Unsuccessful raiding (Scottish winter climbing)

Tuesday 10 March 2009 05:21PM

So I’m heading south again (first to Wales for a module on my Msc, then to the alps for some ski races) after a 3 week trip to Scotland. The last three weeks have really shown me how frustrating winter climbing in Scotland can be if you don’t live close by. I put all my eggs in the BMC winter meet basket, but got next to nothing done due to having the flu and the weather being appalling (rain at all levels most days). Then was less flexible last week, with work, exams and wanting to spend some time with my girlfriend meaning I couldn’t take advantage of the return of the winter. Thankfully I did get one day out, last friday, and it was even sunny for a bit!

The icing on the cake was a return to sub zero conditions, we even got a bit of spindrift to make me feel like we’d had a proper Scottish day out. Managed to do Aqualung (VI, 7) and Hooker’s Corner (V, 7) in a short day.

Big news of the last few days is that Andy Turner and Tony Stone did the yesterday first winter ascent of the summer route Sassenach yesterday. Respect!