Andy Lole on an early repeat of Resolution (VI,7) on The Brack. This route, one of the finest in the Southern Highlands, was first climbed by Robin McAllister and Dave McGimpsey in January 1997. The Brack is rarely in winter condition and this may have been the second ascent. (Photo Graham Stein)
On Saturday December 18, Graham Stein and Andy Lole made an early repeat of Resolution on The Brack in the Arrochar Alps. This outstanding route takes the impressive wall right of Great Central Groove. “The turf was excellent and it’s a great route,” Graham told me. “The grade seemed fair enough. The crux pitch looks pretty unlikely before you launch out over the slab, but it all comes together nicely and gear can be arranged overhead, so VI,7 seems sensible. Fair play to the first ascensionists as it all feels a little improbable!”
Conditions in the Souhern Highlands are shaping up nicely at the moment. “We also did Messiah on Beinn Dorain the day before,” Graham explained. “It had quite a lot of ice in the top corner and even took a couple of stubby screws!” Sure enough, this Bridge of Orchy modern classic saw at least two more ascents over the weekend.
Hi Andy/Graham,
I had thought of this for Sunday, having been under that wall before, didn’t think it looked that good, maybe I’m wrong??? It’s a nice place to climb though. I remember when Robin and Dave climbed it.
I would also expect this to be 2nd ascent, a much more appealing line, on the left!
That repeat of that route meant a lot to me. It’s not so important the grade,but it is one of the nicest lines in the Southern highlands. Well done,that was a quality repeat of a cool Arrochar line.