Winter Grit..

I have just returned from skiing in France and decided to head out to the Peak District today for some winter bouldering.

It seemed like just about every other climber in and around the Peak District had done the same, the conditions being excellent. Despite some showers in recent days, the fresh winds have dried the crags rapidly leaving conditions of optimum friction for those who don't mind chilly hands.

Burbage North, Burbage South, Burbage West, Higgar Tor, Stanage Plantation and Froggatt were all busy today with climbers bouldering and nipping up a few routes.

Further north in Scotland it sounds like it has been very stormy in most parts in recent days, particularly in the Cairngorms. This isn't unusual during January, and next week looks set to be unsettled with further snow showers and low freezing levels. For some recent video and pictures check out the FrontPoint Reports at http://www.thefrontpoint.com/reports.aspx?PageID=Latest This stormy weather will ultimately provide plenty of 'build up' on the higher peaks with any precipitation falling as snow at summit level..