Cirith Nimrais

Cirith Nimrais was the most prominent and accessible pass through the White Mountains, joining Calenardhon and Central Gondor. Situated north of the Nan Lefnui in Hairaverkien, the pass divided the mountains along the course of the Nimthond, where the Ered Nimrais turned south and west to form the Andrast. It was through this pass that the ancient Daan Mor, fleeing the destruction of Beleriand, entered into the lands of western Gondor. Despite its historic importance, however, the Cirith Nimrais had never been a significant geographical feature for the later realm of the Dúnedain, both because of its obscure location with respect to the main Númenórean settlement of central Gondor, and because it never formed a border with any political or military threat to the South-kingdom. Consequently, the men of Gondor never made any attempt to guard or build a road through the natural mountain pass. Nor was Cirith Nimrais used frequently by travelers, save the Daen and Drughu of Andrast, because of the untamed and perilous wilderness surrounding it.