Central Gully Right-Hand, Hook Fest

On the approach to Central Gully Right-Hand

Jagged Globe - Snow and Ice Climbing

Today Ian, Catherine and I headed to Ben Nevis to try some grade IV ice, after their taste of Grade IV mixed yesterday. We chose Central Gully Right-Hand, with no-body on it, although there weren't many teams about - several teams on the Orion Face, teams on the Minus face (Gaz and Alistair on Minus 2), teams on Green, No. 3 Gully Buttress, Ledge, Tower and a team on Central Gully in front of us. On the main pitch itself the climbing was fantastic and every axe placement sank into a deep hook - which made it a path. Where an axe placement had to be made the ice was found to be a little brittle. A great climb.

The last of the 3 pitches to get to the base of Central Gully Right-Hand

A team on Central Gully (III)

Ian after the initial steep section

Ian finding those hooks

Ian working on his footwork

Catherine Crux from Max Hunter on Vimeo.

Catherine about to finish

Ian as a bit of snow comes in

Ian - last pitch from Max Hunter on Vimeo.