Wednesday 29 June 2016

Cuillin climbing

A wee while since my last post as I have been busy +++.  Recent highlights including climbing in the NW Highlands and on the incomparable Isle of Skye. We were extremely lucky with the weather on these trips and managed to dodge most of the rain. In particular we had some fantastic weather on Skye, and managed to climb some classic mid-grade routes on the wonderful, rough Gabbro rock for which the Cuillin of Skye are justly famous, including Grand Diedre Direct VS 5a, Sunset Slab/Yellow Groove VS 4c, as well Cioch West (Severe), Arrow Route (Diff) and Integrity (VS 4c) on the magnificent cliff of Sron na Ciche. So much more to do, now just need some more time off and for the sun to come back out. Low pressure to the NW of the UK just now, meaning our side of the country likely to fair a bit better and be a bit brighter than the West....a period to probably stay on the East of Scotland if you can. All photos today courtesy of Alex Cowan.

Stunning high camp in the Cuillin of Skye

Me leading the 5a pitch on Grand Diedre Direct

The superlative Integrity VS 4c on Sron na Ciche

The equally classic Arrow Route

Typically Scottish weather on Skye

Saturday 4 June 2016

Hot rock Provence

Slightly belated post, some photos of a wonderful recent trip rock climbing and enjoying the incomparable Provence in the South of France. A change to be back climbing Limestone, very different to much of our rock in the Highlands, but really lovely once the "feel" had come back!
And of course the sun just shone, shone, shone, and the pool and beers were refreshing. Summer in full swing back in the Highlands now, a slightly driech interlude yesterday but looking fantastic again for the next few days.


Reachy moves on a F6a slab

Henry sets of...Voie de Trous 5+

Thirsty work belaying!

Up to the belay


Abseil descent