Good Going on Mitre Ridge

Looking down he middle section of Mitre Ridge (V,6) on Beinn a’Bhuird. The classic Patey-Brooker line that was climbed in April 1953 works well as both an early and late season route. (Photo Andrew Stevenson)

In a season that has consistently given difficult and demanding conditions, as well as periods when winter climbing has not been possible at all, it is pleasing to have news of an enjoyable ascent of a major classic.

“Myself and my two friends – Ross MacDonald and Stu Cossar – climbed Mitre Ridge on Saturday January 28,” Andrew Stevenson told me.

“It was in excellent nick and gave us a great adventure. Cycling into the secret howff on Friday night and setting off early it was a big 15-hour day from howff – Mitre Ridge – back to car. The Cumming-Crofton looked in good nick too, although after snowing all day the walk back in on the Sunday would of been a bit arduous!”

Conditions have changed since the weekend with a thaw on Tuesday and another forecast for Thursday, but after that, cooler temperatures and snowier weather is forecast. Hopefully this will bring Mitre Ridge back into condition and open up possibilities for ascents of other significant routes.