10.01.2013 - Good Friday Climb III, Ben Nevis

After a very depressing look at the Ben from the CIC hut the previous day, the Met Office had assured us of a better day today.  Another early start saw Dave, Joe and myself head up to the hut again for a second look with a few routes in mind.  The feel of the day itself was totally different to the previous morning, very clear and still conditions inspired a good positive vibe that was felt by all, resulting in new found enthusiasm and optimism.  We headed up Observatory Gully and although looking patchy in places lower down, what was there was bomber solid neve which continued from the first steps on the lower sections of the gully throughout the entire climb. We had decided a look at Good Friday Climb would be an idea and so further up we headed past Tower Scoop which looked bare.  We roped up and built a belay for the easy but very serious traverse across Indicator Wall to reach the bottom of the first pitch.  The first pitch was very enjoyable, bomber neve throughout with a deep fracture about a third of the way up, good rock runners on the right and some very loose large blocks on the right, be warned. The crux itself was a little thin but good plastic 'toffee' ice ensured good first time placements and took shortish screws with confidence, very enjoyable conditions. After the crux pitch we did consider the alternate finish but opted just to get to the top as soon as due to the views we were appreciating.  We soon topped out to spectacular broken spectres and a cloud inversion.  Best winter day out so far!

looking up Observatory Gully from the bottom

Half way up!

Tower Scoop looking pretty bare

Nice view over to Tower Gap on Tower Ridge

Dave Anderson making short work of the crux pitch

Crux pitch on Good Friday Climb III, looking a bit thin but in good nick

I head up the final exit pitch to a great top out view

Joe, Dave and Myself on the top, Crackin day!