So much snow: Dorsal Arete, Glencoe

Today was my final day with Tim, and despite his numerous trips to Scotland, he had yet to climb anything in winter in Glencoe, so that needed addressing today. We drove into Glencoe with an open mind, but on seeing the car park to Stob Coire nan Lochan nearly empty, thought that would be a good bet, particularly as one team were clearly ahead of us, putting a good track in. Unfortunately, the winds were enough that their footprints were buried, so we had the unenviable task of breaking trail up to the corrie.

The cliffs were unsurprisingly caked in rime ice and snow, and so rather than forge our way up a very snowy Raeburn’s Route, we decided to sample of the delights of Dorsal Arete. We took in all the difficulties lower down, via a few chimneys, and whilst it can be climbed missing out the crux fin, there was no way I was going to let Tim miss out on the best part of the route, on which he managed very well, with a bit of encouragement from myself and Adele, who was beneath with her team. We topped out into sunshine which seemed like fitting end to a great three days with Tim, with a variety of climbing styles and venues, all of which will fit well in his mountaineering tool box.

Very little action on SCNL today, with one team on Scabbard, a few on Dorsal Arete, and one in NC Gully. Fresh WNW winds transporting loose snow onto easterly aspects.

: Early sun on SCNL

: Summit Buttress, SCNL

: North, Central and South Buttresses

: Tim above the crux on Dorsal Arete

Meanwhile, Hannah was out with Steve, enjoying a day of personal climbing on the Douglas Boulder, Ben Nevis, where they climbed Jackknife. Although their route was quiet, plenty of people on the Douglas Boulder, all converging on the SW Ridge together by the sounds of it!

Other teams on Tower Ridge, Fawlty Towers, Tower Ridge and Green Gully.