Eagle Ridge in the sun sun sun

Phew, I've been looking forward to the weather improving again and yesterday was a great day!

Stuart had long wanted to climb Eagle Ridge (S/HS****) so yesterday we headed up to Lochnagar with a clear objective.

Eagle Ridge (S/HS****).

There's still some snow holding on in the corrie in the gullies but I expect with the rate it was melting the patches won't last too much longer.  We started climbing at 11am with Stuart setting off on the lead for the first pitch which was surprisingly dry!  Linking the guide book pitches one and two together, and a prompt lead by myself we made good progress and found ourselves at mid height on the route by midday.

Stuart placing gear on pitch 1.

Reaching the crest mid way up Eagle Ridge.

Pushing through the mid sections that provide some obstacles in between the nice comfortable corner climbing or airy aretes; the short steep walls made sure you were still concentrating.

Tackling the first wall.

Moving towards the 'sentry box'.

The second wall.

The sun kept shining illuminating every pitch that appeared over the crest of the ridge but keeping the corner pitches in the shade.  We topped out at 2pm and with a short walk we enjoyed our lunch at the summit mound out of the wind.

The final pitch up a sunny slab.

Even though I have climbed Eagle Ridge a number of times it had been almost two years since I had been on it.  It still throws some surprises your way no matter what you remember.

A small panorama from the Lochnagar summit.