A RARE CALM DAY IN THE CAIRNGORMS

Adam enjoying the delights of The Cairngorms

Rime in abundance today

Varied snow, ice & rock terrain

Negotiating steeper ground

Self belay

Good neve for step cutting

When it all goes wrong!

Taking in the views, for a change!

Adam was out with me today for an intro into winter walking. We crammed as much in to his one day out with me. I like getting folk out and on 'a journey' rather than static, one spot venue. Far more beneficial to get moving around the mountains and put all the skills of axe, crampon and boot techniques into action. Today was a great day for it. Cold, mostly clear tops and some excellent snow and ice conditions. We wandered onto the western side of the Fiacaill Ridge which is always quiet. On the walk in we discussed avalanche awareness and making judgements on route choice. The slopes here were well scoured and we had some great neve. There was a good mix of frozen snow, frozen turf and boulderey terrain for Adam to put all the skills together. Lots of rime plastered on the crags. We headed back down the ridge after lunch and to end the day some axe arresting & step cutting. Nice to have a calm day for a change!