Over the weekend I have been shadowing Al in preparation for an assessment at the end of February. The two days couldn’t have been more different, both were very useful as a resource for me but pretty hard work for Al given the conditions on the ground and certain issues along the way. Both sets of students were from Heriot Watt University all with mixed experience and ambitions. Shame about the current thaw taking place as we had just started to get some good icy conditions, colder towards the end of the week hopefully.

It never ceases to amaze me how many folk just keep coming for the same routes in the Northern Corries!

Leaving the first belay

Teaching climbing

Al leading the guys up a lean Goat Track Gully

A broken crampon, fixed with a key ring, cord and a combat tourniquet I brought back from Iraq!

Al pointing out good rock protection

Guy Steven teaching his clients on Fiacaill Ridge

Learning to lead in difficult conditions

There was some reliable ice around for the guys to climb