The BBV had an appointment at the garage this morning so we had a late start on our mountain day.
We picked my friend Will up from Aviemore at 12 then headed strait for the Ski Centre car park. Our objective was the Fiacaill Coire an t'Sneachda. This grade I/II ridge is a winter classic, but more conveniently, only a 4h round trip. A perfect afternoon jaunt, and it was a perfect afternoon.
We picked my friend Will up from Aviemore at 12 then headed strait for the Ski Centre car park. Our objective was the Fiacaill Coire an t'Sneachda. This grade I/II ridge is a winter classic, but more conveniently, only a 4h round trip. A perfect afternoon jaunt, and it was a perfect afternoon.
Walking in to the Northern Coires.
We boshed in to the Northern Coires and were quickly on the ridge. A brisk tramp along and the scrambling started. We had planed to make the ridge go at its lower grade so we didn't carry ropes or climbing hard wear. Consequently we had to walk round both the ice chimneys on the second step of the route. Still a fantastic route without them. The ridge is beautiful and the tricky steps are all to easily avoided by walking to the right of them.
After topping out of the route we deiced that there was still enough time to head over to the summit of Cairngorm to take a look at the Igloo. From there it was simple plod down the now deserted ski slopes and back to the van.
After topping out of the route we deiced that there was still enough time to head over to the summit of Cairngorm to take a look at the Igloo. From there it was simple plod down the now deserted ski slopes and back to the van.
Will Killiner with the Ridge behind him.
Will making the final step look epic!
Looking back to the ridge from point 1141m.