The Best way up BEN NEVIS : Scotland's Highest Mountain via the CMD Arete

Рет қаралды 34,519

Күн бұрын

Ben Nevis via The CMD Arete is one of Scotland's Best routes and certinly one of the best ways to the summit of the UK's highest Mountain. When a spring weather window opened up for a short period after some snow fall, I headed off on a rather early but amazing climb to the top of Britain. I also had a little complaint at the end of the hike.....
Ben Nevis Playlist here - • Ben Nevis - UKs Highes...
Link to old 2013 video here : • CMD Arete and Ben Nevi...
NB - Update on parking - the FC responded to all my emails which I thank them for. I eventually got through to Ringo by telephone after four attempts the following day. I still cannot seem to register online via the app for some reason (probably my Luddite knowledge!!). The main issue was Ringo and struggling (and stressing out) to pay. The FC have confirmed they are NOT adding coin meters so I think the only way to pay will be via ringo. I dont mind paying as it will go towards a nice and bigger car park hopefully. I apologise for my rant!!lol Just wanted to add this if it is any use to anyone else.....
Follow me on the below links:)
Instagram - / scotlandsmountains
Twitter - / steamingboots
Facebook - / steaming.boots.71
Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/scotlan...
All music from the KZfaq Library and Powerdirector 365 shutterstock membership. (Calm Storm and Ascernt)
NB -The content within is strictly only reports from my trips out detailing the days we have had. They are not intended as guides or routes to be used by others - rather memories of my trips. Not all videos are shot recently and some are form months or even year ago. Take care and be responsible for your activities. Be safe and prepared and have a great time in the Great Outdoors :)
#BenNevis #mountaineering #scotlandsmountains
00:00 CMD Arete to Ben Nevis intro
01:33 an Alpine Start
04:29 dawn approaching highest mountain
07:23 sunrise over the Aonachs
09:07 summit 1 1179m
12:01 CMD summit 2
13:37 starting the CMD Arete scramble
19:10 nearing the end and the narrow part of the CMD Arete
20:53 final ascent to Ben Nevis - dont forget your crampons and axe!
21:44 summit of Ben Nevis
25:11 over view and moan from me

Пікірлер: 307

@redbarron7293 3 ай бұрын

You’re right Murray….There are stacks of channels out there doing hill walking but there is only the 1 King in Scotland and he eats Scotch Eggs….yet another fantastic episode.

@catsuperhighway1294 3 ай бұрын

People like you showing people wonderous things we could never have chance to see in real life, please continue.

@John71 Ай бұрын

Thank you Murray, just wow, I have no words really, epically wonderful and beautiful video. Scotland sticking a finger up to the Alps 😁 shouting we are just as beautiful! The CMD Arête is just gorgeous in the snow. 😍

@harrylinsdell8114 3 ай бұрын

Good to see someone do videos for pleasure and not just for the money. I think a lot expect to make loads and pack it in when they don't .some do it full time and it must be hard thinking of new videos to make day after day.great video by the way and thanks always for sharing

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Harry - think I would struggle if I had to rely on KZfaq for a living ! would need 100 times more viewer I think lol Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@simonrobbins815 3 ай бұрын

@@ScotlandsMountains You deserve x100 more viewers Murray 😃🙏

@vanessamoyes6243 3 ай бұрын

Totally agree,that's why I like watching these.. his enjoyment shines through and that's what makes his videos interesting

@raymondporter2094 3 ай бұрын

There is NO WAY you'd get me walking across that arrete.

@moragmiller9653 3 ай бұрын

Please, Murray, never give up on your KZfaq channel. I so look forward to every Wed for your videos. I love seeing the places in Scotland that I can never get to see for myself, sadly. Keep them coming.

@fraserloch1290 3 ай бұрын

Another fantastic video Murry ,always look forward to watching them on a Wed just to see where your next adventure takes us . 👍

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Morgan - very much appreciated Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@tonystrange7224 3 ай бұрын

Honestly Murray I think you are either a wizard or have a direct line to god. Your videos just keep getting better and better. Just when I think you can’t make a better video, off you trot and hit it out of the ball park. Stunning video this one absolutely loved it. Thank you doesn’t even begin to express my thanks for what you do and bring us, your viewers. Cheers Murray and stay safe

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Tony - very kind words - I must admit that I can sometimes find it hard to keep the videos going especially after a day like I had on Ben Nevis with the stunning scenery and views - the next video could be a walk in the clouds to a drummochter munro (nothing wrong with that) but it is no where near as cinematic or inspiring ! :) The truth of being a KZfaqr!!lol Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@user-kx5fz2ng5z 3 ай бұрын

Another spectacular video of a climb in the Scottish mountains in their late winter mantle. These videos bring your viewers a lot of pleasure and are much appreciated.

@georgeyoung8887 3 ай бұрын

I've been ill and unable to get out into the hills for the last 6 months but wonderful videos like this really help me to get my mountain fix and to give me inspiration & motivation for future days out. Thanks for providing us all with these films which are relaxing, inspiring, and informative. They really help.

@pb973 2 ай бұрын

Murray, keep up the good work. Your channel with it's name is just great. You have an authentic channel where plenty of the other channels are fake. God Bless and stay safe. 😊

@ScotlandsMountains 2 ай бұрын

🙏

@ross077 3 ай бұрын

Spectacular route. This would be a big day for me so appreciate the opportunity to live vicariously through you Murray👍

@paulstubbs1843 3 ай бұрын

Bloody brilliant! Your enthusiasm is heart warming Murray. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying how grateful we are that you do do these videos 👍

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Paul - much appreciated Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@danielmain9944 3 ай бұрын

What a wonderful video! I don’t think anyone minded that ‘Rant’ at the end. Would hardly even call it rant as you had a point and despite the difficulties, you still manage to bring out the positives rather than just complaining! You’re clearly a lovely guy and you inspire me through your positive attitude, the way you appreciate nature (Never taking it for granted) and the effort you put into your videos!

@gobuddygo1 5 күн бұрын

Beautiful drone work... what a super climb!

@Collected1 3 ай бұрын

The summit of Ben Nevis really is incredible when the cloud & mist suddenly clears away and you're surrounded with the clear blue sky. Great video.

@RobJones-zp8xx 3 ай бұрын

Every Thursday a pop-up appears on my screen in school telling me that you have posted another video. Even if I don't notice it my kids do. As my weekend starts on a Thursday, it is not complete without a Scotland's Mountains video. Looking forward to getting back to them in the summer. There are many KZfaq channels on Scotland but there is a very good reason why so many people come back to yours. Keep up the good work. They are so good!

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Rob - very much appreciated - have a great long weekend Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@precariousdave 2 ай бұрын

Wow, I'd defo make a video if I had a day like that. As you say, personal reminder that you will look back on very fondly thinking "that wasn't a wasted day". And if others get pleasure too ... and I do ... inspiration even. Thanks

@RWBHere 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Murray. I'll never be able to climb another mountain, but was with you all the way in this video. The only time I've seen Ben Nevis was in the distance, from Cairn Gorm, on a windy and rainy day in late September. The scenery in this video is truly beautiful, even with the fog. As for your rant, yes, you're right to voice those experiences.

@scot1425 3 ай бұрын

Brings back such memories of twenty five thirty years ago when the Ben and its ridges were such happy places for me. Castle Ridge, Tower Ridge, Observatory Ridge, North East Buttress, CMD Arrete. Now the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. However your videos make it seem like yesterday when my mates and I climbed believing those days would last forever.

@RobertWachlarz 3 ай бұрын

Well put..

@HD-dz4uk 3 ай бұрын

Great video and never give up, never managed to get to that side unfortunately. Took 9 hours to do the pony track after a serious Spinal op and I'm really proud of it. Best view of the Ben I've managed was sitting on Stob Ban in glorious sunshine watching a continuous line of people still heading for the top. Great stuff as always 👏 thanks for your efforts.

@rickyhill5263 3 ай бұрын

Superb footage, very well put together. The 360 footage does make it look very steep, not that bad from what I remember. It's always mid boggling to see folk so ill prepared for the conditions, but it's never a surprise!

@gainesy_walks 2 ай бұрын

Superb video Murray, really enjoyed it. It's quite a few years since I was up Aonach Beag in those conditions. A fantastic day, RAF Tornados buzzed below us and saw an Eagle, just reminded me of that day. Thank you for sharing, David. PS thats amateur moaning 😉

@SarahLee220 2 ай бұрын

One of the best KZfaqrs out there. You can really see how much you do these videos for the love of things and really have your own style compared to a lot of other KZfaqrs out there. Your knowledge and experience is so evident. Brilliant video as always 🎉

@ScotlandsMountains 2 ай бұрын

Thank you Sarah - very much appreciated - hope you enjoyed the video - twas a fun trip :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@scotthoward5098 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely superb Love watching your videos Murray You are lucky to have the mountains so close

@joanhuggett5164 3 ай бұрын

This is beautiful, Murray, to look at and listen to. Your photography is second to none and you speak as though confiding in a friend. I find it very special.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Joan

@_Mountain_Dave 3 ай бұрын

Ah some stunning views looked a great day and alas last time i did this few months back, albeit in reverse after a north ascent with my climbing partner we literally had rope lenght of vis and was glad to get off the arete due to the deteriorating conditions. Really enjoyed this one and the drone views, thank you - defo an Alpine start time! I will just add for anyone stumbling across this as a recce to going up the Ben and given how many untrained/naive to potential conditions and MRT enducing people go up the Ben then do not use this route, google the pony track! Also the safe escape route off the summit if the clag comes down is 231 bearing for 150m (Critical to avoid death falling into Gardyloo gully), if the ground starts to get increasingly steeper on your 231 bearing STOP you have gone too far and dangerous fall awaits. Given a correct 150 m pacing from the summit then take a 282 bearing until picking up the pony track. Do not divert to the left when the ground steepens on your 282 bearing as a potential fall down five finger gully is also a very real risk. Practice pacing so you know what 150m is of your stride is in control conditions before you go up the Ben. Please educate on how to use a Map and Compass and know how to use them (GPS screens can easily smash if you have a fall, or equally fail). As for most Alpine feeling traverse route in Winter for Scotland, that is a very thought provoking question and personal as you say. For me in full winter conditions i'd say its Liathach by some distance (well apart from the stunning sea views out to the Minch if the vis permits). Thankfully its a lot further drive for most so it's much quieter too. Great channel, narration and content. Safe travels out there.

@biagiosadventures7204 3 ай бұрын

Just excellent, Murray. A great video, stunning footage and as always a great story teller👍👏Thank you.

@frankcosgrove9958 3 ай бұрын

Defo your best video yet and I agree best Alpine walk in Scotland

@markhaggitt7731 3 ай бұрын

Stunning as usual. Your video's are so good ! Cant believe you are not being paid by scotlands tourist industry. The drone footage was absolutely brilliant.

@stephenbaker7344 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for more inspiration Murray. Another stunning video. Well done for the honesty with the car park.

@annlowson258 3 ай бұрын

Another awesome video, Murray, and thank you for getting up so early so we can share these stunning views!! Your videos are the best and your TGO award is so much deserved!!🙂🙂

@MountainManJohnFilms 3 ай бұрын

Spot on Murray. It's clear what your films are for. You love the days on the hill. And you want to keep the memories, and share them. Your videos are what inspired me to make more effort on mine and start my Channel. Not many views but I still love that part of my mountain hobby. As for this film CMD again, got me jealous AGAIN. 😂❤. Awesome

@mariomiguel010 3 ай бұрын

Another great video, wonderful views and a hike to be jealous of, in lovely weather. Thank you for sharing one more adventure!

@ibrstellar1080 3 ай бұрын

That sunrise was stunning and I bet someone like Thomas Heaton would be salivating at the sight of that golden sun.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

It was rather fine - nothing beats white mountains and blue skies :) Thanks for watching

@nathanphipps5120 3 ай бұрын

Never tackled this route as yet murray but it looks spectacular and don.t ever quit doing what you do.i know its not just me saying this but if I ever feel lifes getting to busy and I'm not getting out enough I can always watch a couple of your videos and it resets my focus.you keep going murray 👍

@calumpaterson123 3 ай бұрын

Another cracking video Murray! I totally agree... the CMD is my favourite route up in the Ben... and I also agree that Ringo and parking in general can be painfully frustrating. Happy Adventuring!

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Calum :)

@gregjekk7994 3 ай бұрын

I have been on Ben Nevis only once (summer 2021), but yes I took the CMD Arete route. So much better than the crowded Pony Track! Great footage!

@lostintransit5822 3 ай бұрын

It’ll be a sad day when you decide not to make videos. That was a stunning trip, looked a bit scary at points on what looked like a snowy knife edge. Loved it, Thanks

@TerryMcGearyScotland 3 ай бұрын

Always sure to be good , your videos Murray. And you’re absolutely right: do KZfaq for fun and not profit. I’m somewhat addicted to it. PS my wife enjoyed this video. That is praise indeed! Atb, Terry

@allankerr668 3 ай бұрын

Just bloody marvellous! 👌🤛👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

🙏

@vanessajackson3686 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Murray , super. winter conditions .

@dalriadaskillen 3 ай бұрын

Stunning views, Murray. A beautiful morning showing the mountains off at their best. Another great adventure. Superb.

@brycehermon5939 3 ай бұрын

Such an excellent video thanks Murray. Absolutely stunning scenery with 360-degree breathtaking views. The drone footage was outstanding.

@Glenuig 2 ай бұрын

Best Scottish mountains video I have seen in a while. Love the effort

@ScotlandsMountains 2 ай бұрын

thank you - very much appreciated Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@simonrobbins815 3 ай бұрын

Spectacular, Murray. Definitely worth it, excellent editing. Loved the footage of the broken spectres Thanks so much for making these videos.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thank you Simon and Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@jamieb741 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely fantastic Murray , and a huge , huge thank you 😊

@philpoole5670 3 ай бұрын

Wow wow wow stunning… and the video n pic’s absolutely fantastic …

@rayharris245 3 ай бұрын

Hi Murray absolutely stunning,you worked so hard to bring this to us thanks from us both Happy Easter to you and your family

@MinnieMj 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic video, my favourite CMD arete to Nevis footage I've seen! I can't wait to try this again in summer, we only got as far as start of arete last year as we had to turn back due to fast adverse weather. Love how you cover each section, sound advice too. Surprised you hadn't eaten the whole time though 😂 I ate 2-3 times on my first trek up CMD. Anyways, those images you captured are amazing. Thanks again.

@annemay8379 3 ай бұрын

Your enthusiasm, excellent commentary and brilliant photography always make your adventures a joy to watch . Can’t thank you enough. I always look forward to Wednesday evenings. Your channel is, as far as I’m concerned, the best and you do it for love of the mountains and not for money! Wow!❤❤😀

@rtk3543 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant video Murray, spectacular views as always, much appreciated. As for Ringo 💩

@ellenlepore3083 3 ай бұрын

Breathtaking aerial views 🏔️! Fantastic video!

@garrygreen3210 3 ай бұрын

Outstanding Murray lad. The future missus and I did this in summer, in the mid 80’s, started at 11am and finished at the chip van on the loch side in Fort William at 10.30pm. Cracking day ... clear skies all day, the late start due to low cloud at sea level, and an Olympian level of persuasion on my part ... “it’s going to clear”, and boy, it did. It was an epic outing. Still together now, so it must not have put her off!

@robinthebobin6537 3 ай бұрын

Another truly incredible piece of art Murray! I hope you realise quite how special your cinematography and storytelling on these videos are. I'm a young outdoor lover in the Midlands, and these videos just make me smile every time I watch them

@glenmurray8447 3 ай бұрын

Simply stunning footage. I have only ever done the tourist route up the Ben 🥴. And quite enjoy you gibbering on so very pleased you still enjoy you tubing.

@paulisacrazyfreak101 3 ай бұрын

Please keep doing youtube Murray your videos have provided me with so much inspiration. I won the walkhighlands report of the month for January 2023 for my report on CMD, your video was a big inspiration for wanting to do it for sunrise. I can imagine youtube being a frustrating platform that seems heavily weighted on algorithms, video titles and the thumbnail. If you visit the lake District that is far worse for parking charges. I must admit full carparks and hundreds of people I find off-putting and prefer to seek solitude which im sure you relate with. Cheers Murray

@Kiestaff85 3 ай бұрын

Unreal mate! Outstanding footage, I’ve yet to give it a go in winter conditions. Awesome. Thanks 🙌🏻

@garth5507 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant video and also CMD with the Arete means you can achieve 2 of the 4000's in one go. This was the first time my Mrs did it, and no crowds, love the route

@benvickery 3 ай бұрын

I’ve been watching your videos for years and especially enjoyed all your camping adventures with Ray. Your video was really inspiring and I’m hoping to visit Fort William in the summer and walk the Ramsay Round over 4 days. The last step of that is to do the CMD arête, so fingers crossed I can do that and hopefully have stunning weather too. I’d like to travel light and sleep in a bivvy bag so I’ll have to camp high up to avoid the midges. I do hope you keep making the videos, I always enjoy them!

@yvonnefarrell1029 3 ай бұрын

No words, Murray. Out of words. Too wonderful.

@MountainDude 2 ай бұрын

Griaß di, Very nice video and cool tour. Many greetings from the Allgäu, the Dude

@nickchurchman6815 3 ай бұрын

It is worth YOU doing KZfaq for US who love your films - thank you again for keeping me entertained

@diegoecheagaray2124 3 ай бұрын

As usual, excellent video, extraordinary filming and beautiful scenery! Keep it up!

@wullieoutdoorsinscotland2192 3 ай бұрын

Superb video yet again Murray , cheers . PS how You’ve not got 1000s of more viewers and subscribers still baffles me to this day , there isn't a channel on Scottish mountains that even comes close to yours which is weird AF 😂

@lecturer28 3 ай бұрын

Terrific Murray - thanks.

@rolandmd73 3 ай бұрын

Amazing views. I remember that beautiful two part overnight camp serie you mention. One of my favorite videos of your channel. Going to watch them after this 😉

@adventures_of_a_dale 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic images, some day out that is.

@RemingtonFoo 3 ай бұрын

Definitely still worth doing KZfaq. Rare to find a channel as cinematic as yours.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks and thanks for watching ATB Murray

@getupandgo764 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely awesome channel and this video was spectacular, never miss any of your uploads. Thank you.

@ScotlandsMountains 2 ай бұрын

🙏👍

@iainmaciver4430 3 ай бұрын

Another great wee video wow bit scary going along that ridge but what views 👍

@danhayward71 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic video Murray, again! What an absolute gent you are, keep up the fantastic work 👏

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

🙏

@richardsmithson8644 3 ай бұрын

That was an absolutely stunning video and brought back some great memories for me. Thanks

@TheHoustonWay 3 ай бұрын

That looked incredible. Wish we got more snow on the mountains in Ireland..blink and you miss it here.

@kennymcallister2523 3 ай бұрын

Another cracking video Murray I see CMD arête daily from my window born brought up running cycling lochaber great playground the Aonachs carn dearg and the mamores are my favourite training ground 🏃‍♂️ 🚴 🐶 ps your an honest gent not a rant you were correct on both counts 😜

@matt6477 3 ай бұрын

One of your best 🎉thank you so much …. Your videos are superb and a happy pill 💊

@ronniebryce162 3 ай бұрын

Outstanding drone work, some of the very best in the Scottish mountains, in all of Scotland, well planned, well executed and well delivered. When is the book for newbies coming out?Seriously.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

If I ever find time - I'll write a book - maybe more likely a comic!!lol Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@jamesmonoghan1281 2 ай бұрын

Superb! I'm gearing up for my fourth Nevis ascent. One of these days! 😉

@Towpathtraveller1693 3 ай бұрын

another stunning video, beautiful views, stay safe

@nbuchan1 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic video - spine tingling to watch.

@vincentkrause7097 3 ай бұрын

^Fantastic video. Still renember your old video it was the first video that I watched on your chanel

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

🙏

@cressidaheath9252 3 ай бұрын

Having come across your channel only recently, I am addicted to watching the whole backcatalog of videos. The scenery is so stunning and the adventures into the wilderness are inspiring. Thank you for doing what you do, and please don't stop sharing your adventures.

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thank you and welcome to the channel - hope you enjoy some of the adventures over here :) 🙏 Thanks for watching

@debskeith 3 ай бұрын

Another absolutely stunning video thanks Murray, personally I couldn’t have done the ridge but the scenery was amazing 👍

@JTT2505 3 ай бұрын

More food for the soul from the Man Wae The Van. Thanks again Murray.

@suebrown436 3 ай бұрын

What a treat to watch - and thank goodness you stuck with KZfaq or your beautiful videos wouldn't have found me (or vice versa!). The drone footage was incredible. What a climb, Murray! Thank you!!

@andrewwalker6449 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely 💯 superb.

@heathercampbell6906 3 ай бұрын

wow just wow beautiful murray amazing view yr videos r amazing u should get yr tv show u deserve it yr videos r amazing canny wait till nxt week👍👍

@ScotlandsMountains 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Heather :) Thanks for watching ATB Murray

@wizzoneill 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful as ever, thanks Murray, don't stop filming these adventures! CMD winter wonderland on the bucket list. ❤

@grahamhaines9931 3 ай бұрын

I love the way you fly the drone to make the mountains in the background ‘magically’ appear. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

@lyndseywilson9462 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely awesome Murray. The days that dreams are made of. When it all comes together and you beat the weather front. We'll done a great video thankyou 😊

@gardupgti4609 2 ай бұрын

Not grumpy and not talking nonsense. As usual, really wonderful video. Thanks Murray.

@peterheasman8883 3 ай бұрын

Superb :) Been many Moons since I have been there.

@brianst8 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant video Murray. I am looking forward to getting this done over the summer this year. Thanks for sharing🙌

@GoproToursUK 3 ай бұрын

Afternoon Murray WOW stunning video & safety advice.Back from Scotland now🥰Happy Easter❤

@NathalieTasler 3 ай бұрын

Keep at it! We watch you Sunday mornings for breakfast. And your shots are beautiful! Do you have a photobook on sale somewhere?

@roycarr1975 3 ай бұрын

Great work as always Murray. Thank you!

@suebrown3465 3 ай бұрын

The drone camera is so clear and I loved the illusion that the mountain you were on looked like it was rising above the mountain in the background when the drone was lowering I see the angle you’re hiking and it takes good leg muscles..over eight hours on one scotch egg..maybe a few jelly babies! You had a beautiful day ..a very enjoyable video Take care 🇨🇦❤️

@human_lover 3 ай бұрын

Good job ❤

@neilbower123 3 ай бұрын

Looks a grand route; greta vid, keep it up, I for one, love your coverage

@GaryB_OutandAbout 3 ай бұрын

Your drone work continues to be mesmerising, Murray 👏🏼 Ugh parking companies and parking apps. They’re the tool of the Devil! But I guess it’d be even more chaotic without. I love the look of that route. Absolutely superb. I keep saying it, but must must get back up there. Another great video and fantastic trip out 👍🏼 Cheers, Gary B