SCNL and The Buachaille 07/08 – 02 – 13

Many routes are in great condition currently, the snow a few days ago has started to settle now and many routes have tracks in as well.  Lots of the lower ice on the Ben is good, The Curtain, CIC Cascades, Compressor Cracks etc etc…  I was in Lochan yesterday which was in great mixed condition on all but the steeper routes despite a snowy approach.  We climbed Central Buttress Ordinary Route IV/4 *** which was in brilliant mixed condition, old snow coming through with a little ice and bomber turf.  The Scabbard saw some ascents also.  Today we went to the Buachaille and did Curved Ridge III *** which was also in great condition with good old snow coming through and all the rock snowed up from word go, full winter for sure but with great weather all day.  Crowberry Gully saw a number of ascents today also but was said to be a little thin in places…

I have been out with Ben and Neil who were keen to get on some mixed yesterday and to do some leading today with some ‘Alpine’ rope work thrown in also.  We also looked over retreat options/set-up and ice threads.  Thanks for a great couple of days!

Central Buttress Ordinary IV/4 ***, Lochan. 07-02-13

Curved Ridge III ***, The Buachaille.  08-02-13

Good snow on the descent into Coire na Tualich