Lakes, Wales and Home again...

We were down in the Lake District briefly last week and managed a quick evening walk up Scafell Pike in preparation for the 3 Peaks season coming into full swing.  Some nice views despite a bit of cloud on the summit.

It was then off to Wales. We headed up Crib Goch along to Snowdon and down the Pyg track. Crib Goch was amazing, great exposure combined with lovely scrambling, easily comparable to some of the classic scrambles we have here in Lochaber.

Managed to get a quick route done at Dunkeld on the way home. This is Glenda abbing off ' The End', VS 5a at Polney Crag, another stunning day of sunshine!

Yesterday we headed down to Glenfinnan early in the morning to belay for Kev who sent his new route, The Rebellion, E6 6b. After a couple of attempts on top rope Kev went on the lead and nailed it. Amazing effort- check out his blog for the definitive account! kevshieldsclimbing.blogspot.com/ A wee celebratory dram of Mount Everest whisky from Nepal certainly made for an interesting breakfast!

To grab the good weather while it lasts, Glenda and I headed to Glencoe and did Fracture route  ( VS4c) on the Buachaille. A late start avoided the worst of the heat and allowed Rannoch wall to be comfortably shaded. Off to Knoydart again next week so lets see if the weather holds...

Knoydart and 3 Peaks

Glenda and I headed over to Knoydart on Wednesday for a bit of reccy for some work I have coming up. We did a wild camp in Glean Meadail and went over the Mam Meadil pass to Loch Nevis and stayed in Sourlie's Bothy. The weather was pretty atrocious on Thursday so our hopes of getting onto some of the higher peaks were dashed. Was still an enjoyable couple of days in a remote and wild feeling area.

Saturday was my first 3 peaks of the season. Underfoot conditions were a bit tricky higher up but most of the group made it to the summit in some pretty nice weather. Wonder when Summer will arrive!

Climbing and guiding

I was back out with Kev yesterday looking at his new route which seems to be coming along nicely!

Today I was guiding Paula and Karen along the Carn Mor Dearg Arete and Ben Nevis. They both did really well and we were rewarded with great views. The snow has shifted quickly but what is left is fairly solid.

As good as it gets...

Had an amazing few days. Saturday was climbing with Kev (.http://kevshieldsclimbing.blogspot.co.uk/) and Johan at a crag in Glenfinnan. Kev was looking at new route which he managed to impressively fight his way to the top of with a top rope. I settled for top roping an E5 which was awesome!

 On Sunday Glenda, Kev, Alison and myself headed up the Carn Mor Dearg Arete and onto Ben Nevis. The weather was stunning, the conditions Alpine and the route superb.

Yesterday I was climbing Creag Dubh with Graham. I lead King Bee Direct (HVS 5a) and Inbred (HVS 5a) while Graham led the interestingly named Strapadicktaemi (E1 5a)

Today I was up the Ben again with Kev and after a great view of it on Sunday, Tower Ridge was our objective. Again a truly memorable day. Soft snow made some parts slightly less straight forward but all in all good conditions and a great day!