Good snow on Ledge Route, Ben Nevis

I was out running the first day of a winter mountaineering course today, and to kick things off, Nigel, Seb, Blair and myself made an ascent of Ledge Route, whilst focusing on introducing the team to the rope, and looking at various types of belays that can be found on mountaineering terrain.

The entrance to No. 5 Gully was completely devoid of snow, and the initial slab was covered in a thick layer of bullet-hard verglas. Conditions improved higher up, with good, firm snow for much of the way.

We enjoyed clear skies for much of our ascent and were treated to views of the surrounding hills.

We have spaces on our Winter Mountaineering Courses this winter, you can find more information at: www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/…/winter-mountaineering…/