Twisting Gully & Grooves, Stob Coire nan Lochan

Ken: I was back out with Vic today, and we decided to seek some shelter from the winds in Coire nan Lochan. The freezing level had crept right up to the base of the buttresses, giving us a rather damp approach this morning, however, things soon improved once we had geared up and made our way to Twisting Gully.

Conditions on the route are excellent, with plenty of ice and first time axe placements, although there’s not much in the way of obvious gear placements, much of it hidden under the ice. We were well sheltered from the winds until we topped out, however, there was a fair bit of spindrift being sent down the crags. I was working for Abacus Mountain Guides today.

Not far behind us, Stu and Leanne were enjoying the slightly steeper Twisting Grooves, again, with plenty of useful ice en route.

Dave was out with John. They climbed School House Ridge, above Ballachulish.

Over on Ben Nevis, Steve delivered a day looking at snow anchors for Pete and Brenda, who are realising just how wild Scottish winter can be. Plenty of snow falling on Ben Nevis, freezing levels lowered to 600m throughout the day. Teams climbing Tower Ridge and East Ridge Douglas Boulder.