Beinn Udlaidh

John blowing away the cobwebs

Funky ice formations

Its great to be back from Norway and find vast amounts of ice around.  Ben Nevis has plenty to go for as does Glencoe and the North West.  Even Skye has some nice ice too.  John was back for more winter climbing and we started our stint down at Beinn Udlaidh, the southern highlands premier ice climbing venue.  Most routes were in climbable condition so we started with two brilliant grave IV's.  First up was South Gully of the Black Wall which has a lovely grade III first pitch and a short step of grade 4 on the second.  Just a shame it didn't go on for 5 more pitches!  We then wandered back down to find the queues had gone on the crag classic, Quartzvein Scoop.  We climbed this on fantastic ice all the was up with amazing views and clarity to the local hills.  With a short and steep approach and lots of great climbs, its a fantastic venue for a spot of ice cragging.  Great to see Big Al and Steve out for a nice wee jollie.

Nice belay on QS

Al and Steve heading back in for another