SC Gully

SC Gully (III***) today

The Jagged Globe Snow and Ice Climbing Course today headed for Stob Coire Nan Lochan in Glencoe. Ed Chard did Twisting Gully and I wanted to do Raeburn's Route. There was a team on the route, moving slow, so I headed for a thin looking SC Gully. There was a team on it, but high up. I did bring screws, on the off chance, so I thought I'd take a look.

Some snow and ice from the higher team - a little hit Tariq on the nose

Pitch 1 was too thin for screws unfortunately, but there were a couple of hooks in the ice which were nice. Even though it didn't take screws it felt more secure than past ascents.

Tariq on the first pitch

Fred

Fred relaxing - but his calves working hard

Pitch 2 was a little rocky, but when there was neve it was usually solid.

Looking down after the rocky crux

The crux was rocky and not the standard grade III, but there was a clear hook, clear footholds, and eventually solid neve leading to the final ice line - but yet again, not deep enough for screws.

Tariq finishes it off

The exit was friendly on the left hand side. So, now Tariq and Fred have had 2 days of ice, and 2 days on mixed - what'll they choose for tomorrow?