Davie Scott's Blog: 10-15/10/13

On Thursday I headed off up the Ben . Although initially quite pleasant walking conditions, once above the red burn, the temp had dropped considerably and there was even ice formed in certain areas below 1,000m. We pressed on to the very wintry looking summit of Ben Nevis and found rime ice formed and about 2" long in places with just about everything rimed up to some extent or another.

Rime Ice Forming near Mcleans Steep

Ben Nevis Summit as seen from the top of Gardyloo Gully area

a very wintry looking Ben Summit

After Thursday, Kate and I took a risk on an ify weather forecast and decided to head to North Wales, stopping to view a Reel Rock 8 viewing in Balloch on the Friday evening. The next morning (after an epic drive) we found ourselves at the outstanding venue of Gogarth, in particular, Castell Helen, South Stack. After an ascent of the super classic 4 pitch Lighthouse Arete Direct VS4c, we also bagged Pel/Rap combo 2 pitch VS4c (but considerably harder!).

Kate abseils down to the niche on Castell Helen

the Semi hanging belay option on P1 of Lighthouse arete direct VS4c

Kate seconding Lighthouse arete direct (even smiling!)

The Next day, we decided to stay in the area with a visit to Holyhead Mountain with Kate bagging The Hat V.Diff, D'Elephant VDiff and Tempest S,4a. While I lead up Tension VS,4b which is an absolute must do! Another great days climbing had by all.

Smiles before Kate leads off up The Hat, V Diff, Holyhead Mountain

Kate mid crux on The Hat

With the weather that we had took a risk on then turning pretty wet, we decided to chase the weather and headed up to Skye where we had a great day making our way up Window Buttress on Sgurr Dearg, bagged the Inaccessible Pinnacle and descended into Coire Lagan via An Stac screes. Another fantastic day in the mountains!