Sophie Grace Chappell enjoying excellent icy conditions on the first ascent of Anzac Day (IV,4) in Coire Ruadh on Braeriach. The route was climbed on April 25 and is one of a number of high-altitude Cairngorms new routes climbed this spring. Sophie’s retro headgear was put to good use battling the punishing spindrift! (Photo Simon Richardson)
It’s been such a busy season that I didn’t have time in March to acknowledge the 500th post on scottishwinter.com
The blog has been running five years and has attempted to record the majority of significant winter climbing activity in the Scottish mountains during that time. It’s been a remarkable period, and winter climbing has grown in popularity and gone from strength to strength. Standards have soared and climbers are considerably more adept at choosing venues and catching routes in condition during slender weather windows.
Five years ago, a new Grade VIII was headline news, but now ascents of this standard are commonplace and new Grade IXs are climbed every season. And this year has seen the first on sight Grade X’s courtesy of Greg Boswell and Guy Robertson, which have opened a new chapter in the history of Scottish winter climbing.
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the site. Without you, scottishwinter.com could not exist, and I have been struck by everyone’s generosity in sharing their Scottish winter experiences. Andy Nisbet’s insatiable appetite for exploring new ground makes him my most regular correspondent, but the success of scottishwinter.com is due the enthusiasm and commitment of the hundreds of people who have sent me photos and first hand accounts.
I try to use all the material that is sent to me, and endeavour to follow up significant ascents, but I’m aware that sometimes events do pass me by. I prefer to communicate directly with the climbers involved, rather than report events second hand, so please continue to get in touch with your latest adventures.
April was a good month for late season winter climbing with ice hanging in on the Ben and high north-facing corries in the Cairngorms. Despite a cold start to May, the 2015 winter is finally drawing to a close, and the new season will be with us in six months’ time!
It’s you who should be thanked Simon. So thank you for providing reliable news and entertainment throughout every winter. I really enjoy the balance you and your correspondents strike between detailing the actual climbs, and telling the stories that surround them: the long drives, the blocked roads, sleeping in cars, weird breakfasts, demoralising darkness, black crags, persistence, history, and eventual exaltation.
+1. Well said Malcolm.