Castle Ridge and Gullies. 
Today I joined other mountaineering instructors and mountain guides for a day of exploring the North Face of Ben Nevis. The aim was to look at ways of using this huge face for running a variety of specific courses. I was lucky enough to be shown around by local mountain guide guru and authority on Ben Nevis, Alan Kimber. We spent the day ascending and descending various bits of the face. Ending up on Tower Ridge , down and around the Douglas Boulder. A fascinating day, with a great bunch of aspirant and qualified instructors.
The Ben was busy with allot of folk walking in quite late. The conditions remain stable. The snow in the major gullies is very firm and the rocks are at present very slippy with verglas. Ice is building slowly.
Unfortunately a serious accident happened to a climber higher up on the mountain today. A very long fall resulted in the rescue team being called out and a helicopter rescue. I believe the climber was seriously injured but stable. I wish him a speedy recovery.
It was good to see the roof is now back on the CIC Hut thanks to some fine work from local builders and climbers from Oban!
