I was supposed to be in Les Contamines today, enjoying some ski touring, but work commitments meant I had to postpone my departure. As consolation I went for a bit of a walk in the hills, this time without the heavy bag.
After a day at my parents we visited Paul for a trip into the Peak District. We thought a walk along Stanage might be nice. We eventually got to Hathersage and dug out a space for Paul’s car, deciding to take the 4×4 up the hill.
The weather this weekend is cold! But unlike the past several weekends that have seen brilliant winter climbing conditions in Scotland there’s a strong wind and almost blizzard conditions prevailing outside right now!
Another night sleeping in the back of the car, another 4am alarm call, and another world-class classic Scottish winter route. This time on the mountain that some might consider to be the “crucible of Scottish winter climbing”, the north face of Ben Nevis.
After days and days of lots and lots of snow, with poor visibility and high winds keeping skiers on the lower slopes, at last the day came when we had sunshine and no wind. It had to be a day for the Vallée Blanche.