A cracking day in the Highlands

(Steve): The stars aligned today; mates off, weather amazing and conditions good for snowed up rock routes. Our foray onto the North Face of Ben Nevis wasn’t without a good amount of wading however, our objective just about frosted enough (for our liking anyway). We chose Sidewinder (VII,8) which was great fun. Rich took us up the first pitch I was keen for the second and Colin took us to the top. Great climbing for all of us.

Meanwhile Ken was out on a little mission himself who was guiding Will who sought out an adventure. They headed up and over Am Bodach in Glencoe, where they climbed the mountain’s rarely climbed north ridge. The climbing today was quite tricky due to the snow covering compact, slabby rock. It’s supposedly a bit easier in leaner conditions, when the patches of turf can be more easily used for axe and foot placements. That all said, it was a good adventure, and great to explore somewhere new. Plenty of teams heading off to traverse the Aonach Eagach, which will be in brilliant condition at the moment.

Dave was out with Neil, and they climbed Curved Ridge, which again, is in pristine nick. Meanwhile Hannah was out leading Ben and Tim up the mountain path on Ben Nevis.