Càrn Mòr Dearg
Mountain Scottish Munro neighbouring Ben Nevis via arête
Càrn Mòr Dearg sits on the northeast ridge of Ben Nevis; hillwalkers use its famous arête to link summits and to gain high mountain views.
Càrn Mòr Dearg is a Scottish mountain in the Lochaber area of the Highlands, immediately adjacent to Ben Nevis, and has a summit elevation of about 1,220 metres. Its name is Gaelic and the mountain is classed as a Munro.
The principal feature is the Càrn Mòr Dearg arête, a narrow ridgeline about 1 kilometre long that provides a direct high-level link to the summit of Ben Nevis. Scrambling along the arête and the ridge walk are primary reasons climbers visit; the route is commonly combined with an ascent of Ben Nevis.
The mountain was formed by the same glacial and tectonic processes that created the Ben Nevis massif and has long been part of Highland hillwalking culture. It is managed as part of the surrounding mountain environment and accessed from Glen Nevis and nearby access points.
Situated in Lochaber, the peak sits immediately east-northeast of Ben Nevis and is within easy reach of the town of Fort William, the nearest major settlement and usual base for climbs in the area.
- Elevation and route: Summit elevation 1,220 metres, with a notable arête that links directly to the summit of Ben Nevis.
- Common route: Frequently climbed as part of the Càrn Mòr Dearg to Ben Nevis ridge traverse, often in the same outing as Ben Nevis itself.
How to Get to Càrn Mòr Dearg #
Typical approaches start from the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis near Fort William. Public buses connect Fort William to the visitor centre in summer; routes and timings vary seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Càrn Mòr Dearg #
- The Càrn Mòr Dearg Arete provides a dramatic ridge walk to Ben Nevis-experienced walkers should carry rope or alpine gear for poor conditions.
- Start from Glen Nevis or the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre; public buses connect Fort William to the trailheads in summer.
- Weather on the Aonach Eagach and neighboring ridges can be savage-check Mountain Bothy weather reports and local guides.
Best Time to Visit Càrn Mòr Dearg #
Summer months offer the safest window for climbing and ridge walks; shoulder seasons require alpine experience.
Weather & Climate near Càrn Mòr Dearg #
Càrn Mòr Dearg's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 12°C. Heavy rainfall (3318 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (410 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (272 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (324 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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July
July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (180 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (214 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (301 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (351 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (365 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (378 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
