Quite a week!

On the 21st of the month, I was working for Mountain and Glen, guiding on the Ben.  Enjoying the good weather, Mark, Lindsay, other Mark, Matt, Brian and I, looked after our group of 53 people, with most of the group making the top.  We also met Dave and Billy guiding a separate group for M&G on a three peaks challenge. After a steady descent the group made their way back down to the visitor center for a well deserved cuppa!  well done guys!

the guys having a well earned lunch break beside the lochan

passing through the Red Burn path junction

The next day, I was back out guiding but in a change to the usual, I found myself guiding my Mum and Dad on the beautiful and often under rated walk through Nevis Gorge and up to the Steall ruins.  The forecast was definitely not accurate and we enjoyed mild and dry(ish) conditions along this excellent walk, taking in the stunning views it offers of the Steall waterfall, Nevis gorge and surrounding areas.  

Mum and Dad on the wire bridge (without too much trouble!)

Taking in the view of Steall Falls, which Ali has climbed before in winter!

On Tuesday we fancied a bit of cragging and Kev, Dave Andy and I headed up to West End crag at Polldubh to have a crack at All's Fair E2,5c.  We had all top roped it clean a few times and decided we fancied a crack at leading it.  The climbing on this route, I found quite hard but not impossibly so with the main problem being the first bit of available gear is about 8m off the deck after some very fingery and pumpy 5c climbing.  Mr Hague was up first and sent the route in a fine inspiring fashion, good lead mate!  Dave was up next and unfortunately fell off before he could get the gear in.  It was clear from the very first instant that we were going to require assistance in getting Dave off, so Andy went off down Glen Nevis to arrange the local (Lochaber) Mountain Rescue Team to help us out.  Not before too long, Dave's taxi arrived in the form of Rescue 177 from RNAS Gannet.  He was then uplifted and transported to the Belford hospital in Fort William.  Dave'll be fine, he's a hard bastard and a full recovery is expected! 

Dave causing a scene

Daves Taxi - R177