Autumnal weather but the climbing goes on!

This morning the clouds over Ben Nevis were telling of high winds and they weren't lying (see pic above). I was working with 2nd years from the UHI Lochaber College Adventure Management Degree course along with Bill, Gill and Danny. I had 3 students, all with a good deal of experience already (1 SPA, a SPA trainee and 1 who had headpointed an E7!)- Graham S, Jamie and Graham B. We started by getting them to lead Pinnacle Ridge in 3 pitches (1 each with me soloing) to check their gear placement and stance management. Then we hopped across to 3 Pines where working as 2 ropes we led the first pitch. At the stance everyone practised an assisted hoist of a partner before we made an abseil retreat. Up to a very windy Alp where, again as 2 ropes, we led and abseiled from the top of the classic single pitch VS Reseurrection. Down to a little more shelter and we led Reptons Right Hand Route and everyone looked at how to escape from the system when their partner was hanging on the rope. On the descent from there we just had time to take ourselves in 2 teams up the excellent Flying Dutchman with its 4c finish making a great pitch to end our day on. The guys moved well all day climbing contiuously in order to stay warm as the winds tried hard to blow us from the crags!

Big congratulations to Hot Aches and Kev Shields on their win at the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival .

Youtube Video processing now but you can view a copy on the videowal right.