Charles Inglis Clark (C.I.C.) Memorial Hut
About the C.I.C.

Arguably the only alpine-style mountain hut in the UK, the C.I.C. hut provides shelter from some extremely harsh weather. It gives unparalleled access to summer and winter climbing on the North Face of Ben Nevis.

Location

Ben Nevis North Face, Lochaber
( NN 16738 72233 )

Getting There

From the North Face car park head approximately south-eastward, briefly on a track and then onto a good path that roughly shadows the Allt a'Mhuillin.

The CIC is an unmanned, key required for Access.

The approach to the hut involves travel in mountainous terrain. Users of the hut, especially in Winter, should ensure they are suitably equipped and skilled for the conditions.

You will be required to bring your own sleeping bag and food.

The most direct approach to the hut is from the Forestry and Land Scotland's North Face car park near Torlundy. Follow the way-marked from the North Face car park, then continue.

North Face Car Park

Facilites

Bold- 26 alpine beds with mattress (4 beds reserved for SMC members, booked in advance).

  • Full modern kitchen, with gas oven and hobs.
  • Gas heating.
  • Electric lighting, with background heating.
  • All Power outlets are now located above each Bunk. Please bring your own USB cable to fit either USB A or C.
  • Drying room.
  • Composting toilet.
  • Water accessible from standpipe outside (can freeze).
Booking

The CIC is only available to mountaineering and climbing groups. The CIC hut is in high demand throughout the winter season, and bookings should be made well in advance to secure an alpine bed. To help with this we are taking bookings for winter 2024 and 2025. Payment is required in full for all winter bookings.

Note there are no refunds for winter bookings.

Fee winter (December to April) £26.00 per person per night incl. VAT.
Fee summer (May to November) £20.00 per person per night incl. VAT.

All bookings are carried out via the availability calendar below. Tap on arrival and departure date, then select ‘Book Now’ (if you wish to change dates, select ‘Clear Selection’ and start again). This will take you to a form to complete, name, address, post code and mobile number. Payment is required at time of booking, carried out online with a bank or credit card. All bookings are sold for 2 persons booking. If you are a single user or odd number, please contact the custodian, Robin Clothier: cic@smc.org.uk

History

The hut was erected in 1928/9 by Dr and Mrs Inglis Clark in memory of their son Charles Inglis Clark who was killed in action in the 1914-1918 War. The original building was extensively refurbished and extended between 2008 and 2012.

Latest reports from the CIC hut can be found on its Facebook page: cichutbennevis.

Follow our webcam weather station https://holfuy.com/en/weather/1746

Custodian Message

The CIC is taken bookings for winter and summer 2024 and 2025. All booking are made via the availability calendar below. Payment is required at time of booking, which is carried out online with either bank or credit card. If you a single user or odd number please contact Robin at cic@smc.org.uk Please note that bookings for winter are limited to groups of 8 and summer bookings are limited to 12. Kindred club who have an arrangement should contact the Cusdotian directly before booking. There are no discount for winter bookings.

Note: FLS are carrying out felling works in areas of the woodland, which will led to increased traffic on forestry tracks, hill users should you the footpaths as marked.

FLS have now introduced charges for the north face car park; see link below -
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/north-face Link for payment https://www.myringgo.co.uk/