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!