Sheila topping out on the first pitchThis week I'm climbing with Patricia & Sheila on an Adventure Peaks Advanced Climbing course. Plan A was Green Gully (IV 4) but with a number of teams heading that way we opted for the classic Thompson's Route (IV 4). Despite the extensive thaw of last week the Ben was amazing condition with plenty of teams out enjoying Orion Face, Zero Gully, Point 5, Tower Ridge, No 2 Gully Buttress, No 3 Gully Buttress, Central Gullies, Central Trident Gully & Ledge Route. Patricia turned back during the approach but Sheila and I made a good ascent in 4 pitches including the direct mixed finish. One abseil took us back in to the depths of No 3 gully and a leisurely descent back to the van. A great day to start the week.
Thompson's Route (IV 4) takes the LH chimney. The RH icefall is Gremlins (VI 6)
Reaching the belay at the top of the crux second pitch
Climbing parallel with a team on No 3 Gully Buttress Original Route (III)
Kenny abseiling his team in to No 3 Gully after a quick ascent of Tower Ridge (IV 3) and before an even quicker ascent of Green Gully (IV 4)!!
Abseiling in to No 3 Gully off a snow bollard
The view from the depths of No 3 Gully
Ben Nevis this evening with some high sirrus.
