Torridon

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Northumberland Weekend

The county delivers again.

Saturday was overcast and blowy, Sunday was perfect in every sense. Great company, perfect weather, good stuff done by all.

The Van

Got our Van!

Going to get it converted and put together some before and after pics.

Here's some befores;

Glen Clova

Another great day in the Glen. Good weather, rock in good nick.

Torridon Pics

at work

at work, bored, teaching megan about blogs.

old photos

yes, been bloody slack. Got the new pc so thought i would upload a few from earlier in the year.

Discoveries

Went for a wander round Boddam lighthouse and found some potentially good new bouldering.

Fatigue / Exhaustion

Sunday morning. Alarm 6:30. Leave house 7:30. Drive - 1.5 hours. Bike - 1 hour. Walk 2 hours.

If my maths isn't shit, we reached the crag (Coire Sputan Dearg) at about midday. Clear skies and a howling wind, perfect conditions for mountain routes. On the approach we were checking out the pools in the burn, complete with jacuzzi bubbles, water slides and sunshine.

By the time we had geared up and crossed the snowpatch (fortunately snow soft enough to step kick in hiking boots) the weather was threatening; high clouds had blocked the sun and low clouds were building in the valley. 3 pitches of great climbing up the Grey Slab (HS) brought us to a spectacular belay with a view for miles. Rowie lead off the chimney pitch (a challenge to get into) and as she was setting up belay the rain started. Then stopped. Then started again. By the time I got to the top it was raining proper, so raincoats and hiking boots on, followed by a slow and circuitous route down a snowy gully. and back to the bags. Repeat of the process in reverse home (the last mile on tarmac was by far the worst), fish and chips in Braemar, and home by 9:30.

Was it worth it? Most definitely. Do it again? Not tomorrow.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Scottish Heaven

As close to ideal weather as you could possibly want.....

Well, maybe it was a bit too windy for doing mountain routes, and a bit warm for good friction on sandstone slopers, but if you don't know what grade things are anyway, it just feels hard.

Sword of Gideon was definitely worth the effort. Pitches one and four are just scrambling, but the rock is so nice that it's still good climbing. Pitch 2 was a bit of a tussle. The flared rock means any good gear is hard fough, the moves are a bit blind, and there is a lot of smeary footwork. And the foot traverse at the top was exciting in howlign winds. But hey ho, given the alternative of still weather and midges from hell ,i know what I would go for.

Ardesaig Crag is one of those wee gems you rarely find. Perfect rock, a sunny aspect, fun climbing, and 5 mins from the road. Nothing hard, just a good mellow crag.

Sunday bouldering at Torridon was a bit of a revelation. It's the first place in Scotland (apart from Glen Clova, but that's different) that has really inspired me. Perfect rock, great lines, stunning location. I think we were fortunate, because the ground was bone dry, and the breeze kept the midges away, as I suspect it would be hellish. And some major inspiring lines to go at. Unfortunately the heat and the rough rock took it's toll on hands that are soft again after the bullet hard post Font tips, but such is life.

More pics

More pics from Lochearnhead

Last Sunday.....

We stopped for lunch at Lochearnhead on Sunday on the way back from Glencoe. As we parked up the rain threatened and while we were wating for food it tipped it down. But the light was amazing. I ran for the camera and a fleese and just started snapping, rting my damnedest to keep the camera dry. Partial success and a few nice shots.

It begins.....

I have no idea why I am doing this. I don't have much to say, but I will say it anyway. Spring is here in Aberdeenshire, weather is warm, but the sea is flatter than a flounder's cock. Van and ring shopping are the priorities at the moment, ring tonight, and van as soon as possible. VW Transporter is the one of choice, just trying to find something in the right price range. I may keep this up, I may sack it off. Lets see.