PINNACLE RIDGE 22nd November The big smooth slab below the ‘finger” offered few possibilities for traction under its light covering of snow. At this point Various Stratagems were implemented to maintain upward progress, and indeed the rope came out. … Continue reading
This was the summit of Great Gable on Sunday 10th November, just emerging from a light mist. As usual, climbers and hill-goers gathered for a 2 minutes silence at 11.00 am. The occasion originates from the Fell and Rock Club, who installed a cast bronze war memorial on the summit… Continue reading
FOUR COURSES IN BADENOCH 3rd to 6th October 2013 Antipasti. A starter to whet the appetite. Can be fairly sizeable. As we drifted north over Drumochter Pass, on Friday morning, the shapes of mountains started gradually to emerge from the low cloud. “We could go up that one……” someone said.… Continue reading
PEANMEANACH Here are a few pictures of Peanmeanach bothy. It has an idyllic beach-side location. The bothy itself has two good rooms on the ground floor, plus a loft sleeping area. Its 2 hours walk in, over some surprisingly rugged terrain. We found a certain amount of driftwood to burn,… Continue reading
Scottish Rock – August ’13 For the first time in about 8 years, Maria and I didn’t go to the Alps this summer. In its place, we had a long weekend in Florence and a couple of weeks travelling round Scotland, trying to follow the good weather and get plenty… Continue reading
Loch and I climbed this magnificent route recently. 6 pitches of sustained, exposed interest. And some incredible views! Leading pitch 3: Loch on the interesting traverse (use long runners!) Belay on top of the Pinnacle: Me, topping out after the final steep pitch: Great day out. Well worth a trip… Continue reading
My Grandmother began life at Whitrigg near the Solway Firth in 1890, and from the most northerly Lake District mountain on Friday night, I could see (in theory at least) the lights of the farm where she was born. We’d got to the top of High Pike just as the last… Continue reading
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The bleak and empty hills stretch far away. Geldie Lodge is an utter ruin. It once stood in one of the most remote places in Britain, and no doubt in season, in former days, the… Continue reading
Gillercombe Buttress 7 or 8 Pitches – graded Severe. A perfect outing for a clear Summer’s day when Borrowdale was sweltering in the heat. Loch Dave and I drove across from York early on a Friday morning and had this lovely setting to ourselves (for most of the day)… Continue reading
TWO GUYS GET THE NEEDLE Here are some snaps of Needle Ridge, Great Gable, on sunny Tuesday 9 July Loch wanted to get stuck in to a classic, perhaps to insert in his log book. Our balloon was pricked a little when a very pleasant young couple reached the start… Continue reading
