After a productive day yesterday on Dorsal Arete, John and I headed to the Ben for some more winter climbing. We decided to go for linking two decent grade II's and topping out in the sunshine. After a brisk walk to the CIC hut, we geared up and enjoyed some banter among other teams getting ready for what looked to be an ideal day on the Ben. We headed up to the bottom of Garadh Gully, II. A good rock belay in the initial scoop provided John with a good safe place to observe while I climbed the crux and set up a bomber 3 point screw belay above. John soon followed and managed the crux (a short but wee bit tricky ice step) in a good steady and solid fashion. After this, it was two more pitches of steepish daggering up to the top of Garadh Boulder where we had a quick drink and bite to eat before traversing around to the bottom of No2 Gully. John did well, finding the gully very pleasant due to it being stepped out to the extent of a stair case! at about mid way, although the going was easy we opted to utilise a big spike on the right, with a good scoop base as a good belay, which put us within a pitch and a bit of topping out, which we did into some glorious sunshine. To complete the day, we took a stroll along to the summit and then descended via No4 Gully, which John opted to abseil over the cornice. Some good climbing and spectacular views enjoyed by all!
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| looking up towards Garadh Gully II (centre) |
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| Me leading the crux on Garadh Gully |
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| John shortly after climbing the crux of Garadh Gully |
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| Traversing round to the bottom of No2 Gully II |
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| John topping out of No2 Gully into the sunshine! |
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| Abseiling over the steep cornice of No4 Gully |
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| Ben Nevis summit plateau |
A wee video to summarise the 3 days
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