Approach by following the Allt a’ Mhuillinn path towards the Charles Inglis Clark (CIC) Hut and the ridge, which is the first of the great ridges on the North Face, starts from the gully below the large buttress called ‘The Castle’.
Scottish winter mountaineering can mean anything from hillwalking to technical climbing, and the footwear and equipment requirements are different for every activity. However, it is a majestic mountain with three shapely peaks framing the skyline. The ridge curves in a graceful line around the head of the Coire Leis and is best reached by pathless ground after branching off from the Allt a’ Mhuilinn path and, after ascending steep slopes, leading over Carn Mor Meadhonach and Carn Mor Dearg to reach the ridge.
The route starts at an obvious skyline ridge and what follows is a brilliant line up to the col splitting the peaks. The East Ridge of the North Buttress varies slightly in grade depending on the line taken, but whichever line is taken it still requires good technical and route finding ability.
The ridge is reached by walking below the ski lifts in a westerly direction along the well used path towards Coire an t-Sneachda (watch out for the point where the path splits after about 500m).
The climbing increases in difficulty as height is gained so don’t be fooled into thinking it is an easy option. That's me and Erick on our way to ski No4. The descent back into Glen Nevis, while obviously needing care, is straight forward enough.Compared to the more sought-after ridges of Ben Nevis, Castle Ridge is prone to being overlooked. Summit selfies obligatory!Along with the Aonach Eagach and maybe An Teallach, the traverse of Liathach ranks right up there with the most committing of lower grade mainland ridges and, particularly in winter, it is a major undertaking. It's more a walk than a climb, perhaps, but still top among the Scottish ridges for scenery and big mountain atmosphere.It may be technically more amenable than Torridon's other great ridges, particularly neighbouring Liathach, but a winter traverse of the Beinn Eighe range lacks for nothing in physical challenge and pure scenic impact. The combination of arctic weather and proximity of the sea means that dream conditions are often there today and gone tomorrow. The best part of this route is the ridge between Meall a Bhuiridh and Creise, which feels like an aerial walkway above the corries that drop steeply away on either side. Learn the ropes, master the skills to lead or get out with a guide on some of the classic winter routes. So far, all we've asked of you is that you visit and interact with the site but we are in uncertain times. Yes, this route really has it all!A traverse of the Forcan Ridge always feels like a classic Alpine day out. As well as that, this route has the advantage of being easily accessed from the White Corries chair lift! Just driving up the A87 Glen Shiel road sets the scene and, after parking and then following the obvious stalkers’ path around and up on to the summit of Meallan Odhar, a broad ridge leads to the obvious crest of the Forcan Ridge. A route to disprove that all grade I gullies are the same, it is a varied outing that is often more involving than the majority of routes at the grade. I guess some of the other classic ridges such as An Teallach are harder than grade I. No guidebook or route description is necessary; you just start at the bottom and follow the increasingly narrow and impressive snow arête to the top, relishing the expansive views on both sides and the occasional rocky step. After such a dramatic ascent the summit of Sgor Iutharn (1028m) is something of an anticlimax, but walking on to UKClimbing is a vibrant web site with rich content and an amazing community. Easy snow slopes lead you in gently, and then the angle gradually increases until by the time you're clearing the cornice there's a real sense of height below. The traverse is long, technically intricate and with few escape options – attempters should ensure they have the skills required. Finding the safe descent is key, but once down at the road you’ll reflect on what a fantastic adventure it’s been. Area: Central Highlands, Glencoe: Grade: Winter II what does that mean? You can show your support in one of two ways; both come with rewards, and one includes discounted products from Rockfax.Please help UKClimbing continue to provide varied and free content by becoming an official UKC Supporter.