Thompson's Route

Catherine on the first pitch (30m to the rock wall)

Jagged Globe - Snow and Ice Climbing

Today with perhaps the best day of the week, Ian, Catherine and I decided to head to Ben Nevis for another IV,4 climb. This time we headed up to Thompson's Route. We were beaten there by PYB and the MIC training course, but as normal they were slick and we soon had the bottom pitch to ourselves (although I got a good helping of snow and ice raining down on me). We did the climb in 2 pitches to the tat/spike and then another 2 to the top. Catherine and Ian said that Central Gully R-H was harder due to the most sustained steep ice, but both climbs were awesome and in great condition. The ice was chewy and didn't want to let go of the axes, so the crux of the day was taking the axes up the climb with you! We enjoyed great visibility at the top, but it looks like a little snow is on the way with a few whiteouts.

Ian on the left trying to get the insitu hex out, before I realised what he was doing and told him he could leave it.

Last pitch to the top

Yet another amazing day. Of course we're getting used to it now.

Enjoying the visibility, before the possible prolonged whiteout tomorrow, in some places.