The Promise (III,4), Sron na Lairig Summit Buttress

One of the great things about the job that I do is the opportunity to explore new places whilst working, today was one of those exploratory days. I was out with Nick, Allan and Andy for their final day. We've climbed many of the classics, so thought that it was about time to try somewhere different.

I've looked down onto Summit Buttress of Sron na Lairig a few times but it's quite hard to gauge the feasibility or quality of climbing from above, but having stumbled across a blog entry about it on Simon Richardson's Scottish Winter, I thought it would be worth a look.

The approach was a bit awkward as we stayed low and traversed right, above Eilde Canyon, before making our way up. In hindsight, starting up the main ridge of Sron na Lairig, then cutting off right after a little way would have been much easier.

The route itself takes a turfy slab for the first pitch, giving reasonable climbing, before gaining a right trending groove, with a number of steeper icy steps. After passing a final chockstone on the left, the route eases off up to the summit of Sron na Lairig. The rock in the area is very compact, so don't expect too much in the way of gear.

A great job by Nick, Andy and Allan, who all climbed the route well and enjoyed the adventure!