In reply to Removed UserUncle Salty:
the majority of the CMD is essentially a narrow path between and across the rocks; unless you deliberately scramble over bits you really don't need to scramble over. so it doesn't have a by-pass as such. if you stick to the easiest line you only occasionally "need" to put your hands on the rock, [everyone's needs are different ].
it's obviously a bit difficult to gauge someone else's disposition, but if you mean "not a massive fan" how I interoperate it - you should be fine. the exposure isn't that bad, it's as good a ridge as any to give it a go.
personally, I'd be tempted to do your route the other way round and go clockwise, break off from the path early and ascend Carn Beag Dearg. this is the more common choice, however if you go anticlockwise you can enjoy the view from Carn Mor Dearg knowing all the difficulties are over.
good luck with the weather