Strength and conditioning in the mountains

Alan wrapped up warm on a very cold day

Unfortunately no scientific research has gone on here, just the classic 'the best way to train for the mountains is to go to the mountains'. That's the approach I take and also the approach Alan takes and at 72...it seems to be working ok.

So we have had a good couple of days. The aim is to get a bit of practice and fitness in for an upcoming Cuillin Ridge traverse attempt. Possibly a 'one dayer' but with recent illness Alan has lost a wee bit of stamina. Still a few weeks to go so we shall see.

Best way to tackle this in the winds we were experiencing

Balancy climbing on Crowberry Ridge

A welcome ledge in prep for some airy climbing

So we headed up North Buttress on Stob Ban (Grade III) for a bit of shelter from the very cold wind. With fresh snow on the tops it was a bit of a 'hoods up and go'. Wind was howling over the tops and as it was Alan first day out for a while, and not wanting to over do it, we headed down the North ridge.

Focused

After the weekend we teamed up again and the sun was shining and the breeze was light. We basked in the sun on Crowberry Ridge, surmounted the Tower and during our lunch break we opted for a descent of Curved Ridge to get used to scrambling down again. Alan certainly is capable of a moving well over the Cuillin Ridge so looking forward to making an attempt with him.