Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Whistle stop Northwest Highlands

Last night I had to go and moderate the provision of NICAS courses at Gairloch Climbing Wall so Iain and I took the opportunity to visit somewhere different for him to practise towards his MIA.
Yesterday afternoon we visited Aztec Tower in the showers and after a big boot VDiff got dry enough conditions for a couple of decent VSs. Iain was splitting them into 2 (very) short pitches to practise his rope work. Great rock and a nice wee venue. Then it was off to the wall to meet the legend that is Paul Tatersall who is responsible for NICAS there and to observe Connor running some sessions.
This morning before we came back south I joined Iain and local guru Paul for a visit to Meall Aundrary. Paul scrambled around reminded himself of some rock that he hasn't visited in years whilst Iain led me up the short but interesting northwest buttress. The rock was rough if a little damp and I trundled 3 very large blocks one of which gave Iain quite a shock low down. Worthwhile for a half day visit and on top of the hill I had Iain take me up and down the various outcrops onto before we descended a steep nearby gully.
Nice to visit some new spots!
 The mighty Aztec Tower
 Big boots on Rough Voyage
 Hanging out on Warrior God
 Excellent holds on the metamorphosed sandstone of Aztec Tower
 Gairloch Climbing Wall
 Paul beating a trail in to Meall Aundary
 Our wee buttress 
 Rough rock
 Amazing lichen
 Topping out
 Heading down
Grotty wee gully

No comments: