With some reorganisation we managed to re schedule Tuesday's Intro Winter Climbing course to Wednesday. And what a difference that made. We had a classic day on Dorsal Arete in Glencoe with Glenn and Dean who had come up from North Wales to experience Scottish Winter climbing and proper walk in's!
They were treated to awesome weather and as Andy Spink was mentoring a trainee MIC the guys got individualised instruction. Jamie Bankhead MIC guided Dean and Cliff ( closely observed ) by Andy guided Glenn. A stunning day out for all concerned.
Alot of new snow had fallen the night before and evidence of large amounts of graupel had been laid down under 10 cm of fresh snow. A little worrying if on large open faces or loaded gully heads. It was a very good illustration for Glenn and Dean to see why we spend so much time planning out route choices for the day ahead and how constant dynamic risk assessment is crucial.
Today in Glencoe it was all change again. A cold start but considerably warmer by lunchtime.
Today Andy was mentoring Tim who is also working towards his MIC assessment. Teaching progressions of leading skills for Rory and Rob and some specific use of crampons on mixed terrain. Tim also did alot of short roping in ascent and descent.
Winter conditions prevailed under foot but the snow line was visibly rising by the late afternoon.
Manchester University Mountaineering Club are back with us this weekend. Intro Mountaineering, Advanced Mountaineering / leading course and a Winter Climbing Course are all on the menu.
Pleasingly it is looking like it will remain reasonably cold.
Dean on Dorsal Arete.
A beautiful start to Wednesday in Glencoe.
High up on Dorsal Arete. A classic grade II winter climbing and ideal for a first experience of this amazing adventure activit.
Jamie bringing up Dean to the belay stance.
Short rope practice for Tim on Gearr Aonach today.
The start of the ZigZags on Gearr Aonach.
Glenn reaching the top of Dorsal Arete. A happy man!
