Dorsal Arete

Zac Poulton about to lead Heather and Andrew up Dorsal Arete. With vis down to about 30m I took the direct line up making tracks, to the base of the climb - but Zac found a circuitous line in a good track, which got him there first...

So it was my last day with Stu Allan and Bill Keays on their Intro to Snow and Ice winter climbing course. We've had a great week ticking off some classics. Today with the strong forecast winds we were unable to get up Curved ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor, so we headed for Dorsal Arete (II***) on Stob Coire nan Lochan - aiming for Stu to do some more leading. Here Stu is leading high up on the route heading for the Arete.

Stu finds a belay and belays Bill up.

So there's Bill coming up the gully...

The arete was awesome as ever. Here Stu and Bill have managed to walk along the precipitous narrows of the snowy walkway - with massive drops on either side... Vis was poor - I wish they could see the exposure on either side!

The last run to the top of the route... We managed to get to the top without the need for goggles. There was a time on the day when I was reaching for them, but then the spindrift eased off again.. So the last climb of the week was done. We had time to look at ice screws and other winter toys on the way down. So finishes a great week. Thank you to the guys for looking after me all week and giving good company and entertainment....