Monthly Archives: January 2011

Remarkable Times

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Simon Richardson

We are living in remarkable times. As we exit the first big thaw of the winter it is a good opportunity to reflect on what has been a truly extraordinary season so far. The undoubted highlights have been the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary | 4 Comments

Kander Ice

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Simon Richardson

Last weekend (January 9), Paul and Rachel Mather together with Nick Bailey made the first ascent of Kandy Bar (V,5) in Coire Kander, which is tucked away on the north side of Cairn  an ‘Tuirc above Glen Callater in the … Continue reading →

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The Helicopter View

Posted on January 15, 2011 by Simon Richardson

I received an interesting email from PC Kevin Brown from Strathclyde Police the other day. “We were put on to your blog by a climbing Doctor from the EMRS (Emergency Medical Retrieval Service) and spotted the photograph of our aircraft, … Continue reading →

Posted in New Routes | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Major New Ice Venue in Glen Coe

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Simon Richardson

Simon Yearsley and Malcolm Bass, along with a variety of friends, have been busy exploring the beautiful Coire Eilde in Glencoe.  Most climbers who travel up the Lairig Eilde are aiming for the classic ridge of Sron na Lairig on … Continue reading →

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Hidden Ice

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Simon Richardson

On January 7 John Lyall visited Creag Dhubh, overlooking Loch Ericht with Jonathan Preston, where they climbed two new lines. “The first one, Merlin (IV,4), I had been on before in 2001 with two clients,” John told me. ” But … Continue reading →

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Scottishwinter.com – 100th Post!

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Simon Richardson

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!

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Simon Richardson

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 →

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More Coire Garbhlach

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Simon Richardson

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 →

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Eagle Eye

Posted on January 13, 2011 by Simon Richardson

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 →

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Leashless Tools Essential!

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Simon Richardson

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 →

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