Kinlochleven 2

I decided to test my knee out by doing a Corbett while the others bagged more Munros. Garbh Bheinn was situated right behind the hut and appeared suitable for a one and a half legged ascent. I decided to climb the hill by the eastern side so that I could approach by the west highland way and use that route as an alternative walk if the knee gave out. I left the path at its highest point on the eastern flank and made my way slowly via steep grass slopes and some wet rock scrambling up until the ridge became more defined and the NE summit came into view.

Towards the Mamores

Towards the Glencoe peaks



The East end of the Aonach Eagach Ridge

 I had run off a few pictures but at this point my camera decided that it was too cold and stopped working which was unfortunate as the views opened up at this point. Anyway the way was clear to the summit which I reached four and a half hours after leaving the hut. This was down to general unfitness as much as my dodgy knee.
I descended by the west ridge which is the usual way of ascent and gives a decent ridge walk over rocky outcrops with short scrambles if desired.
On reaching the road I was pleased to be offered a lift by the Munroists in the party.

Kinlochleven 3/4 & 5th March

Friday afternoon of 2nd March heralded the now familiar drive to the Highlands, arriving at a more sensible time of 9.00pm and not 1.00 am!

Team members included Jago,Clive,Chris and Nick.

Saturdays forecast was for a mix of cloud, rain, occasional bright spells and Windy! - The usual Scottish outlook!?

Clive wanted to test his knee out and decided on an ascent of Garbh Bheinn which overlooks the hut to the South. Being 867m high its not an insignificant challenge and no doubt Clive would need all of his 45 years mountaineering experience to get him through!

The munro baggers objective was Sgorr Dhearg and Sgorr Dhonuill from South Ballachulish.

Conveniently there is a car park in the forest, from here we headed South and Up!

Good tracks lead through the forest but beware stick to the main waymarked routes the forest is dense!

We adopted the directissima approach, straight up the steep slopes to the first summit of Sgorr Dhearg .

Once on the ridge it was apparent that the wind was howling from the South and the ridge descent from the summit was buffeting.

After a brief sheltered lunch stop we ascended the fine ridge of Sgorr Dhonuill with the wind still attempting to disrupt our progress, but to no avail as we bagged our second summit of the day.

We descended without difficulty until we entered the 'Dense forest' where we fought our way through until finally reaching the main track and back to the car.
A fine day out.

Heading back to the hut along the road we encountered a lone hobbling walker, Clive had successfully negotiated his objective and gave his knee a good work out with some positive feedback.

On Sunday Clive and Jago headed home and Chris and Nick travelled round to Fersit to do the pair of Munros West of Loch Treig, Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Choire Easain.

The ascent was straight forward in fine weather.

It had snowed overnight and there was a thin coating to add further interest to our day.

The weather closed in at one point with a fall of snow/hail but soon cleared to give spectacular views from both summits.

We descended from our second summit into the Coire Laire where we had noticed a dismantled railway track from the abandoned aluminium works.
We eventually reached the track and followed it back to our start point.

Another 2 Munro's off the list, well off Nick's list and onto Christine's 2nd round list!

We decided to stop another night in the hut and do another Munro on our way home on Monday.

Our objective was Ben Challum near Tyndrum.

The weather was fine with clear skies.

It was a straight forward ascent, generally following the fence line until the ridge headed North.

Spectacular views all round with snow covered peaks.

Another great day out to finish off a great weekend.
Cracking!

Thurgoland Boundary Walk in Black and white

5th Feb another late entry-
After abandoning the meet to Aviemore due to a poor weather forecast (justifiably so!)
Chris and Nick embarked on the Thurgoland boundary walk on a snowy Sunday morning.
Leaving the car close to the Monkey pub we set off across snow covered fields, through woods and along lanes and bridleways with spectacular views.


Romticle Viaduct

Following the Don passed Cheese Bottom and through the Romticle Viaduct then along Old Mill Lane and then a welcome food and drink stop at the Bridge Inn.




Homeward bound

 Continuing on passed Clappers into Crane Moor then the final pull across fields back up towards the Monkey



The End



Rock Climbing on Salem

On Saturday 10th March an international party of 5 of us spent the day climbing on the crag at Salem. (3 Brits - Me, Nick Snelling and Bill Hannah, 1 Spaniard - Carolina and 1 Argentinian - Luis).

Just recovered from a pulled muscle in my back I opted for a steady day, leading 3 grade 4s. All were very steady and most enjoyable, especially in the warming Spring sunshine.

Having felt no ill effects from my back I then decided to challenge myself by seconding the 6b+ "Honeymoon". This is a superb route that begins up an overhanging thuggy crack and finishes on a delicate slab. Two very distinct climbing styles in the same route.

We retired to the bar around 6pm. A great day out and a welcome change from the usual battles on Gandia!

Keswick meet Jan 2012- @ Buttermere!

Sorry for the late posting!

Januarys traditional Keswick meet was held in Buttermere this year
Attendees were Colin, Bev, Clive, Jago, Chris and Nick

Our accommodation

 Saturday was a beautiful sunny cold crisp day giving the prospect of a fine days outing. Clive opted for a short walk around the lake due to his ongoing knee problems. The rest of the party headed up the valley with sights set on an ascent of Grasmoor via Whiteside and Hopegill Head.



View across Crummock Water to Mellbreak

  Heading up the path towards Whiteside gave us fantastic views back across the valley

The weather and views had the desired effect of taking our minds from the jet-lag effect of Christmas and New year excesses - well for some of us!





Still ascending!

 



Whiteside with view towards Hopegill Head



View back towards Whiteside

 From Hopegill Head we descended into Coledale Hause and where the path split we headed up towards Grasmoor which gave great views across to where we had come.

 

Grasmoor summit

Grasmoor was to be our final top, from here we started our descent down Lad Hows ridge.

Final descent

  The ridge brought us down to Crummock Water where a 2k walk along the roadside took us to our start point.

A great start to the year.