The end of winter? North East Buttress, Ben Nevis

Ken: This past week, it has felt like winter is drawing to a close. The sun has been shining, the freezing levels have remained above the summits and the mountains have suddenly become much quieter.
But, you never quite know what’s around the next corner and there are signs that it will cool down next week. Will it be enough to prolong the season, so that we can enjoy ice climbing well into April?

Today, I was out with Dan and climbed North East Buttress, which is still just about wintry. There is still some good ice on some of the pitches, but equally, some of the pitches are a bit soft. The Man Trap was dry, whereas the 40 Foot Corner was still quite icy, although starting to get a bit thin.

Other teams on Tower Ridge and Ledge Route. A few sizeable avalanches cam down from Point 5 Gully and Raeburn’s Easy Route. Best to stick to the ridges for the time being!

I’ve also enjoyed a few days of rock climbing and thoughts are now turning to spring and summer work, both in Lochaber and on the Isle of Skye. We have some availability on the following courses and trips in May and June:

06-09 May, Skye Munros, 4 Days, £649, 1 SPACE AVAILABLE
14 May, Aonach Eagach, 1 Day, £149, SPACES AVAILABLE
21 May, Aonach Eagach, 1 Day, £149, SPACES AVAILABLE
27-30 May, Skye Munros, 4 Days, £649, 1 SPACE AVAILABLE
13-16 June, Skye Munros, 4 Days, £649, SPACES AVAILABLE
18 June, Aonach Eagach, 1 Day, £149, SPACES AVAILABLE

All the above trips are on a ratio of 1 instructor to 2 participants, in order to maximise safety and enjoyment.

For further info:
http://51.38.64.114/courses/climb-the-skye-cuillin-munros/

http://51.38.64.114/courses/aonach-eagach-guide/

We also have plenty of availability for Cuillin Ridge Traverses and Private Guiding on Skye and in Lochaber.

Mountain Hardwear
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