Sunday 17 March 2013

George Heriot's School Winter Climbing Weekend.


On the summit of Stob Bhan 947m.


The beautiful Stob Bhan and School House Ridge on the left. 


Relaxed in the sun!


Looking back into Glencoe. 


Morven's first ever use of crampons and winter climb!

This weekend I have been out working in the mountains guiding staff and pupils from George Heriot's School on winter mountaineering and climbing routes. This weekend is a progression from their winter skills weekend earlier in the year. The school are keen to progress the pupils and give them as much adventure as possible. So on Saturday we headed up the beautiful School House Ridge on Stob Bhan, at grade II it was in perfect condition, snow covered form low down some clearing was needed to ascend the steep steps and considerable wading near the top.  On Sunday, a totally different feel was experienced, white out for a large part of the day, large cornices and fine sharp snow aretes were encountered on The other Aonach Eagach  Ridge on Stob Ghabhar in The Black Mount. A surprisingly fun and adventurous day was had by all. Fresh snow has has been falling now since Saturday afternoon and the moderate wind has started to created some large slab at the tops of gullies and cornices have formed making interesting work on the lee slopes and aretes. Be careful out there, it is due to stay cold and therefore the snow will not consolidate for a while. Thanks to Instructors, Jamie Bankhead and Rich Parker for their professional approach and guiding skills this weekend. Great to work with you guys. Sunday's photo's to follow.