
Climbed with Rachael Crewesmith. Had a Ben key, got a lift up with Mark Stevnson and his partner and got Cliff Lowther and Dave Fisher in for the ride; cramped!
Walked in at a reasonable pace, beat Cliff and Dave to the base of Thompson`s as they were also interested in it. I led the first 2 crux pitches. The first pitch was very pokey, thin ice and little build up in the chimney made for some techy moves, reckon V, 6 today? Climbed the 2nd pitch to the juncture with Number 3 Gully Buttress where Rachael then took over leading and took us to the top. Went to the summit of Ben Nevis as it was Rachael`s first day climbing on the Ben, we even got some summit views! Stunning day given the pessimistic forecast. The Ben was very quiet.
Area :
Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg
Ben Nevis is certainly the biggest and most famous winter climbing ground in Scotland, with something for everyone from the debutante to the most experienced and skilled. The almost alpine grandeur of the north face can, in a good winter, transform into a world where climbable snow-ice forms at almost every angle. It provides climbs suitable for any stage of the winter, from early season snowed-up rock climbs to late season ice wall specials. Also included here are the small number of winter climbing opportunities on the neighbouring Carn Mor Dearg.