http://weather.unisys.com/gfsx/9panel/gfsx_500p_9panel_eur.html

After the fantastic cold weather over the last few week, the 9 day plot from http://weather.unisys.com/gfsx/9panel/gfsx_500p_9panel_eur.html seems to suggest mild, wet and windy weather ahead and over the festive period. Let’s hope it’s wrong!

Martin and I visited Cam Chreag to the south of Meall nan Tarmachan and Meal Garbh. We were looking for a route called Lozenge, but climbed something which more or less matched the desciption, but was too easy and short. It wasn’t in the guide book, nor SMC Journals, so we called it Rhombus Buttress. We then walked on and found Lozenge Buttress, which gave a four pitch route with (mostly) excellent turf that gave satisfying “thocks”, and two or three steep moves, but otherwise good fun.
Lots and lots of snow, and ice in places. Was getting milder as we came down and was drizzling as we left the Ben Lawers visitor centre, although we reckoned freezing level was about 700-800m.

Have a read of Martin’s report here.

-I’ve added a couple of Martin’s picture to the post that he emailed me - Thanks, Wilf!

Lee and I headed up to Beinn an Dothaidh yesterday and climbed Taxus - a classic grade III giving a superb, easy mountaineering route that finishes near the summit. We had the mountain to ourselves, but thought we heard a team on the routes to the west of West Gully.

It was cold and icy at Achalladar but got milder as the day went on. Ice and turf on the route was mostly in good condition - but deep, unconsolidated snow in places. The top icicle pitch didn’t appear to be formed - but it was so misty we couldn’t see.
I managed to drop a clipper leash (if you find it, I’d be most obliged for the return) so I climbed the top pitch leashless which was interesting!

Navigation off the top was a challenge in very low visibility.

A further freeze will bring the hills into superb condition!

Andrew and I are pleased to offer Christmas Gift Vouchers - for less than the price of an XBOX 360 or Nintendo Wii we can offer you an Mountain Biking, Climbing or Hillwalking Day out:

Mountain Bike Experience - have a day or an afternoon learning some skills and seeking out the best runs at mountain bike centre near you - no experience required, but if you don’t have your own bike, we can help you hire one. £50 half day; £100 full day

Snow Hole Expedition - Travel into the mountains and spend a night in a snow-hole - no experience required, but be prepared to help dig-in and have a warm sleeping bag! £135 for two people.

Learn to Use a GPS - got a GPS for Chrsitmas? Not know how to use it? For less than the price of a unit, we can spend an afternoon/evening with you showing you how to get the best out of your unit.
£50 for a half day/evening

In addition we’ve our Winter Programme for 2009 - gift vouchers can be made out for these, any of our courses or a private 1:1 session

All vouchers are personalised and can be printed out or sent electronically. Any questions, send us an email to info@mountainactive.co.uk or give us a call

Here’s to a continued snowy winter!

Davy

The “big freeze” that’s brought good snow to the Cairngorms didn’t reach south - I spent the weekend with Lettie, Lewis and Richard on an assessment. We went up Ben Narnairn on Saturday - a cold day with some snow and ice in places. Saturday night and Sunday we spent navigating around The Steeple above Lochgoilhead. After a snowy start on sunday it became milder and wet.
Snow higher up on the Arrochar Alps as I came back this evenging, but not in climbing condition yet, I’m affriad!