No. 3 Gully Buttress, NC Gully and Curved Ridge

Ken: For the first time in a while, I was back on Ben Nevis, this time with Vic, who I’ve been out with a number of times in the past. He was after a warm-up day, having not been able to get out winter climbing last season, so we decided to head up high on Ben Nevis, where we climbed No. 3 Gully Buttress, which was in excellent condition. There are a couple of optional, steeper icy steps on the first pitch, and some well consolidated snow-ice on the final pitch. A couple of French teams climbed the first couple of pitches of Two-Step Corner, then joined No. 3 Gully Buttress, as the top pitch of Two-Step was pretty lean. Vic and I then descended Tower Gully. Smith’s and Indicator Wall were looking pretty lean, but Hadrian’s Wall and Observatory Buttress Direct were looking ok. I was working for Abacus Mountain Guides today.

NC Gully is also in good condition, with nice steps at grade II, cracks all clear and firm snow throughout. Steve’s team climbed the route in 4 pitches allowing Pete and Brenda lot of opportunity to learn how to belay, place protection and move around on graded ground. It was surprisingly dry with very little precipitation and only briefly windy on descent.

Lastly, Stu was out with Leanne. They climbed Curved Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor.