Crest Route (V,6), Stob Coire nan Lochan

With more clear weather promised by the forecast we opted to return to Stob Coire nan Lochan in order to capitalise from its fine viewpoint. We rose again at 5.30am again and began the walk in with head torches under a moonlit sky. A good night's sleep had rejuvenating my tired legs and arms. We reached the coire as the crimson light was creeping over the hill tops. Another perfect dawn.

Another perfect sunrise

View to Aonach Eagach & Ben Nevis

View across Glen Coe Peaks

After the drama on the last pitch of Chimney Route yesterday we settled for the easier Crest Route (V,6), which was recommended to us by a pair we briefly spoke to yesterday in the coire. The route from the ground up looked a spectacular line for the grade.

Beneath Crest Route

After a cold night the conditions had further improved with turf encountered now rock solid. The first pitch was a gentle warm-up before the real climbing began on the second and third pitches. Rick led the second, whilst I took over for the third. Both pitches involved some tricky sequences of hooks and torques that felt at the top of the grade. The third pitch in particular offered a short tricky uniform corner crack and thin hook placement out right that took a little consideration before committing.

Rick at the top of the first pitch

Rick starting the second pitch

Rick tackling the third pitch

Hot aches

We finished the route around 1pm. With the drive back to London now approaching the forefront of our minds we could not afford to linger for long. We paused momentarily to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap a few photos before beginning the descent to the valley. The sat nav estimated we would be back by midnight. Result.

A day worthy of a summit photo

Another climber on Crest Route

A day to linger and snap a few photos

The decent: time to head for London
Location: Glen Coe, Ballachulish, Highland PH49, UK

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