Denali Training course - Fort William and Ben Nevis area

Ralf and myself had an interesting and varied expedition over the past three days looking at training for his trip to Denali. The weather wasn’t ideal Monday as it rained all day at all levels.

Day one
We caught the Aonach Mor Gondola up. Then walked round to climb the central ridge of Carn Mor Dearg, a tough 600m + climb mostly on boulders with snow at the top. We then descended to meet another Adventure Peaks team just above the CIC hut to pick up a tent. Where we had a wet night camping on the snow and doing some Jumar and abseil practice.

Day two
Tuesday was dry at least but still mild we loaded up with everything including a wet rope and climbed Ledge Route and on to the summit of the Ben. The top 10m was out of the cloud and in the sun so we had lunch in the sunshine before disappearing into the cloud again to traverse the CMD arête to Carn Mor Dearg we then descended east to camp at the 830m saddle. Where having dried out we did some self-arrest practice just to moisten us up again.

Day three
Wednesday the forecast was for more rain, but it held off so we packed up and did some crevasse rescue rope work. Then climbed the steep slope up to Aonach Mor and walked across the plateau back to the ski station. Returning mid-afternoon so Ralf could get back to Glasgow for his flight down south.