Alan Kimber - West Coast Mountain Guides Winter climbing courses

Latest winter climbing 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:

Warm - Fine - Dry

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Sgurr na Ciche and Loch Nevis
This week has produced superb weather. Only the very highest hills now have snow hanging on in the shadowy hollows. Fortunately the snow-melt is providing plenty of drinking water to top up water bottles for satisfying re hydration needs.

Yesterday I was out on the 'Munros' above Glendessary and east of Loch Nevis. A mountain bike is very helpful from the head of Loch Arkaig. Ours were left at Upper Glendessary, but on reflection it might have been better to peddle up the good forestry tracks south of the River Dessary. From both places good paths lead directly to the south-west ridge of Garbh Chioch Mhor and over to the south-west ridge of Sgurr na Ciche.

This is not the route described in the SMC guide to 'The Munros' but does provide ascent on good paths to around 700 metres, and completes the majority of the outward hike more easily than traversing the high rocky ridge. The return route follows this airy spine with fine views towards Ben Nevis. The bike is a welcome sight and a faster mode of transport along the rocky tracks, back to Loch Arkaig.


Hi
just wondering if you could help, A friend of mine lost a quark hammer
whilst climbing on green gully on the ben on the 22nd of April, and I
was wondering if you could post something on your site for him. along
the lines of:

"Lost on Green Gully 22nd April...One Quark Hammer - reward if
you can reunite it to Tony on 07748841647.

thanks".

Thanks very much.
Mike.


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 8:23 AM  0 comments
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Warm and Southerly

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Fiordland Reflections
Thanks to Andrew Stoke-Rees for his video clip from just a couple of weeks back. A south to south-easterly continental airstream has put paid to any ice climbing on difficult routes until next winter, I feel, although stranger things have happened!

Andrew's copy of his teams adventures are typical of so many of you out there this year. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my blog. Your efforts have added considerable value for everyone and are much appreciated. I'll continue with Scottish summer and alpine postings, but if you want to send in anything, please continue to do so.

Climbers out with metal detectors last week have been seen beneath some of the major Nevis routes, checking within the snow pack for some serious 'booty'. From experience I know this can continue through until September as the various layers reveal some expensive 'trophies'.

My blog is aiming to catch up with those of you using youTube and video footage. Anyone with any ideas of good editing software, please drop me a line.

Once again, thanks for your help this last good winter.


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 11:07 AM  1 comments
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Skye snow Stripped out mostly

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Hi Alan
Message is that the Cuillin have stripped & my predictions of long lasting snow were wrong. Not consolidated enough I guess. Axe maybe in a couple of wee spots but only if a freeze comes in.
still got the Chelsea blues,
Mike


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 9:24 AM  0 comments
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Last Knockins ????

Monday, April 28, 2008

New snow down to 900 metres last night and some ice still left on Ben Nevis on the higher routes.

Cascade area - Ben Nevis

Creag Coire na Ciste area - Ben Nevis

Glover's Chimney. Well done Linda and Spike on possibly it's last ascent this winter.


Indicator Wall looks good for some time yet so long as the temperatures fall.


Glover's Chimney into Tower Gap.

Tower Ridge - Final slopes to the plateau.

Smith's Route and Kellett's and Shot in the Dark still in. Shot in the Dark appears to have some rock climbing on the last pitch below the cornice!


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 8:55 AM  0 comments
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Gear Tags

Friday, April 25, 2008

Does anyone know if GEAR TAGS are still in business? I paid up front online, weeks ago and nothing has arrived!

Also these are not very helpful either !!


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 9:15 PM  1 comments
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More Cold Weather Coming


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 8:28 PM  0 comments
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Rainy Day Today

Hi Alan,
I've just seen Bruce's post on your website. The ski tracks he saw coming off Stob Choire Claurigh were mine and Finlay's. We started on Aonach Mor and finished just above Corriechoillie. Skis all the way. Almost as good cover as 1980 with Les Houlker.

Regards,
Roger.

Grey Corries a week or so ago.

Grey Corries in 1980


posted by Westcoast Mountainguides @ 8:08 PM  0 comments
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