Author Archives: Simon Richardson

About Simon Richardson

Simon Richardson is a passionate Scottish winter climber

The Borrowdale Conundrum

Several years ago Roger Everett suggested there might be some winter climbing on a buttress on the North Ridge of Ben Starav, and in November 2011 we went to have a look. Winter had yet to arrive that year, so … Continue reading

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Remote and Snowy

“Driving towards Ben Nevis on February 10, it became obvious around Loch Laggan that all the hills were very white and swamped with soft snow,” Andy Nisbet writes. “Unable to think of any sensible, or at least accessible, new routes, … Continue reading

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Gates of Paradise

On February 10, Iain Small and Murdoch Jamieson climbed one of the most spectacular new routes of the season when they made the first ascent of Gates of Paradise (VIII,8) on Church Door Buttress on Stob Core nam Beith. “It … Continue reading

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Visit from Italy

I receive all sorts of correspondence for scottshwinter.com but the following email from February 14 made me smile… “Hello, I apologize for my English, I’m Renzo Italian mountain guide crown have been to you for a tour with friend Martin, … Continue reading

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Pinnacle Arete Direct Variation – Second Ascent

On February 8, Steve Holmes, Ken Applegate and Dot Bankowska made the possible second ascent of the Direct Variation (IV,6) to Pinnacle Arete in Coire na Ciste. This variation was first climbed by Robin Clothier and Andy Huntington in October … Continue reading

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Corrie Farchal Three Pack

Sunday February 7 was not a particularly nice day but time was running out for Henning Wackerhage and I. After 19 years in the UK, Henning is set to return to his native Germany in a couple of weeks time … Continue reading

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Tomahawk Crack – Third Ascent

Iain Small and Murdoch Jamieson made the third ascent of Tomahawk Crack (VIII,9) on Ben Nevis on February 3. “It had some pretty technical climbing which was hard work to protect as everything was a bit icy,” Iain told me. … Continue reading

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Judas Priest – Possible New Direct Finish

On January 31, Forrest Templeton and Kevin Murphy climbed a possible new Direct Finish to Judas Priest (V,5) on The Cathedral on Lochnagar. “We climbed the first pitch of Judas Priest,” Forrest explained, “but instead of breaking right when it … Continue reading

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Tangerine Dream

Douglas Russell and Ramon Marin added a challenging new single pitch climb to the left side of the Central Tier of South Trident Buttress on Ben Nevis on January 31. Russell takes up the story: “On Sunday, Ramon Marin and … Continue reading

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BMC International Winter Meet Report

The Weather Gods did not smile kindly on the BMC International Winter Meet that was held at Glenmore Lodge from January 24 to January 30. Over 35 guests from 30 different countries were teamed up with UK hosts and let … Continue reading

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