Mountain Diary and Conditions

I'm recently back from a climbing trip to Vratsa in Bulgaria, which was nothing short of fantastic. The weather was perfect, climbing was very varied and super accessible (5 mins drive from the town of Vratsa) and the food and drink very cheap. There's a reasonable guidebook available, which contains everything from single pitch bolted routes right through to big trad adventures. The area isn't particularly huge, but there's plenty for a week or so, and it makes a nice change from heading to Spain at this time of year.

Back in Scotland, I was out with Eileen along the Aonach Eagach in Glencoe today. The weather was great all day, and the rock reasonably dry, giving us an enjoyable day out.

Now, Eileen is in her very early 70s, and whereas many people her age are taking things easy, Eileen, in her own words, is addicted to being in the mountains and despite having taken hillwalking up fairly recently, has racked up a fair few Munros, Corbetts and Grahams, and can now add the Aonach Eagach, her first serious scramble, to the list. I'm forever inspired by people like her, who are proof that age is simply a figure and that if you're dedicated and motivated enough, you can stay fit and healthy, and continue to seek new challenges in the mountains whilst well into retirement.

2019 dates for our open Aonach Eagach Courses (£99/person) are:
18th May 2019
1st June 2019
15th June 2019
13th July 2019
3rd August 2019
31st August 2019
14th September 2019

If you would like more info, head over to:
http://51.38.64.114/…/aonach-eagach…/

I was back out chasing Carole around the North West Highlands today, this time, we were bagging the two Munros and six Munro Tops (and deleted Tops) on Liathach.

It started off as a rather murky day as we made the steep climb up to the first Munro; Mullach an Rathain. From here, we ventured off-piste, and descended the Northern Pinnacles, to grab the Munro Top of Meall Dearg. This lesser travelled route feels quite serious, with quite a bit of loose, damp rock, so we took it slowly and took plenty of care in both descent and ascent. Having climbed it in winter, I can definitely say it’s a more enjoyable outing when well frozen!

Once back on the main ridge, we were able to move a bit quicker over the remaining Tops, and took in the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles. It was great to reach the final Top; Stuc a’ Choire Dhuibh Bhig, our 17th top of the two days.

Kayland
Troll Outdoors Ltd

Speaking of winter, our winter course dates for 2018-19 are now up on-line, so if you fancy learning winter hill walking skills, tackling a snowy mountaineering ridge or be guided up a classic ice climb on Ben Nevis, head over to: http://51.38.64.114/winter-courses/

The mixed weather in the Highlands continue, but with the promise of the clouds clearing and weather improving at around midday, Michelle, Katie and myself reached the summits of Sgurr na Banachdich and the In Pinn on the Isle of Skye today.

Our damp and blustery ascent of Sgurr na Banachdich, the first Skye Munro for both Michelle and Katie, was as much to reach the summit as it was to delay our ascent of the In Pinn by a couple of hours! This worked out well, as the skies started to clear and winds eased as we were making our way up the north western flanks of Sgurr Dearg. As we made our way to the foot of the In Pinn, we were greeted with sunshine and blue skies, which whilst didn't last for long, gave us an enjoyable ascent of the In Pinn and brilliant views to both ends of the Cuillin Ridge.

A huge well done to both Michelle and Katie for sticking with it today, and for tackling the most technical of all the Munros!

Kayland
Troll Outdoors Ltd

Today, Paul and I tackled one of Ben Nevis' great mountaineering routes; North East Buttress. North East Buttress is the most striking feature when walking up the Allt a' Mhuilinn, and is a hugely popular winter climb. It sees far less traffic during the summer months, but still give's an excellent day out. When damp, the rock is quite slippery, so a bit more traffic outwith the winter, to clean the rock up, wouldn't go amiss!

From the initial traverse to gain the crest, to topping out on the plateau, the route doesn't let up, with plenty of interest and tricky moves throughout, however, the crux section, the Man Trap and Forty Foot Corner are both significantly harder than anything else, and come right at the top of the route.

Whilst the weather was largely dry, the rock was still fairly damp, and both Paul and I had to climb quite carefully, particularly with regards to foot placements.

The weather closed in a bit as we reached the summit of Ben Nevis, and we made a quick descent via Coire Leis.
A few teams on Castle Ridge, Ledge Route and the CMD Arête today.

Kayland
Troll Outdoors Ltd