Central Gully, Stob Coire Nam Beith, North Face

Stob Coire Nam Beith, North Face. Central Gully is virtually in the centre of the shot, and follows the line is ice up. Deep Cut Chimney is out of condition and can be seen slightly to the right.
Matt Leggett found the small snow house below the North Face

Matt finding some good ice at last

On the crux pitch, the ice was mostly non existent. It became a mixed extravaganza. The easiest way on this occasion was through the chock stones, rather than over! But no space for a bag - that was towed behind! Great fun... I don't think Matt apprecaited having to follow this line!

After our morning fun on No. 6 Gully, on Aonach Dubh, West Face, we decided to extend our day and have a look on the North Face of Stob Coire Nam Beith, hoping to find something hanging in there. We looked at Deep Cut Chimney, hoping it would go, but decided to go for the ice to the side on Central Gully (IV, 4 ***). From the ground we could see the poor quality ice (a gap) on pitch 3, but decided to go for it anyway. The mixed gap proved to be the excitement of the day.

We were still good for time so pushed for the Stob Coire Nam Beith summit, and were still back to the car just after 4pm.

We ate at Clacaig Inn. Matt and Sam emigrate to Papua New Guinea next week. Best wishes to them both.