Over in the Cairngorms the last few days have been fairly mild. Thursday and Friday saw the freezing level above the summits, resulting in a rapidly retreating snow pack. However, the clear nights have refrozen the snow in many places resulting in solid neve. Some teams were seen on 'Fiacaill Couloir' and in 'Y Gully" in Corrie an Lochain.

Things have improved on the west coast on Saturday. Mike Brownlow and Nick Carter made an ascent of 'Sidewinder' on Trident Buttress, Ben Nevis. This area is quick to come into condition and relatively high on the mountain. This summer HVS may have seen an ascent before?

Nearby Mike Pescod and Donald King climbed 'Slab Climb' VI,7, which is rapidly gaining a reputation as a modern nevis classic.

Back in the Peak District there have been some showers and its been bitterly cold out on the grit. Some keen climbers still managed to brave the conditions. It looks like similar conditions this week, with showers and drier spells.