Author Archives: Simon Richardson

About Simon Richardson

Simon Richardson is a passionate Scottish winter climber

Attaboy

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Simon Richardson

“Beinn Fhada is almost on the west coast behind the Five Sisters of Kintail,” Andy Nisbt writes. “It’s sheltered from most snowy wind directions so is often my choice if there’s too much snow elsewhere. No doubt it rains a … Continue reading →

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Easan Feidh Climbed At Last!

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Simon Richardson

Steve Perry and Sophie Grace Chappell showed remarkable vision, determination and persistence when they made the first ascent of Easan Feidh (VI,6) on March 5. This spectacular 90m-high waterfall, which lies on Creag na h-lolaire to the south of Ben … Continue reading →

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Damh Goulotte

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Simon Richardson

“Beinn Damh remains an accessible venue for the old climber with a gammy knee,” Andy Nisbet writes. “And it has the added bonus that it’s escaped snowmageddon, leaving only ice and neve. The good conditions have tempted Dave McGimpsey out … Continue reading →

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Outpost Route

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Simon Richardson

“Winter and one of the high corries of Beinn a’Bhuird is a combination which promises solitude,” Simon Yearsley writes. “And away from the Cold Climbs lure of Mitre Ridge, it practically guarantees it. The secret to climbing in these magnificent … Continue reading →

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Scorrie Explorations

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Simon Richardson

On February 11, Forrest Templeton and I visited Glen Clova. In recent seasons Forrest has been exploring The Scorrie, the pronounced buttress flanking the right side of Winter Corrie, so I thought it was a good opportunity to familiarise myself … Continue reading →

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Beast From The East

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Simon Richardson

There’s a Beast from the East forecast. Hypothermia, death and destruction are imminent. So why am I climbing in blazing sunshine wearing only a vest, not a cloud in the sky, not a breath of wind, neve from the valley … Continue reading →

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Sweet Spot

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Simon Richardson

Dave McGimpsey climbs hills nowadays. Humps, tumps, lumps and bumps all turn him on. Not that I can comment, having bagged Munros since I was 12. But the best climbing conditions since 2010 were enough to tempt him out. Conditions … Continue reading →

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Moonstone Repeated

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Simon Richardson

Pete Davies, Steve Elliott and Ross Cowie made the probable second ascent of Moonstone (VII,7) on Coire nan Camh on February 4. This remote cliff is located 10km south of Loch Laggan on the east face of Meall Garbh, the … Continue reading →

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Dingle First Winter Ascent

Posted on February 15, 2018 by Simon Richardson

Tim Miller is having an excellent winter. He has succeeded on a number of demanding test pieces such as The Secret, and in December he climbed a difficult new route on The Cobbler with Martin McKenna. On February 2, Tim … Continue reading →

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The Vice Squad

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Simon Richardson

Stephen Reid and Andrew Fraser made an opportunistic ascent in the Galloway Hills on February 9. Stephen Reid takes up the story: “Andrew Fraser and myself took an optimistic view of the weather last Friday (it was raining in Castle … Continue reading →

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