Author Archives: Simon Richardson

About Simon Richardson

Simon Richardson is a passionate Scottish winter climber

Scottishwinter.com – 100th Post!

It is something of a tradition for bloggers to mark their hundredth post, so I thought I would use this opportunity to say a few words about Scottishwinter.com Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed material, photos, … Continue reading

Posted in About | 1 Comment

Technical 10 Hits the North-West!

Top team Martin Moran and Pete Macpherson made a stunning addition to Beinn Eighe on Tuesday (January 11) when they made the first winter ascent of King of the Swingers on the Far East Wall. This E3 6b, which takes … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

More Coire Garbhlach

I received a welcome email from John Lyall (of Leashless Tools Essential fame!) today: “Just thought I should drop you a note about more ‘cutting edge routes’ in the hidden corners of the Highlands! On December 18, Sandy Allan and … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | Comments Off on More Coire Garbhlach

Eagle Eye

Andy Nisbet is unstoppable at the moment, roaming far and wide, and climbing good new routes all over the Highlands. Recently he made three additions to Plateau Buttress high on the right flank of Eagle Rocks in the Southern Cairngorms … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Eagle Eye

Leashless Tools Essential!

Yesterday (January 11), Andy Nisbet and John Lyall visited Creag Dubh and climbed the big fault immediately left of Great Wall. “It was the epitome of modern mixed climbing,” Andy told me (with tongue firmly in cheek). “Fifteen minutes from … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Gael Force Ridge

Late last year on December 16, Andy Nisbet visited the Lower Corrie in Coire Garbhlach in Glen Feshie with Sandy Allan and made the first ascent of Spice Boys (III), the ridge left of Garlic Gully. Andy returned with local … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Gael Force Ridge

All Aboard the Elephant Train!

On Saturday January 8, Donnie O’Sullivan, Tim Marsh and Pete Davies visited The Brack in Arrochar, and climbed the classic Great Central Groove. The following day (January 9) they returned and added Elephant Train (V,6). This interesting variation takes the … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on All Aboard the Elephant Train!

Crazy Sorrow – First Winter Ascent!

Big news from a busy weekend was the first winter ascent of Crazy Sorrow on Lochnagar on Sunday January 9 by Guy Robertson and Pete Benson. This summer E4 6a, which takes the roof and crack-line to the right of … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Riding the Storm

Several years ago, my good friend Chris Cartwright suggested that there was a new route to do on the front face of the Edge of Darkness buttress on Beinn an Lochain in Arrochar. This attractive feature lies on the North … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Glen Esk Explorations

Various parties have been exploring the mica schist crags of Glen Esk in the Southern Cairngorms over the last few winters, and on Saturday January 8, Andy Nisbet and Duncan Tunstall had a great visit to Bruntwood Craig at the … Continue reading

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Glen Esk Explorations