Climbing & Mountaineering

Ben Nevis Ice

Yesterday I went up to the Ben with Matt and Ben to do a bit of mileage on some easy ice routes. They are both preparing for the guides winter test, so we had hopes to get a couple of things done.

Ben started us off up Comb Gully Buttress IV,5** which was in good condition, and had some nice climbing. We then nipped down No. 3 Gully and Matt shot up Winter Cascade IV,5**. This is not often in condition, so was a nice tick to do. It was then down No. 2 Gully and back up Comb Left Flank IV,5**, which again had some great climbing on it. This was day 14 out of the last 15, and I could definitely feel it, so a well earned rest day today as the temperature goes up.

Other teams climbed the same range of routes that have been in over the last week. Ice is forming fast and the Curtain was coming back quickly, so fingers crossed the warm weather passes quickly.

I have deleted my pics by accident sorry.

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Comment by Adam Hughes on January 17, 2012 at 16:42: Loads of thing in that grade range in the Ben in nick. Central gullies, tower scoop, good friday climb, glovers chimney and white line all good. Also no. 2 & 3 guly buttresses are both very good.

Comment by Huw Goodall on January 17, 2012 at 16:36: Looking for some nice III - and IV ice fri-sat-sun. Any suggestions?

Comment by Adam Hughes on January 17, 2012 at 14:54: All routes were pitched and we took a route each. Things go really quick on ice as there is little to work out or stop for. Was a great day until the cloud came in late afternoon. Hopefully thete will be some mixed conditions by Thursday.

Comment by lithos on January 17, 2012 at 14:39: were you soloing or pitching or being 'guided' - sounds a great day, Al Halewoods blog makes it look wonderful

Comment by Stuart on January 17, 2012 at 14:29: Thanks for the update Adam.

Pitty about the photo's would have been good to see some photos on these routes.