Chris Walker

Some tragic news.. Some readers of my blog may well have already heard about Chris Walkers death on Buchaille Etive Mor on the 24th February, which has been widely reported in the press.

Chris was a friend and fellow Mountaineering Instructor (MIC) with whom I shared many ascents with both here and in the UK and abroad. I would just like to send out my since condolences to all his friends and family. He had a passion for the mountains which he shared easily with his friends and those who joined him out on the hill; regardless of whether it was in the Himalaya or the rolling hills of the Lake District.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8535461.stm

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2010/02/24/two-confirmed-dead-after-glencoe-avalanche

I can't really say much more but will leave you with a couple of images of some great days out: Ski Touring close to Val d'Isere, rock climbing on Pavey Ark and Creag Mhor Thollaidh.

Northern Cairngorms..

Dave Barker and I visited the Northern Corries today. As we arrived at the Corrie Cas car park the temperature in the car was registering -18 degrees.

It certainly felt like a cold day on the crag, with many routes still being plastered in rime unless they have seen regular ascents. In fact conditions are probably better for hard mixed climbing just about any where other than the Cairngorm's at the moment. Might be that time to visit the North West...

Beinn Udlaidh..

Chris and I decided to head to Beinn Udlaidh today in search of ice. The crag was busy as expected but we managed to find some gaps between other teams and climbed 'South Gully of the Black Wall' IV, 'Green Eyes' IV and 'Quartzvein Scoop' IV.

Early in the morning the ice was very brittle following a hard frost, resulting in a lot of "dinner plating". Later in the day everything was a little more plastic, so it might be worth going for a slightly later start if you want to be fussy! I was again working for local Mountain Guide, Alan Kimber.

Ian Hey has also found the time to edit a small video of his ski tour the other day. Worth checking out to be reminded of all that is good about Scottish skiing..

Beinn a Chaorainn and Creag Meagaidh..

I was out for West Coast Mountain Guides today with Chris. Keen to do some mountaineering and skiing we decided to head up the East Ridge of Beinn a Chaorainn (I) before traversing to the summit of Creag Meagaidh.

Finally we descended to Meall Coire Choille-rais where we knocked out some turns down the Allt nan Cearcall down towards the Laggan Road.

With the prolonged cold temperatures there is surface hoar practically everywhere which could make for some interesting avalanche conditions "if" it's buried by further snowfalls.

West is best?...

Another clear blue sky day here in Fort William. With light winds and excellent visibility, any day on the hill is going to be pretty special at the moment (unless you forget your sunglasses).

The weekend might see some more snow showers coming in off the sea but the distribution and timing appears a little uncertain. It will remain cold though according to Wetterzentrale.de and Netweather's monthly outlook.

This morning folk were heading off up to Stob Coire an Lochan, Beinn Udlaidh and Creag Meagaidh, many of which will be in good condition at the moment. With continuing snowfall, care will be required interpreting the avalanche forecasts. Although a lot of fresh snow has fallen under light winds, there will be isolated spots of windslab out there.

Fresh Snow on the West..

The day started with clear near windless conditions this morning on the west coast; a stunning day. Unfortunately, I have been confined to the valley with what can only be described as a cold of the most savage variety.

Just to further twist the knife Ian Hey (Climb Mountains) along with Catrin Thomas arrived back today with some footage of their day out skiing on Creag Meagaidh...

View it here on YouTube.

Ben Nevis cascades..

Trevor and I walked into Ben Nevis today during a morning of heavy snow. With lots of fresh snow most parties were avoiding the higher routes and climbing low level ice, mixed lines or heading for a Latte in Fired Art.

We opted to climb a couple of ice lines close to the steepest cascade, and took the opportunity to practice v-threads (pictured) and peg placement.

The weather looks to be cold for the next few days with the odd flurry of snow. Skis would definitely be an advantage at the moment with the opportunity for some great descents.