After recovering from a back injury in 2015, I felt I needed to step back slightly and have the 2015/16 winter season on grade V ground. I was chomping at the bit to climb well again especially psychologically. So this year I put much more effort into training in the hope of getting back to ‘trying hard’ again. Duncan was up on his annual half term break so it was a baptism of fire when I mentioned getting on Central Grooves (VII,7) for his first winter route in over a year. What can I say, its a classic and one of the best routes of its type in Scotland – what an amazing start to the week!

Less gear on P1 but great climbing

Duncan following P1

and about to get the guns out on the steep P2

I dont think the smile left my face all day

Tentative belayer on P3

Duncan following P3

Chuffed!