Ardnamurchan - 28th April

Freda, Hannah, Ken and Matt enjoying a break between climbs at Ardnamurchan

The search for dry weather and clear blue skies continued last weekend, and upon arrival back in Scotland from a climbing trip in Wales, we headed straight over to Ardnamurchan - the most westerly point on mainland Scotland. This goes with the coastal theme of the last few weeks, visiting Pembrokeshire, Gower, and Holyhead on Anglesey. At Ardnamurchan we had good views of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Skye. We joined up with Matt, Freda, Martyn, Laurie, Ken and Hannah to make a big van dwelling, climbing gang.

Hannah leading pitch 1 of Volcane (E1 4c,5b**)

Upon arrival at Creag Meall an Fhir-Eoin, the teams were already climbing Volcane, Yir and Oswald. Matt was already eyeing up Tremor Crack (E3 6a*) to the side of Oswald. Lena jumped on Yir to remember what the climbing on Ardnamurchan gabbro is like. The huge friction under your feet and hands does help you stick to almost anything, but means that your finger tips can only last a few days.

Lena leading pitch 1 of Yir (VS 4c***)

I'm on pitch 2 variation of Yir

Matt and Freda at the top of Tremor Crack (E3 6a*). You can see the moon rising behind Freda's back.

At the top of Yir, we could see Matt and Freda having fun on Tremor Crack, so we all decided we wanted a go! Ken was up next and climbed it clean.

Ken leading Tremor Crack (E3 6a*)

Hannah seconding Tremor Crack

Laurie at the top of Claude (VS 5a**) with Martyn seconding

Matt seconding Up Pompei (E2 5b**)

I started on Up Pompei, to test the friction under my feet. It was a little run out, but when there was gear it was excellent.

Matt enjoying Up Pompei

After Up Pompei, it was my turn to have a go at Tremor Crack (E3 6a). There was no slab here! Instead, an overhanging crack with a couple of awkward moves - so I only managed to get up with a million rests!

Martyn leading Up Pompei (E2 5b**)

Lena leading Stromboli (HVS 5b*)

Later in the day we moved to Meall an Fhir-Eoin and the Hooded Wall. Realising she had a good feel for the rock and its friction, Lena got onto Stromboli which has a good steep wall.

Lena on the steep wall of Stromboli

Ken leading Etna (E1 5b**) on the left, and Matt leading Stromboli (HVS 5b*) on the right

The other excellent climbs on Hooded wall are Vesuvius, Krakatoa, and Etna, all getting several ascents from the team.

I'm on the top slab of Dead Ringer (E1 5b*)

I had a go on Dead Ringer to finish the day, and enjoyed another slab on the second pitch. This was the end of a brilliant day of socialising and climbing - made even better by a clear sunset in the west off the tip of Sanna Bay.