The axes are stashed away for another year – although there’s still snow in many of the easy gully lines. I’ve spent the last two weekends rock climbing and last weekend I was out in Argyll taking a hill-walking assessment for the Scout Association. Great weather on both days.

A very mild but pleasant two day’s weather on Ben Nevis. On Tuesday, Gayle, Paul and myself climbed Castle Ridge along with the rest of the Falkirk team. It was in “alpine” conditions – mostly rock climbing, but sections of snow where an ice-axe was needed.

Today, Linda and I climbed the SW ridge of the Douglas Boulder – which gave another alpine-like route with snow climbing, rock climbing and abseil and down climbing! Euan and Andy climbed Ledge route.

The mild weather is causing lots of ice fall and cornice collapse. We saw a brave team on Comb Gully – but I wouldn’t have like to comment on the ice quality en route!