Winter with Rock & Ride

 Our team at Rock & Ride are super keen on winter climbing. Spending our winter months working and most importantly climbing in the Scottish highlands, Alps, Cogne, La Grave and Norway. Get in touch if you fancy a quick trip to climb that dreamed of route or need a bit of guidance to update your skills over a long weekend. Indeed we will cater to your needs and aspirations.

Gargoyle Wall (Ben Nevis)



The Ben



Salmon Leap Liathach



Poachers NW Highlands



Lochain (Cairngorms)

Point 5

Norway Ice

Last weeks conditions!

After watching forecasts and being unable to get over to Scotland while climbing was in condition work always seems to get in the way. However the cold spell was going to come to an end and I didn't think I could get through Christmas without a fix of winter.

Mess of Pottage (Monday)

So snatched phone calls with John McD re flights and the joys of the internet booking flights last minute I was picked up late on Sunday night to travel to Cairngorm.

We didn't really know what to expect re weather as the forecast wasn't that good for the morning.

We headed into Snechea and climbed Melting Pot V 7 and Hidden chimney direct IV 5 conditions where ok and it only rainined as we approached the carpark.  

John Hidden Chinmey Direct IV 5

Tuesday was the better forecast and true to there great skills were spot on. A pleasant walk into Lochain and no real rush we had plenty of options and so choose Auricle VI 7.

2nd Crux Pitch Auricle VI 7

John 3rd pitch

A great route giving some steep climbing

On our descent via The Couloir we came across the unfortunate side that winter climbing can throw up.

David had taken a fall and broken his Lower leg (Tib & Fib) and was marooned on the slope with his mate Justin. They both had done a geat job at settling the situation and rescue had been called. John and I assisted and and tried to make things as comfortable as possible (if such a thing can be done given the circumstances). When rescue arrived we got David on the gas and eventually he was whisked away. Hopefully to make a full recovery and some day get back up and finish the route.

Wishing them both all the best for Christmas and a speedy recovery to David.

The video is a reminder of the brilliant work the search & rescue provide to us as climbers and also the risk they all take for our well being.

 

Posted by Ronnie

Blogging

Having finally got round to setting up the blog things are now starting to take shape.  Together the three of us are working steadily away on the content for the site.  We have a rough programme for 2012 of different courses and events we hope to run, one quite interesting looking trip is to head over to Skye and climbing the famous Cullin Ridge  We are also hoping to run regular day trips to Fair Head and bike tuition in the forests around the Mournes to name a few.

So I guess that is the first official blog!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the R&R Team!