Images from the last couple of days on Ben Nevis. Conditions have steadily improved with many of the classic V's now in condition. Ian (back after North East Buttress and Hadrians!) and Steve climbed with me on tuesday. We avoided the crowds (I try not to climb underneath any other parties) and climbed a 'hidden gem': Vade Mecum (V 5). This little climbed line takes icy grooves left of the 1st pitch of Hadrians Wall then an impressive vertical pillar above to finish on Observatory Buttress. It's currently in great condition with better ice than it's more known neighbours.

Yesterday (working forthe Dark Lord Kimber)
Ian Carey and I climbed a few routes in Coire na Ciste. The coire generally has less grade V ice than in previous years (particularly around Two Step and Quickstep area) but loads forming on the classic IV's. We climbed 'the Cascade' IV 5 - posssibly the most sustained pitch on the Ben? then 'Fin Gourmet' IV 4 to the plateaux. As the day was young we descended No 3 Gully and climbed the classic 'Thompson's Route' IV 4 finishing direct.