On friday Steve Ashworth and I took advantage of the high pressure forecast and went to Ben Nevis looking for early season mixed conditions. I climbed a few mixed lines last year (particularly on the International Meet - see archives) and think the No 3 Gully buttress area is one of Scotlands premier mixed venues and comes into condition early. Other than one team on Ledge Route and a solo walker in No 4 Gully we had the mountain to ourselves (apart from the deer and eagle seen on the walk in).
We did what we think is the 3rd ascent (winter) of the summer (HVS) route 'Sioux Wall'. This was first climbed by Andy Turner and Doug Hodgson and then repeated by an international team last season. The route consists of 3 quality sustained and direct pitches then joins No 3 Gully Buttress near the traverse.

I'm sure Steve will post more photos on his Blog at: www.mixedmaster.blogspot.com

Thanks to Steve Ashworth for the three following images:

More reading at the superb:www.alpinist.com

Happy New Year from the Alps!

January 2008 is Northern Mountain Sport's second anniversary. 2007 has been a successful year for so many reasons but one of the most exciting developments is joining 1 Percent for the Planet

I've been aware of One percent for the Planet through Yvon Chouinards company 'Patagonia' and the singer Jack Johnson for a number of years but am really pleased to be in the position now to join. There are now over 700 members worldwide and the organisation is growing at the rate of one new member a day.

I am constantly grateful that my career has given me an incredible lifestyle (and continues to do so) but equally that every action has consequence. Northern Mountain Sport's activities are intrisically linked to the natural environment and I feel that this is a small step forward in making change.

Since January of this year Northern Mountain Sport has been a member of 1 Percent for the Planet

Companies donate one percent of their turnover (not profit) to environmental groups and charities. We've just sent out our first donation to the John Muir Trust, a leading UK charity dedicated to the protection of wild land for both nature and people.

It's not much, but it's something.