16-01-15, Beinn a'Chaorainn, West Highlands - Winter Mountaineering

 Back to the East Ridge of Beinn a'Chaorainn today, we have had a lot of snow and a very strong Westerly wind. I don't think it was quite as windy as forecast, but the summit was very Scottish. I need to thank the team that was ahead of us for putting in a fantastic effort and getting a track in the knee deep snow for us!

13-01-15, Beinn a'Chaorainn, West Highlands - Winter Mountaineering

Start of East Ridge, Beinn a'Chaorainn.

Finally some new snow, down to the glens. Plenty of snow on A86 too! A drop in wind speed, made for an enjoyable day on East Ridge of Beinn a'Chaorainn. Very wintry feel, lots of drifted snow, cornices and wind slab about, some nice icy patches and neve. There was a short spell of calm and blue skies but plenty of buffeting for the most.

16-02-13, Cairngorms, Beinn a'Chaorainn - Winter Mountaineering

Top of Fiaciall coire an t-Sneachda - ace weather today.

 I have been out with Hayley and Jeremy the last 3 days on a winter mountaineering course. The plan was to get them prepared for climbing Island Peak in the Himalaya. A refresh of skills, getting used to wearing plastic boots on the first day, we walked up Meall a Bhuachaille, the ski road was firmly shut. Warm and wet conditions started yesterday - over to climb the east ridge on Beinn a'Chaorainn, saturated snow but enjoyable enough. Today the weather was amazing, blue skies and warm sun. We joined the masses and ascended the Fiaciall in the Cairngorms.

Near the top of East ridge on Beinn a'Chaorainn.

Buttresses in Coire an t-Sneachda stripping fast!