Six stunning winter ridges

Now is the prime time to plan your winter adventures. To help you explore the British mountains over winter, we have chosen six stunning winter ridges to guarantee a grand day out.

East Ridge of Carn Mor Dearg

This esoteric ridge lies in the middle of wild and spectacular scenery.  There are two options for access: the traditional long walk from Glen Nevis, or the lift access route from the Nevis Ski range. Either way you are rewarded by a walk that winds up a beautifully shaped valley to a wild and remote feeling col. The ridge itself never falls into the category of “climbing” but does require good crampon skills and movement over winter terrain. Toward the top it narrows slightly and becomes a little rocky before reaching the summit of Carn mor Dearg. From here there are two options:

1. Round the Carn Mor Dearg arête. This would make for a long and committing day so speed and fitness are essential.

2. A descent west down the long and relatively gentle slopes of Carn Mor Dearg and into the valley to pick up the Ben Nevis North Face track.

Where: Lochaber, Scotland

Best for: Wild and spectacular scenery

Nantlle Ridge

Walking in the snow whilst looking out to sea is a winning combination. The ridge itself provides a great journey close to the North Wales coast in a wild setting, you are unlikely to encounter many other people.  It is usual to start from Rhyd Ddu and descend via Cwm Dulyn after retracing your steps to a col from the final summit of Mynydd Graig Goch. Although not technically difficult the ridge is exposed to all the weather going.  It has sections of easy but exposed scrambling so it pays to be well prepared and have sound crampon and axe skills.

Where: Snowdonia, Wales

Best for: An enjoyable walk with lots of variety

The Old Man of Coniston

The walk has many variations and can be done circular from Coniston via Weatherlam, up on to the ridge and on to Coniston Old Man.  A broad ridge, the walk requires no scrambling, but at points can be confusing if the mist comes in and white out conditions are encountered. The ridge gives the opportunity to “bag” a number of summits and is a good introduction to more committing expeditions.

Where: Lake District, England

Best for: Taking in a number of summits

Tower Ridge IV,3

Start early, route finding is an essential skill on such a big mountain. Check the route description and start even earlier! Tower Ridge remains a significant mountaineering challenge and still sees a fair share of benightments, not to mention rescues by Lochaber MRT. Before attempting these mammoth lines it’s essential to have mastered a range of rope techniques.

Where: Ben Nevis, Scotland

Guide book: Scottish Winter Climbs (Scottish Mountaineering Trust)

Best for: superlative experiences and length

Pinnacle Ridge II/III

Pinnacle Ridge on St Sunday Crag is another classic ridge that is transformed from tricky scramble to a winter climb with the first snowfalls. High above Patterdale the route can be tricky to find and steep slopes need to be negotiated to reach the bottom.  Living up to its name the difficulties include a slab low down, a tricky wall and the pinnacles higher on the route.  Here good use of the rope will pay dividends with most people pitching or moving together depending on the conditions.

Where: Lake District, England

Guide book: Lake District Winter Climbs (Cicerone)

Best for: Variations and ‘quick’ pitching

Crib Lem Spur (Llech Ddu) I/II

The classic summer scramble of  Crib Lem will need little introduction to many people who frequently visit Snowdonia. This relatively short outing benefits from good access from Bethesda and fantastic views out to the coast. Presenting limited technical difficulty this route makes and ideal step up to more technical ground.  Good crampon work is essential as you are above the cliffs of Llech Ddu below, and negotiate a narrow ridge.  Many will find a rope useful for the small rocky steps and the well photographed narrow section.

Where: Snowdonia, Wales

Guide book: North Wales Winter Climbing (Ground Up)

Best for: Access and low technical difficulty