Climbing at the pass

Lauren, Rachel and I were climbing at the Pass of Ballater on Friday for a few hours.  They both wanted to get into and gain confidence in leading with leader placed protection.  They climbed some easer routes on the second and then after a bite to eat and re-hydration had a look at gear placements.
 

Rachel leading Rightguard (Diff).

They were soon back on the rock getting the leads in.  We also looked at personal abseiling off the top of the crag using a prussik as a back up.

Lauren leading inside Lime Chimney (Diff).

To round the day off they opted for getting on something a little more tricky so they both followed me up Lucky Strike (VS 4c)***.

Lauren and Lucky Strike (VS4c***).

I had Saturday off and made good use of the weather to get out for a good hill run with Sam.  In my usual spirit we took the 'adventurous' route on the way up to Clachnabien to join the path further up towards the forest.  Busy, busy, busy it was with lots of couples and families out for a relaxing walk.