Monthly Archives: December 2012

That Was The Week That Was

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Last week (December 10-14) was undoubtedly the week of the winter so far. Heavy snowfall was consolidated by a mini-thaw the previous weekend followed by stable cold weather with no wind and blue skies. Several of the major events have … Continue reading →

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Good Conditions on An Teallach

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Following their successes in Glen Coe with the first ascent of The Pash and Incision, Andy Nisbet and Brian Davison added a new route to An Teallach on December 13. Andy takes up the story: “Pat Ingram and I walked … Continue reading →

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High on Bidean

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Simon Richardson

“In 2001, Brian Davison made the first ascent of St. Peter’s Well on the West Top of Bidean nam Bian with Steve Kennedy and Dave Wilkinson.’” Andy Nisbet writes. “He did say there was more scope, but I didn’t remember … Continue reading →

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Steeple – Third Winter Ascent

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Simon Richardson

The Shelter Stone has been in good conditions over the past few days with ascents of the classic mixed routes Sticil Face (V,6) and Postern (VI,6). Big news however is the third winter ascent of the summer E2 Steeple on … Continue reading →

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Robertson and Boswell Add Major New Line to Dubh Loch

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Simon Richardson

When Guy Robertson texted me earlier this week asking for Henning Wackerhage’s contact details, I knew it could be to ask about only one thing. The heavy snowfall last week, followed by the weekend’s mini thaw, had set up Creag … Continue reading →

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New Routeing with the BBC

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Simon Richardson

On Friday December 7, Chris Sleight from the BBC and I climbed a new 150m-long III,4 buttress route on Ben Cruachan as part of a programme for Radio Scotland. With heavy snow at the end of last week making approaches … Continue reading →

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The Scottish Winter Climbing Meet

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Richard Bentley has sent me details of the inaugural Scottish Winter Meet that will be held in Fort William from 2-3 February 2013. “This weekend meet is being organised by local guides and instructors with the support of the Mountaineering … Continue reading →

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Echo Crack – First Winter Ascent

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Conditions on Friday December 7 were challenging across the Scottish Highlands with deep snow making approaches to many cliffs difficult and potentially dangerous. Stuart McFarlane and John Williams seized the opportunity of the snowy conditions however, to make a brilliantly … Continue reading →

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The Gravestone

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Craig Lamb and Findlay Cranston made a good addition to Clais Rathadan on December 5, with the first ascent of The Gravestone (VI,6). This little cliff makes a good fall back option of the weather is too wild higher up … Continue reading →

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The Old Man’s Crag

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Simon Richardson

Andy Nisbet climbed a couple of new routes on Am Bodach on December 2 – South Buttress (II/III) and Old Man’s Ridge (III). He returned on December 5 with Duncan Tunstall to add another route to the crag. Here is … Continue reading →

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