Lee Harrison Climbing

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 thir...

We rose at 5.30am, five hours after completing our drive from London. I had slept restlessly due to combination of uncomfortable bedding, snoring in the dorm, and general excitement about kick-starting my winter season. We were keen to start the season with a VI in order to lay down a benchmark. Chimney Route in Stob Coire nan Lochan looked a great objective. With head torches donned we started the steep climb into the coire. A beautiful sunrise greeted us. The cliffs looked in splendid condition. This weekend would be payback for all the dreadful weather I endured last winter. Stob Coire nan Lochan Sunrise Perfect winter weather The first pitch of Chimney Route looked inviting. Rick was keen to lead it, despite having never climbed grade VI before. I had no objections. We wasted time trying to find a belay. The start of the route was choked with ice, which wasn't strong enough for ice protection. The thin cracks in the vicinity were flared or parallel but we had...