn Mor Dearg?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carn Mor Dearg through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carn Mor Dearg?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carn Mor Dearg search or of course create your own walk for Carn Mor Dearg

Can I organise a walk to Carn Mor Dearg?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Carn Mor Dearg?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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Location

Carn Mor Dearg location map

Grid reference: NN177721

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Nearby Hills

Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

Ben Nevis [Beinn Nibheis]

1,345m

Aonach Mor

1,220m

Aonach Beag

1,234m

An Gearanach

982m

Sgurr a' Mhaim

1,099m
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