Tim's stag do.

(Glen Coe, March 2002)

 Stayed at Clachaig Inn, Glen Coe. One day's excellent winter hillwalking/climbing followed by great evening with live music at the Clachaig. Two guides, one per three of us.

Walked from Glen Coe road up to the large coire below Stobh Coire nan Lochan and then climbed up to peak via a sub-grade I route. Ropes, crampons, axes. Stayed a little while on top (very uncomfortable and no view) then bum slide down Broad Gully, ice-axe braking and walked back the way we had come. Brilliant!

A moment's thought for two climbers who unfortunately died coming off Stobh Coire nan Lochan a few weeks later - they were descending a grade II route, "Pearly Gates".

Click on pictures for larger versions

More pictures available on Tim's website.

No snow yet. Guide #2 watches portly walker with some concern

Well, someone has to look like they know what they are doing.

Gene Kelly (not) "Singing in the Snow"

Weather coming in all the time obscured view back to road but gives atmospheric feel. Pete the student getting warmed up.

Things getting more serious. Guides (on right and distant centre) getting us bonding.

Climbing hard about halfway up Stobh Coire nan Lochan from where we put crampons on. 

One glimpse looking NW up Glen Coe coming off the top of Stobh Coire nan Lochan as the clouds briefly parted.

Always send the student first, especially if it's steep.Walked down a little way then took crampons off and bum-slid down, ice-axe braking. Snow got places I didn't know I had.

Yes, we had had a couple of glasses of lemonade by this stage. Band playing, 16 guest beers, 200 odd whiskies etc.