Curved Ridge

Gaining the sun low on the ridge

In stunning weather Rich, Allan and I climbed the classic Curved Ridge on the final day of their climbing course. It can attain Grade III status under heavy snow but it had been climbed recently so we reasoned that much of clearing would already have been done. In the event much of the tracks had been blown in and we had a great adventure. The initial ice fall was just about in giving a challenging start We then stayed in Easy Gully for a couple of pitches enjoying some more ice before exiting on to the ridge just below the crux wall and corner. The upper snow slope was slightly suspect but we climbed through the rocks on the right summiting via Crowberry Gap. On the descent Coire Tulaich was surprisingly devoid of snow although we avoided the normal gully descending a rocky ridge just to the west. There was a team on Rannoch Wall's Agag's Groove and Kenny was working on North Buttress which he reported to be in good condition if a little buried. This week I was working for Adventure Peaks

A Welsh team enjoying Agag's Groove (VII 6)

Topping out on the crux corner

Stunning conditions on the upper ridge

Approaching Crowberry Tower with Rannoch Mor behind

The Buachaille's shadow framed by Crowberry Gully

This year's winner of the cheesy summit photo!

Evening light on Ben Nevis

Sunset behind Stob Na Broige

Stunning alpine glow from Coire Tulaich