Author Archives: Simon Richardson

About Simon Richardson

Simon Richardson is a passionate Scottish winter climber

All Go on The Godfather

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Simon Richardson

In a similar vein to the two ascents of The Needle in a weekend in January, The Godfather (VIII,8) on Beinn Bhan in Applecross had three ascents in the space of five days last week. Helen Rennard takes up the … Continue reading →

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The Ayatollah – Second Ascent

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Simon Richardson

On February 28, and in less than perfect conditions, Rob Bryniarski, Dave Kerr and Erick Baillot made the long-awaited second ascent of The Ayotollah (VII,7) on the South-East Cliff of Fuar Tholl. “Last year on a fool’s errand to see … Continue reading →

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Akita

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Simon Richardson

“The Akita is an independent and dominant breed (of dog), commonly aloof with strangers, so it’s ideal for a route name on Lurchers’ Crag where Steve and I don’t encourage strangers,” Andy Nisbet explained with tongue firmly in cheek. “Except … Continue reading →

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Under the Western Sea

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Simon Richardson

Without doubt, the 400m-high Spider Buttress on Ladhar Beinn in Knoydart is one of Scotland’s greatest winter cliffs. It’s central snowfield bears an uncanny resemblance to the Spider on the north face of The Eiger, and the cliff is sometimes … Continue reading →

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A Good Week

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Simon Richardson

Uisdean Hawthorn has had an excellent run of routes in recent days. On February 23 he climbed Tango in the Night (VI,7) on Sgorr Ruadh with Ben Silvestre, and the following day they climbed The Godfather (VIII,8) on Beinn Bhan. … Continue reading →

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Skye Raiders – Part 1

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Simon Richardson

“For many years in the 1990s whilst taking clients up the Inaccessible Pinnacle, I always wondered what was down the Coruisg side,” Andy Nisbet writes. “The Brittle side has hoards wandering up and down, but no one goes to the … Continue reading →

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Moon Ice Jazz – Second Ascent

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Simon Richardson

On February 21, Brian Duthie and Forrest Templeton visited Winter Corrie in Glen Clova and made the second ascent of Moon Ice Jazz (VI,7). “The forecast for Sunday suggested frozen terrain down to 400m,” Brian explained.  “So Forrest and I … Continue reading →

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White Mamba

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Simon Richardson

I’m terrified of snakes so Cnapan Nathraichean (the knoll of the adders) on the north side of Lochnagar has never been one of my favourite crags. One time when I was below the cliff in summer a large female slithered … Continue reading →

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Major New Route on Beinn Bhan

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Simon Richardson

Neil Silver, Malcolm Bass and Simon Yearsley added a major new route to Beinn Bhan on February 13 – the eight-pitch Nam Famhairean (VII,7) in Coire nam Fhamair. Neil takes up the story: “A big route on a big cliff!  … Continue reading →

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Stob a’Ghlais Choire – Central Buttress

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Simon Richardson

After enjoying some excellent summer scrambling on the north face of Sron na Creise one autumn day, I set off for the round of the three Black Mount Munros. Looking back along the summit ridge of Creise I was struck … Continue reading →

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