Carn Mor Dearg - Highland, Scotland - Mountain Summits on Waymarking.com

Carn Mor Dearg, the big red cairn, is a 4012 feet, 1220 metre peak that is best known for being adjacent to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, of which it is linked by a high arete, known as the CMD Arete.

The mountain lies to the north-east of the Ben, and offers a perfect view of its north-east face which is unseen by the thousands who use the tourist route. Carn Mor Dearg is the high point of a ridge which extends northwards on the eastern side of Coire Leis which separates it from Ben Nevis, the summit is a stony peak of the pinkish rock that gives the mountain its name.

STEEPNESS: A stiff but manageable climb from either the north-west or from Ben Nevis. Much steeper direct from from Coire Leis.

TERRAIN: Muddy boggy ground on the lower slope, stony and rockier higher up.

ACCESSIBILTY: The easiest approach is four miles from the North Face car park at Torlundy which follows the ridge to the summit. It can also be reached from the Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis, either via Ben Nevis, or dropping down into Coire Leis from the Ben's tourist path.

NAVIGATION: From the North Face car park, follow signs through the forest for the North Face, which leads on to the open hillside where the muddy path branches off to the left. From here it pays to keep to the highest point of the ridge which goes over the neighbouring top of Carn Dearg Meadhonach before heading up the stony summit. The arete from Ben Nevis is easy to follow as it swings round eastwards then north.

DANGER: There is a steep drop on the eastward side of the ridge, especially close to the summit. The arete requires care with a few areas of mild scrambling.