Latest mountain conditions

These are posted as and when I have the time or information. Climbers are welcome to let me know what they find anywhere in Scotland, and I will try and post this information also. Links to other relevant sites are at the top and foot of this page. Important links as follows:

Machete and Bolt Gun required!

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Just returned from Nigeria exploring some rock climbing potential in Ondo State at a town called Idanre. We were filming a promo video to encourage climbers to visit the area.

The rock is solid Granite and almost holdless with plenty of friction and no protection. Richard Bentley of Mountain Motion rated one of the routes we climbed as HVS, 4b! The area needs a lot more exploration and a bolt gun would be very useful.

Approaches can be rather green and overgrown with tropical vegetation. The climbs have a very slabby nature. Some are similar to Etive Slabs with bigger crystals in the rock and less protection than Etive. Others are far easier angled and some are near vertical. Crack lines are very few and not at all obvious.

Di Gilbert padding away on the upper slabs

Plenty of scope for development of trekking and climbing on the neighbouring hills.

Stob Coire nan Lochan yesterday on the way back home through Glen Coe. Great to be back to some cooler conditions and fresh Scottish mountain air!