Great End 22nd Jan

The well frozen ground soon started to thaw on my way up to Great End today, +2ºC at the base of the Crag. I had no intention to climb anything today, just breaking in a new pair of boots, but I headed up Custs Gully for a nose about. Not much in Nic at the moment apart from some of the harder routes. The First Cut is the Deepest V7 would have been doable, although there was a lot of ice in the cracks to, so it would have been time consuming placing gear.

Great Gable 16 Jan

Had a walk into Great Gable today for a scout about. Had a look at a un-climbed line that me and Dave tried back in 2002, with a good freeze and a bit more nerve it's a definate goer.

Snow fell last night above 550m but there was a steady thaw below 750m with only the higher part of the crag in Nic.

Had my the new Camera out and I was trying to be creative!!! realised I have a lot to learn!

Helvellyn 11th Jan

Another great day on Helvellyn. Me and John went up to a well frozen Red Tarn area and climbed V Corner again! but John's first ascent, The Ice was a bit rotten lower down . Not sure it will last through Saturday once the hordes have hacked there way up.

Helvellyn 9th Jan

Much better today, paths were frozen solid above 600m and the snow on the Red Tarn area had consolidated well over night. I went up V Corner which was well banked out and didn't need the usual ice or turf at the start. R.I.P to the Guy how fell to his death from the summit plateau, very sad.

Helvellyn 8th Jan

Walked in to the Red Tarn area this morning in appalling conditions with rain then snow above 500m. It was clearly to warm, the ice and turf were sodding. Headed back to the Car......WET

3rd Jan Ben Nevis

We went to Fort Willam on Wednesday night with a forecast of over night snow. The new north face path up the side of the Allt a' Mhuilinn is on the steep side but at least your feet stay mud free.
At the CIC hut we could see up the back of Coire na Ciste and it looked rather black.
Me and Scott headed for Green Gully which was in good early season conditions and the other two went up Raeburn's Easy Route.
Scott fell in the Allt a' Mhuilinn below the CIC on the way out :) bit wet but he was fine.
Bit of a epic drive home that night with lots of snow.

Scott you get any photo's?