Fiacaill Ribs, Coire An T-Sneachda
Posted by Max Hunter on 22nd February, 2014
Jeremy and Marc at a bela
Jeremy making his way up
Friday was day 5 of the Glenmore Lodge Introduction to Winter Climbing course with Marc and Jeremy. The forecasts made the day appear very challenging, with winds forecast to be strengthening through the day and starting at 45-55mph. The walk up into Coire an t-Sneachda was against the wind, so all the teams had a battle, but we persevered and managed to get some climbing done. We headed over to the Fiacaill Buttress col ribs, as did 3 other teams. I took the penultimate rib in 2 pitches. There was hero neve all the way up, with super secure III climbing, but no protection, unless you’re willing to dig for half an hour through concrete neve. We abseiled off, and managed to find a little ice for a quick discussion on screw placements to round off the course.
I had a brilliant week with Marc and Jeremy – thank you for the good company.
Marc
Marc arrives at the next belay
Abseil out of the windy col
On their way down after the climb