Ben Nevis is many people's first and often only Munro, and to be honest anyone who's walked up the so-called Tourist Path can see why you wouldn't do another. To say it's dull would definitely be an understatement, especially the upper-half across the scree which is tough going and has little to see until you make the upper plateau.
But there is an alternative, unfortunately it's not appropriate for your average punter. The Carn Mor Dearg Arete is a more alpine/mountainous ascent with views and variety aplenty. Having made the Halfway Lochan, you wind round the side of the mountain to the CIC hut, then slog up the contours to make Carn Mor Dearg. From there its an airy and exposed narrow ridge across the head of the Glen then a short steepish clamber up onto the Ben. I was worried that the arete would be too exposed for me, not being one for edges (heights are fine, it's the edges that are dangerous...), but it was of a decent width all the way, and where it does narrow there is an easier path just below the top.
All in all, a fantastic and classic route for the munroist or mountaineer who wants to take Britain's summit the interesting way.
Oh and the RAF treated us to a Tornado sweeping up the glen and rolling over the summit plateau of the Ben as we came across the arete!
