Saturday 18 February 2017

A BIT DAMP, BEN NEVIS, NO.4 GULLY

Alistair, Nic & Simon enjoying No.4 Gully

We don't care if it's raining

All smiles on Ben Nevis

A quiet No.4 Gully and Ben Nevis
Full snow in no.4
Allt a' Mhuillin

Ben Track

A wade on the way out over the Allt a' Mhuillin
Alistair, Simon, Nic and Rohan have been out with me on a few occasions over the last couple of years. They've had winter skills courses and scrambling days. Today they fancied a shot at something on Ben Nevis. Not much to go at winter wise at the moment on The Ben. The big easy gullies like Tower, Number 3,4 & 5 seem to be the only worthwhile winter routes left. We set out in low cloud and a steady drizzle, just as was forecast. The weather didn't dampen their spirits and we had a great time. It's bare ground up until the lochan in Coire na Ciste. Then it's continuous snow all the way up Number 4 Gully. Surprisingly good, firm snow and well trodden. No cornice problems. Today was a great day to test out your winter kit. Warm and clammy low down, wet at the CIC, wet and windy high up and windier down the Ben Track with the rain turning to a steady downpour toward the end of the afternoon. Just to finish off the soaking there was the crossing (wading) of the Allt a' Mhuillin. Fab day and the guys loved it,despite the lack of views!

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