The North East Buttress of Ben NevisAn early start saw us first at the foot of the classic North East Buttress (IV,4). The easy traverse to the first platform felt pretty insecure but once on the ridge conditions were perfect. The Mantrap was dry and in very easy condition. The 40' Corner contained very little ice but still felt bold. We topped out under blue skies for lunch on the summit. There is now an easy zig zag track down in to Coire Leis by the Abseil Posts. The Ben was fairly busy today with teams on Minus 3 Gully, Orion Face, Point 5 Gully, Tower Ridge, Vanishing Gully, Glover's Chimney and Comb Gully.
Traversing to the First Platform.
Traversing to the First Platform.
Grade III climbing on the ridge.
The final stunning snow arete.
Topping out a few feet from the summit.
Lunch on top of the Ben.
