Conagleann, Monadliath, Rock climbing 20 May 2010

Visited the Conagleann above Loch Mor on the south side of Loch Ness with Mark Philips.
A nice setting and some very interesting climbing on good granite although with rather dirty finishes. The steep lower wall contrasts with the slabs above which have poor holds and protection and a lot of lichen. Classic of the crag is The Raven, above and below, VS 4c.


Also climbed Toad Arete, VS 4c, here Mark is leaving the first belay, and seconded an E1 5b the name of which escapes me taking the blunt arete between the last two routes.

The first moves on the The Raven.


Looking for grip on the upper slabs. Also led Black Slab a 50m, VD, climb on the slabs to the right of The Raven. A very fine pitch on immaculate rock with well spaced protection for the nervous!

Braemar 15-16th May 2010

Weekend at Muir Cottage, Cairngorm Club hut with Argyll Mountaineering Club.
Saturday Sally and I cycled and hiked around Linn of Dee (above) and Glen Derry and HGlen Quoich. I also cycled up Glen Ey to look at the rivers - interesting!

Sally on her bike.....first time for a while!
Rolling down Glen Derry

Majestic scenery in Glen Quoich

On Sunday visited Burn of Vat and then went rock climbing with Ewan Lyons at Pass of Ballater.

Here seconding Black Custard (E1 5b). Did 5 routes during the day.

Steam train Spean Bridge 13 May 2010

Steam train standing at Spean Bridge Station this evening.........

With "train" enthusiasts inside no doubt!!

....and heading for Fort William.

Some local colour

Loch nam Uamh exploring 9 May 2010

Another fine west coast day spent exploring the rugged coastline of Loch nam Uamh.

A truly beautiful area, with magnificent woodlands, rugged inlets and skerries and sparkling crystal clear seas.

Ardnamurchan rock climbing 7-8 May 2010

Onset of northeasterly winds made me think of going SW so headed out to Ardnamurchan with Pat Ingram for a couple of days exploring the gabbro cliffs of the Ring Dyke area.

Leading a climb on Hebrides Wall, Beinn na Seilg.

Took a leader fall on a VS here when a critical handhold fell off as I was committed to a move. Thankfully the gear held, but Pat had to dodge the debris!

Wonderful views out from Beinn na Seilg, the last significant peak on the peninsula.

Pat leads Unknown Warrior VS on Hebrides Wall................

............. and the classic VS "Yir" on Meall an Fhir-Eoin Beag.

The rock on Meall an Fhir-Eoin Beag is fantastic. Chris leading top pitch of Yir.

Meall an Fhir-Eoin Beag, right hand side. Magnificent gabbro buttress facing south and at a low elevation.

Pat leading Greta Gabbro on Creag an Fhir-Eoin, VS

and Chris leading the classic corner pitch of Ringmaster VS 5a on Meall an Fhir-Eoin summit buttresses.

Chris leading the first pitch of Vulcan, VS.

River Moriston first 2010 trip 4th May 2010

First trip on Moriston in 2010. Shot of paddler (unknown) lining up to take the first rapid by the falls on river right.

Another paddler lands in the foam....

Pat Ingram negotiating the long rapid on the upper section.

Point Five Gully, Ben Nevis, 3rd May 2010

3rd May, yes 3rd May!! Heading up towards Point Five Gully on Ben Nevis. A cooler spell and a couple of frosty nights have brought the possibility of a final winter outing.

Teamed up with John Mcleod. John led off up the first pitch, taking in the steep bulge.

I got the chimney pitch, with two vertical sections, which I found quite hard, because the lower chimney had some poor ice in it.

John preparing to lead through onto the Rogue pitch. Getting in that all important first screw above the belay.

This pitch is deceptively steep, but the ice was good.

A picture (taken by Alan Kimber on his approach) of me seconding the Rogue Pitch.

Three more fine pitches led to a sunny plateau. Waited a lifetime to do this route!!

By 4.30 I was back home in the sunshine in the back garden. Time for a cold one!!