Monthly Archives: March 2017

Failure Is Not An Option

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Simon Richardson

A curious result of this year’s difficult conditions was the temporary formation of ice at low levels on Ben Nevis during the third week in March. The icefalls below Carn Dearg became remarkably icy. These don’t normally merit much notice, … Continue reading →

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Ben Nevis Update

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Simon Richardson

It’s been a difficult season, but as March progressed, good winter climbing was found on Ben Nevis. The problem this winter has been the lack of any base. Any snowfalls have quickly disappeared due to rapid thaws, but the Ben’s … Continue reading →

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Meshuga

Posted on March 18, 2017 by Simon Richardson

“It’s been that sort of winter, where you either climb steep rocky routes or, on the assumption that all easier routes have turf, you put up with mediocre conditions,” Andy Nisbet writes. “And if you’re looking for easier new routes, … Continue reading →

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When The Icicles Don’t Hang Straight

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Simon Richardson

So here I am, belayed halfway up Church Door Buttress on Bidean nan Bian wondering why the icicles aren’t hanging straight. It is Tuesday March 7 and it’s gently snowing. Iain Small is above me climbing a vertical ice-filled corner … Continue reading →

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Cloudjumper

Posted on March 14, 2017 by Simon Richardson

“Dave MacLeod and I headed up the Ben last Sunday (March 5),” Helen Rennard writes. “We had been thinking of climbing something up in Coire na Ciste and Dave had kindly offered to belay me on something (I tend to … Continue reading →

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Salvation Ribs

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Simon Richardson

On March 4, John Jackson and Martin Holland headed in to Beinn Alligin with a couple of teams to attempt the classic Grade IV ice gully of West Coast Boomer on Tom na Gruagaich. “John, Joanne McCandless and Graeme Crowder … Continue reading →

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Chamonix Scottish Raid

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Simon Richardson

Chamonix-based guides, Matt Helliker and Job Bracey had a very successful four-day visit to Scotland at the end of February. With little knowledge of conditions, they headed up to Stob Coire nan Lochan on their first day (February 27) and … Continue reading →

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Satyr – Nearly!

Posted on March 11, 2017 by Simon Richardson

Ian Parnell and Tim Emmett had a great day on Stob Coire nan Lochan on March 3 when they climbed the first three pitches of Satyr (IX,9) before finishing up the final pitch of Central Grooves. “There was a nice … Continue reading →

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The Shape Of Things To Come

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Simon Richardson

I had the privilege of accompanying Iain Small on a journey up the North Wall of Carn Dearg on March 2. This excellent but unfrequented cliff is situated left of The Shroud on Ben Nevis. Steep and rocky and lying … Continue reading →

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Slovenian Exchange

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Simon Richardson

From February 12 to 19, eight Slovenian climbers visited Scotland and teamed up with British climbers to sample the ‘delights’ of Scottish winter. They caught the end of the February cold snap and enjoyed excellent mixed climbing for the first … Continue reading →

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