April 08 Conditions

Thursday 24th April 2008

I have just added a new topo to my Downloads Page.

This new topo covers the conglomerate boulders on the North shore of the Moray Firth near the Kessock Bridge. When the tide is out this gives a pleasant circuit of bouldering.

Thanks to Rich for the work he did on the topo.

Tuesday 22nd April 2008

Paul and I went climbing at the Loch Tollaidh crags in the North West. These gneiss crags near Gairloch offer a multitude of routes on excellent rough rock just a short walk from the car.

Although cool in the wind it was warm when the sun finally came out towards the end of the day.

Monday 21st April 2008

Rich and I headed out for some evening cragging at Duntelchaig. It was really warm in the evening sunshine.

Rich did a new route up the hanging arete to the left of Frankenstein. This E4 6b starts up the crux corner of Frankenstein and then moves left up the arete with a long reach off a painful finger jam for the crux.

Sunday 20th April 2008

Sunshine yet again here in the Highlands as Stef, Sabrina, Amy and I headed to a small conglomerate crag called Ashie Fort.

Just 20 minutes from Inverness this south facing single pitch crag has a few crack and face climbs and some enjoyable bouldering.

Saturday 19th April 2008

Another stunning day on Skye today. Martin, Gerry, Archie and I climbed Sgurr Nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor.

The Easterly wind was cold but not too strong on the ridge. A busier day on the ridge today as more folk were out enjoying the incredible alpine conditions and superb views.

Friday 18th April 2008

It was a fantastic day on Skye today. Donald and I took Martin, Gerry and Archie up Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and Sgurr Alasdair.

Although there was a strong Easterly wind at sea level it was almost calm high on the ridge. There is still loads of snow up high although most of it is pretty soft.

Thursday 17th April 2008

Richie, Ian and I headed to Ardmair in the NW. Although the day started with a cold Easterly wind it soon abated and in the sun it was a great temperature to climb in.

What a great spot for a spring day of cragging with views to the Western Isles and the snow topped mountains of Coigach.

Wednesday 16th April 2008

Kev and I went ski touring today in the Cairngorms. We went up Cairngorm and across to Ben Macdui and descended via Cairn Lochan and Lurchers Gully.

There is loads of snow in the Cairngorms making fantastic skiing, snowshoeing and ski touring conditions.

There was a southerly wind bringing in cloud to the south side of the Cairngorms. The crags were plastered in snow and we saw nobody going anywhere near the winter routes.

Wednesday 9th April 2008

This week I�m in Spain on the Costa Blanca teaching rock climbing. Today we headed to Echo Valley to look at lead climbing on traditional gear rather than bolts.

It is a bit warmer here than in Scotland

Sunday 6th April 2008

Today it was snowing at sea level in Fort William. Radik and I headed into the Mamores and climbed the East Ridge of the North Top of Stob Ban.

Although there were wild Northerly winds and snow showers early in the day we had sunshine and no wind while high on the route and on the summit.

The freezing level stayed low with more frequent snow showers into the evening.

Saturday 5th April 2008

It was a busy day on the Ben today with queues on many routes.

Radik and I managed to find a route to ourselves though. We climbed Comb Gully Buttress which is an excellent 2 star IV,4 to the left of Comb Gully.

There were frequent graupel snow showers and the freezing level dropped through the day. I was working for Abacus Moutaineering this weekend.

Friday 4th April 2008

Rich and I went bouldering this evening. With the long daylight hours we had a quick session at the Scourgie Boulder and then headed over to the Kessock Bridge Boulders.

It looks like winter is returning this weekend with strong Northerly winds and more snow forecast.

Thursday 3rd April 2008

I've been improving parts of the website today. There are now some desktop backgrounds available to download in a variety of resolutions.

Visit the Downloads Page to check them out. These should help you get through the day in the office and inspire you to get into the hills.

Wednesday 2nd April 2008

Another warm spring day today in the highlands. I went bouldering at the Kessock Boulders this afternoon. It was warm and dry with a gentle westerly breeze.

I've been doing a bit of spring maintenance on the website so if anything is not working properly or you have any feedback on any part of the website please get in touch.