Paul James, MIC - Mountain-Expertise.co.uk - Winter and Rock Climbing Conditions

Tuesday 2 March 2010

02-03-10, Liathach - Winter Mountaineering

Beinn Alligan and Beinn Dearg, Torridon from Liathach

Today I went to Torridon, in the hope that the rumours of there being less snow in the North West were true. It is true, and the sun shone. I did the Liathach Main Ridge Traverse II. This is a marvelous high level ridge route that links 5 peaks with 2 Munros. It is mainly walking but has several technical grade II moves ascending and descending the Pinnacles section in the middle. There is less snow in Torridon and looks like Applecross and Sgurr Ruadh have escaped the last great dump also. This is good for climbing conditions, as it allows us to get to and from the routes with out being avalanched and all the ice and rock hasn't been buried. The snow is firm on the north face and there is a fair amount of ice present, however there is some windslab about in places. I wouldn't have thought any climbing is happening in the Cairngorms or on Creag Meagaidh but people have been climbing the low level ice routes on the west and Beinn Udlaidh right hand side, but to be honest the North West is where it is at. I will be heading back there sometime this week.
Easy ridge walking between 'The Pinnacles'


Pinnacles and Mullach an Rathain

No comments:

Post a Comment