The final day of my MIC Training, saw the MIC Trainee team heading up into Coire Na Ciste on Ben Nevis. Frost had stared forming in the glens, and along with a very promising forecast, it was going to be a great way to finish the course and potentially a busy day on Ben Nevis! On arrival at the top car park, the latter statement became immediately obvious, with a full car park and plenty of people making their way up the Allt a'Mhuilinn. The snow in Coire Na Ciste had firmed up nicely, thanks to the refreeze, although there was definitely a softer layer beneath the surface.
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| Tim leading the thin upper pitch of Tramp |
Tim, Barney and I opted for a lesser travelled route, 'Tramp IV,4', whilst Keith, Dave and Rusty made their way up to 'Wendigo IV,4'. The approaches to all these climbs are quite steep, requiring careful judgement in order to safeguard clients. Gillian Culshaw and team were making their way up to the base of 'Green Gully IV,4', another Ben Nevis classic. The first pitch of 'Tramp' was a particularly steep ice pitch, certainly top-end for the grade, but the ice was good, allowing mostly first time axe placements. Two pitches of snow, and a little tricky mixed chimney brought us out onto an exposed traverse, which although protectable, just, finished with a very awkward down climb, and then very bold climbing up a very thin groove, up to the next belay. Not really recommended for those seeking their first grade IV. The route, which shares this pitch with 'Aphrodite IV,4' could do with more snow-ice on it's upper reaches! A great day out, in glorious weather!
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| Photo of us on Tramp, courtesy of Richard Hale |
Other teams out on 'Point 5 Gully V,5', 'Hadrian's Wall Direct V,5', 'Smith's Route V,5', although reports are that it's still not really in great condition, 'Central Gully III', 'Central Gully Right-hand IV,4' and 'Two-Step Corner V,5' amongst many others. It's looking great up there!
Sounds awesome mate
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