Deliverance - New Route

Up the corner

Bit of a wade to get there

Short entry pitch.  Belay right of the large pinnacle

Getting stuck into the 1st hard bit

Fun

Mike loving it

Top pitch, dont fall here!

At the top of Deliverance (VII,7)

After yesterdays big slog up the Great Stone Shoot on Skye to get to our intended route, we decided to come back today but with less gear.  Yesterday we stashed crampons, axes, rack, helmet and any else we didn't need to dry out so today was an easier walk in...except for the large amounts of snow that fell through the night which made it very hard going.  So we arrived back at the Stone Shoot face of Sgurr Thearlaich and were stood at the bottom of our intended route.  It was very exiting as it has never been climbed in summer or winter and it looked steep.  Despite Mike finding the route, he was happy for me to do all the leading which I was more than happy with.  The first main pitch was the crux with some steep bulges to negotiate with very poor or none existent foot holds.  It was sustained with fantastic moves and some accommodating gear.  The top pitch was a little easier but again going through some steep ground but with some fantastic hooks and gear.  A brilliant route and Skye winter climbing delivered what I had hoped for.  Two brilliant days out.

Deliverance VII,7** Guy Steven & Mike Lates 4/11/2012

The line starts on the left (facing up) 30m below the top of the Great Stone Shoot by a large pinnacle.
1. 30m Climb the steep corner using the accommodating crack line to a small alcove.
2. 20m Pull out of the alcove and over chock stones to easier ground and the summit crest.