I took advantage of the great weather we've been having and drove north to climb on one of Scotland's greatest mountain crags: the Shelterstone in the Loch Avon basin (Cairngorm). Sarah Maddicott and I decided upon what the guidebook describes as a 'contender for Scotland's best route!'-The Steeple E2.

The crag was in perfect condition and dry as a bone. We managed to avoid the lingering snows and walk in wearing trainers (though Sarah did insist on wading all the streams in them) in an attempt to move 'fast and light'. It transpired we moved 'quite slow with a big sac' but we had a great time on a great route.

A good start to the summer season! (Though I'm ski touring in the Bernese Oberland next week).