Forwards and Backwards...

My first foray back into the hills after an injury imposed rest went by with mixed success. With both Kev and I dealing with injuries, it was great just to be back in the mountains on the superb Tower Ridge, which must rank up there as amongst both of our favourite routes. We've had some memorable Alpine type days on this route as well as having to battle poor winter conditions, so a dry sunny day was an absolute pleasure!

On a separate note, I had a chance to test out my new La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes. These performed amazingly well on Tower Ridge, with the friction provided by the Stealth Rubber on the sole being superb. They were sensitive enough to feel precise when climbing but had enough cushioning to be comfortable on the walk in and out. They don't have a waterproof lining so will be used mainly on dry days but on these sort of scrambling days I think they'll be fantastic.

 Whilst all went well on the day, by the walk out we had both started to suffer a bit and by the drive down the track, I needed to get out for stretch to relieve the pain from my prolapsed disc and inflamed sciatic nerve. The next couple of weeks proved to be quite frustrating with very little improvement.
It looks like I may be in for a long journey to full fitness but I'm optimistic things are slowly moving forwards...

 To break things up a bit, I had a very enjoyable couple of days with the team from BBC Countryfile who were in Lochaber filming a special about the 60th Anniversary of Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was filming with them for a short piece on navigation so if included it might make for an interesting (or humorous) watch tonight! (1730hrs BBC one).

The Countryfile team settingup below an 'emblematic' mountain!

Meanwhile, our freelance staff have been busy! Rich had a damp but enjoyable day on Tower Ridge with Syaza and James

pic- R. Parker

pic- R. Parker

 Andy was out with Jan and David in Glencoe showing them this iconic part of the Highlands and reaching the summit of Aonach Dubh in the process.

Andy was also up the amazing CMD Arete with Tracy and her family, showing off this fantastic walking route to the UK's highest peak

Steve was out guiding Jim on Glencoe's famous scramble, the Aonach Eagach Ridge. Jim cruised the scrambling and added another couple of  Munros to his count.

pic-S. Holmes

pic-S. Holmes

 Mandy is preparing to climb Kilimanjaro in a few weeks and decided to test her self on Ben Nevis in preparation. She did really well and we wish you the best of luck with the big climb in a few weeks!

 Steve had a grand day on Ben Nevis with Andy who completed a speedy climb of Ledge Route, experiencing the grandeur of the North Face of the Ben!

Pic- S. Holmes

 Steve was also out with Isla, who was over visiting from Australia. They had another great day on the Aonach Eagach and it's fantastic when we get a chance to showcase this beautiful mountain area in all it's glory.

Pic- S. Holmes

Pic- S. Holmes

Pic- S. Holmes

Nathan was also out for us on the Carn Mor Dearg Arete this week with Jennie and Alex and even a bit of cloud didn't dampen their enthusiasm for this awesome route!

Taking things easy for a while was also aimed at being able to work in the very special North Face Survey on Ben Nevis...see next post!